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 North Dakota, as in other states, it is illegal to possess, use, create, or distribute a fake ID. North Dakota law considers a fake ID to be any identification that has been altered, falsified, forged, duplicated, reproduced, or counterfeited. The specific charges and penalties for fake ID offenses can vary, but they may include misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the offense. Penalties can range from fines and community service to probation, suspension of driving privileges, and even imprisonment. Additionally, students may face disciplinary actions from their educational institutions, which could include dismissal. On the federal level, 18 U.S. Code § 1028 addresses fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents, which is a federal crime. The relevant state laws can typically be found in North Dakota's penal code, the alcoholic beverage code, or the transportation or motor vehicle code.