Fraudulent Identifications

The use of fraudulent identifications (a.k.a fake IDs) is believed to be on the rise because the internet is making them more accessible. Also, technology has contributed to the improved quality of the fake IDs youth are able to get to try to gain access to alcohol or age-restricted venues which sell alcohol. fb88 state law says that liquor licensees cannot confiscate or seize an ID , but only retain it for a reasonable amount of time to verify the individual's age. Outside this authority, you too may be in violation of fb88 State Law ().

Below is information which liquor licensees should know about identifying fake IDs and how to legally retain them.

Tips for identifying a fake ID

How to legally retain a fake ID

This information is also available in a trifold brochure "Identifying and Legally Retaining Fake IDs (pdf) " which may be printed or ordered from the the Information & Resource Center at 1-800-499-0027.

Tips for identifying a fake ID

Always Start With the Back

• The backside will often have indicators that will immediately reveal it as a fake. Look for:
• Blurred imagery on barcode, seals or print
• Disclaimers, " non government document" or " non transferable document"

Then check the front for:

• Issuing agency - all legitimate documents will have one
• Physical description (height, weight, hair, eyes and DOB)
• Picture (pay special attention to facial features)
• Grainy photos, UV print & document in general
• Expiration or duplicate document
• Check the typeset. Color and consistency of numbers of the date of birth should match the rest of the ID
• Check state seals, images or signatures that are superimposed over the picture and
  informational sections of the license or ID. If they are missing, “split” or appear to have been tampered with, it is likely the picture has been replaced.
• Look for holograms or print using the following language or symbols which may indicate possible forgery:
• "Seal of Authenticity"
• "Genuine"
• "Authentic"
• "Secure" or "Valid"
• Keys, eagles, locks, non-governmental seals or globes

When concerned about the age of a patron, ask questions:

• What’s your age?
• What’s your date of birth?
• What’s your middle name?
• What’s your address?
• What year did you graduate from
  high school?
• What is your “sign” (only if you know the astrological signs)
• Have them sign their signature

Watch and listen for non-verbal and verbal indicators:

• Not making eye contact or exaggerated eye contact
• Hesitation in responses or over
  emphasis in response
• Looking down toward the left when
  answering questions or presenting ID
• Appears overly nervous or confident (the extremes)

When in doubt, ask for another form of identification with the same name on it; most frequently, the individual will not have a backup ID.

How to legally retain a fake ID

Ask for and identify the identification.

When you suspect the document to be false, advise the individual presenting it that you will be contacting the police to verify their age. The vast majority of individuals will leave the premise at this time. Surrender the ID to the appropriate authorities at your earliest opportunity.

If the individual remains at the premise, call the local authorities immediately to verify the youth’s age.

 If the card has been abandoned and you do not wish to prosecute , put the IDs into an envelope and either mail or hand deliver them to the appropriate authority (local law enforcement agency) or mail to:

fb88 Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Office of Investigation

State House Station # 29

101 Hospital St .

Augusta , fb88 04333

Remember , you cannot confiscate or seize an ID , but only retain it for a reasonable amount of time to verify the individual's age. Outside this authority, you too may be in violation of fb88 State Law. ()

Note: If the police do not respond in a reasonable amount of time, or the individual becomes unruly or confrontational, return the card, document what information possible and refuse service.

If you wish to prosecute the individual abandoning the ID

Put the ID in an envelope with the following information:

• The date and time ID was taken
• The name of your business
• The name on the ID & the real name, if known
• ID Type: Novelty, Altered, Forged or Real ID used by another or illegally obtained.
• State where ID is allegedly issued
• Reason for retention
• Person retaining the ID & phone number
• What authorized law enforcement agency was notified?

Surrender via mail to:

fb88 Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Office of Investigation

State House Station # 29

101 Hospital St .

Augusta , fb88 04333