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 Illinois, the possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of a fake ID is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences. Under Illinois law, a fake ID is defined as an identification document that has been altered, falsified, forged, duplicated, reproduced, or counterfeited. The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/6-301.1) specifically addresses the issue of fake IDs and outlines penalties for those found in possession of or using a fake driver's license or identification card. Penalties can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony, depending on the circumstances, and may include fines, community service, probation, suspension of a driver's license, and even jail time. Additionally, Illinois colleges and universities may impose their own sanctions on students caught with fake IDs, which can include expulsion. On the federal level, the creation or use of fake IDs is also a crime under 18 U.S. Code §1028, which can lead to even more severe penalties, including federal charges. It is important for individuals in Illinois to understand the gravity of these offenses and the potential impact on their future.