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 $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 Victoria?

In Victoria, you can prove your age using:

• a driver licence (from anywhere in Australia); or
• a passport; or
• a proof of age card (from anywhere in Australia).

Is it illegal to use a fake ID?

It’s against the law to use a fake ID to try and enter a pub, club, or bar, or to purchase alcohol.  If you’re under 18 and you’re caught doing this, you could be:

• given a warning or caution;
• fined $233.19 on the spot; or
• be convicted by a court and have to pay as much as $777.30

Can the police or security confiscate a fake ID?

In these cases, the fake ID can also be confiscated by police or the staff member (e.g. a bouncer). If the item is a driver’s licence, they’re not allowed to confiscate it (but even if they confiscate a driver’s licence there will usually be nothing you can do about it).

The person who confiscates your ID must give it to the police.  If the ID is fake, it will either be destroyed, or returned to the person who owns it. The police may keep it in their records about you.  If it is not fake, it must be returned to you within 28 days.

Can I lend my ID to someone else?

No.  It’s against the law to lend your Victorian driver’s licence to someone else if you know that they might use it for fraudulent purposes. It’s also against the law to give any kind of ID to someone if you know or suspect they will use it to try and get into licensed premises, or obtain alcohol.

If the person gets caught, the ID may be confiscated and not returned for up to 28 days.   

Depending on your age, if you’re caught doing this, you could:

• be given a warning or a caution; 
• be fined $310.90 on the spot; or
• be convicted by a court and have to pay as much as $3,109.20

Is it illegal to make an fake ID?

Yes.  It’s against the law to make a fake ID. This means it is illegal to forge, or even scratch or change an ID.  If you’re caught and you’re under 18, you could be:

• given a warning or caution by police;
• fined $310.92 on the spot by the police; or
• convicted by a court and have to pay as much as $3,109.20.

What if I lie to get real ID?

It’s against the law to lie to get a real ID, like a driver’s license or proof of age card.

If you’re caught and you’re under 18, you could be:

• given a warning or caution by police; or
• charged and fined up to $777.30 if convicted 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