Fake ID cards

For free and confidential legal advice about this topic, please contact us here.

A fake ID is one that doesn’t belong to you, has been illegally made or changed (for example to make you look older). Most of the time it’s against the law to make, have and use a fake ID for anything, including to get into a pub, club or bar or to buy alcohol. It’s also against the law to lend your ID to someone else or lie so that you can get a real ID (for example lying about your date of birth or giving fake documents).

If you’re caught doing these things, you could be fined as much as $3,000!

What is a fake ID?

A fake ID is an ID that:

• has been made illegally;
• has been scratched or altered in any way (like to make you seem older); or 
• doesn’t actually belong to you (like a friend’s or brother’s ID).

What are the accepted forms of ID in the ACT?

In the ACT, you can prove your age using:

• a driver licence (from ACT or interstate);
• a passport; or
• a proof of age card (from the ACT or interstate).

Is it illegal to use a fake ID?

Yes. It is against the law to use any kind of fake ID for anything, like to buy alcohol or to get into a pub, club or bar. If you’re caught using a fake ID and you’re under 18, you can:

• receive a written caution and a copy will be given to your parents; or
• be charged and have to pay up to $750 if you’re found guilty by the court.

If it’s the first time you’ve been caught using a fake ID, it’s likely that the police will give you a caution and you won’t be charged. However, if you are caught doing this over and over again, you can’t be given a caution and the police may decide to charge you.

If a police officer (not a bouncer) asks you for ID and you don’t show them then, you can also be given a caution or be charged and have to pay up to $750 if you’re found guilty by a court.

Is it illegal to use someone else’s ID?

Yes. It’s against the law to use someone else’s ID to get into a pub, club or bar, or to buy alcohol. This still counts as a fake ID!

If you’re caught doing this and you’re under 18, you can:

• receive a written caution from police and a copy will be given to your parents; or
• be charged and have to pay up to $3000 if you’re found guilty by the court!

Can someone confiscate my ID?

Yes. Staff members on licensed premises (e.g. a bouncer at a bar or club) can confiscate your ID (unless it is a passport). Staff members must give you a receipt for the confiscated ID, containing:

• a description of the ID (e.g. what type);
• why it was seized;
• the date and time;
• the name and address of the venue; and
• where the ID will be sent now that it has been confiscated.

If the ID turns out to be genuine, it should be returned to you.

Do I have to tell the police my name?

Yes. It’s against the law to refuse to give the police your name, address and date of birth when they ask. For more information on your rights when talking to police, please visit our page on police interviews.

Can I lend my ID to someone else?

No. It is against the law to let someone else use your ID. 

If you’re over 18 and the police find out that you gave your ACT driver’s licence to someone else and you knew they were going to pretend it was theirs, you could be fined up to $3,000 if the matter goes to court.

Is it illegal to make a fake ID or have one on me?

Yes. It’s against the law just to make a fake driver’s licence or have one on you, even if you haven’t used it. Making a fake driver licence includes scratching, changing or forging an existing one.

If you’re caught, you could:

• receive a formal caution from police;
• be charged and have to pay up to $3,000 if you’re found guilty by a court!

What if I lie to get an ID?

It’s against the law to give false information to get your ACT driver’s licence or proof of age card. This could include using fake documents or lying.  If you’re under 18 and you’re caught doing this, you could get:

• a formal caution from the police; or
• charged and fined up to $3000 if you’re found guilty by a court!

If you’re under 25 and you have a question about IDs that we haven’t answered here, please ask us a question here and we can give you some free information and advice.

Find information about fake IDs in other states

• The ACT
• The NT
• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Tasmania
• South Australia
• Western Australia