State and federal laws generally prohibit the possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of a false or fake driver’s license, identification card, military ID, passport, state or federal employee identification card, or other identification documents (fake ID). The legal definition of a fake ID is generally an ID that has been (1) altered, (2) falsified, (3) forged, (4) duplicated, (5) reproduced, or (6) counterfeited.

In many states, possession of a fake ID may be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony, with fines, community service, probation, suspension of driver’s license, and possible jail time. Some colleges and universities impose additional penalties on students who are convicted of possessing a fake ID—including dismissal from the college or university. And fraud in connection with identification documents may also be a federal crime. See 18 U.S. Code §1028.

Fake ID laws are usually located in a state’s statutes—in the penal or criminal code, the alcoholic beverage code, or the transportation or motor vehicle code.

In Florida, the possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of a fake ID is illegal under various state statutes and federal law. Florida Statutes Section 322.212 makes it a third-degree felony to knowingly have in one's possession or to display any forged, stolen, or counterfeit driver's license or identification card. Penalties for possessing a fake ID in Florida can include fines, probation, community service, suspension of one's driver's license, and even imprisonment. Additionally, Florida Statutes Section 322.32 makes it illegal to manufacture or assist in the manufacturing of a fake ID, which is also a third-degree felony. On the federal level, 18 U.S. Code §1028 outlines the criminal penalties for fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents, authentication features, and information, which can apply to fake IDs. The severity of the punishment can vary based on the circumstances of the offense, such as the intent to commit terrorism or identity theft. Colleges and universities in Florida may impose their own disciplinary actions against students found with fake IDs, which can include suspension or expulsion.