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 made illegally 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 $6,600!

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 Queensland?

In Queensland, you can prove your age using:

• a driver’s licence (from Queensland or interstate);
• a passport (either Australian or overseas);
• a proof of age card (from Queensland or interstate).

Is it against the law to use a fake ID?

Yes.  It’s against the law to use a fake ID to buy alcohol or get into a pub, club or bar.

If you’re under 17 and you’re caught using a fake ID to do these things, you can:

• be refused entry and be asked to leave the place;
• have the ID confiscated;
• be given a caution;
• be fined $353 on the spot; or
• in rare cases, be charged and fined $2,945 if you’re found guilty by a court.

Is it against the law to have a fake ID on me?

Yes. It is against the law to have a fake Queensland driver’s licence or Queensland proof of age card to buy alcohol or get into a pub, club or bar. If you’re caught and you’re under 17, you could be:

• given a caution; or
• be charged and fined $4,712 by a court if you’re found guilty.

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

It is against the law to refuse to give the police your name, address and date of birth if they suspect you are underage and trying to get into licensed premises or to buy alcohol or cigarettes. 

If you are caught, depending on your age, you could be:

• given a caution; or
• fined $353 on the spot.

Will I get into trouble if I lend my ID to someone else?

Yes, generally. It’s against the law to give a licence or proof of age card to someone else if you know that they’re going to use it to break the law. If that person gets caught using your ID, the police may ask both of you how that person got hold of your ID.

If the police find out that you gave your ID to someone else and you knew they were going to pretend it was theirs to do something illegal, like get into a pub, club or bar, you may:

• be fined $589 on the spot by the police; or
• be charged and fined up to $4,712 if the matter goes to court and you are found guilty.
  

Can I make a fake ID?

No. It’s against the law to make a fake ID.  Making an ID includes scratching, changing or forging an ID.  If you’re under 17 and you’re caught making a fake ID, you can be:

• given a warning or a caution;
• fined $471 on the spot by police; or
• charged and fined $4,712 if found guilty by a court. 

As long as you haven’t been caught doing the same thing before, and you aren’t making and selling fake IDs on a large scale, you will probably be cautioned or fined by the police.

What if I lie or give false information to get a real ID?

It’s against the law to give fake information to get your ID (like using fake documents or lying to the Department of Transportation & Main Roads). 

If you’re under 17 and you’re caught doing this, you could be:

• given a caution;
• fined up to $706 on the spot; or
• charged and fined up to $7,068 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