Fake Driver Licenses May Not Work When You Get Pulled Over

A driver's license is an official document that allows someone to operate a motorized vehicle. It usually contains a photo of the person, their personal details and sometimes their classification in terms of which motorized vehicles they can drive.

Fake Driver Licenses Are a Problem

Counterfeit driver's licenses are being used to facilitate underage drinking, identity theft, terrorism, check and bank fraud, and returned goods fraud. These acts cost the American economy more than $1,000 per adult, according to new research from the Document Security Alliance (DSA).

FAKE DRIVER LICENSES MAY NOT WORK WHEN YOU GET PULLED OVER

When you're stopped by law enforcement officers, your license is one of the first things they run through their databases. If your license is fake, it won't even show up as one of the options in their search. This can result in your arrest and a potential hefty fine.

The first thing you should look for when checking a license is the security formatting that each state has in place. Some states use a holographic seal that changes from light to dark, while others engrave biometric information into their laminates or include digital watermarks. Depending on the state, you might also see kinegraphs or a unique serial number.

Another test is to shine a bright light on the card, especially in the areas where the photos are located. If the hologram remains illuminated, it's likely a fake ID.

In addition, look for a hologram that doesn't flash in and out as you would expect if it was a genuine driver's license. Cheaply made fakes won't show this hologram, but more sophisticated ones will.

A hologram of the State's logo on a fake driver's license is also an indication that it is a counterfeit. Many states have a hologram that appears whenever the ID is viewed with certain lights, like sunlight or an ultraviolet (UV) light. Click here for more details about FAKE DRIVER LICENSES

Make sure the photo looks like you and that it is a high-quality one. This is because a bad photo can cause you to look like a different person from the license in front of you, making it difficult for the police officer to identify the actual identity of the person who's using the license.

You can also check if the ID has any embossed details on it. Some IDs have embossed details that are printed higher than the rest of the card, so they feel and look more realistic. This can indicate that the ID is a fake and you should refuse to present it.

Your personal details should also be accurate, with the correct name, date of birth and social security number. This can be difficult for the police to determine, so it's best to provide an original document in case they have to verify it.

In New York, the charge of a forged license is a misdemeanor, but the punishment isn't necessarily harsh. Most courts will only incarcerate you if the crime is a first-time offense, or if it's a minor using a fake ID. However, if you're charged with a felony for using a fake ID, the punishment is usually a year in jail and/or a hefty fine.