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 or 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 $7,700!

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 Northern Territory?

In the Northern Territory, you can prove your age using:

• a driver’s licence; or
• a passport; or
• a proof of age card.

Are fake IDs illegal?

Yes. It is against the law to use a fake ID for anything, like to buy alcohol or to get into a pub, club or bar or to buy alcohol.  

If you’re caught using a fake ID and you’re under 18, you can: 

• be asked to leave a place selling alcohol (e.g. bar or liquor shop);
• have the fake ID confiscated;
• be given a warning;
• be fined $308; and/or
• be charged and fined up to $7,700 if you’re found guilty by a court.
  

What about if I just tell a lie to get into a pub, club or bar?

It’s also against the law if you lie about your age to try and get into a pub, club or bar. This means that it is illegal to tell someone (e.g. a bouncer) that you are over 18 to get into a club. You don’t even have to use a fake ID to break the law!

Do I have to tell the police my name, age and address?

It’s also against the law if you don’t give the police your name, address and date of birth if they suspect you are under 18 and trying get into licensed premises or buy alcohol or cigarettes. You can be fined up to $616.   

For more information on your rights when talking to police, please visit our page on police interviews.

Can I use someone else’s ID?

No. 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 under 18 and you’re caught doing this, you could:

• receive a warning from police;
• receive an on the spot fine of $462;
• be charged and fined $7,700 if you’re found guilty by a court.

Can I lend someone else my ID?

No.  It’s against the law to lend or give your ID to someone else.

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

• receive a warning from police;
• receive an on the spot fine of $462;
• be charged and fined $7,700 if you’re found guilty by a court.

Is it illegal to make a fake ID?

Yes. It’s against the law to make a fake ID. This includes scratching, changing or forging an ID.

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

• receive a warning from police;
• receive an on the spot fine of up to $462; or
• be charged and fined up to $7,700 if you’re found guilty by a court.

What if I lie to get an ID?

It’s against the law to lie or give incorrect information to a government agency in order to get an ID.

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

• receive a warning from police;
• get an on the spot fine of $308; or
• be charged and could be fined up to $7,700 if you’re found guilty.

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