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 Maryland, the possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of a fake ID is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences. Under Maryland law, these actions are typically considered misdemeanors but can escalate to felony charges depending on the circumstances, such as if the fake ID is used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities. Penalties for possessing a fake ID in Maryland can include fines, community service, probation, suspension of the individual's driver's license, and even imprisonment. Additionally, Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration may impose administrative penalties, such as revocation of driving privileges. On the federal level, pursuant to 18 U.S. Code §1028, the creation or use of false identification documents is a federal offense and can result in significant fines and imprisonment. Educational institutions in Maryland may also impose their own disciplinary actions against students who are caught with a fake ID, which can range from probation within the institution to expulsion.