Fake ID cards

Fake IDs and under 18

A fake ID can include an imitation ID that looks like a real ID, a real ID that has been scratched, or a real ID that doesn’t belong to you.

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

It’s against the law to make a fake ID, scratch a real ID, lend your real ID to someone else, or for you to use someone else’s ID.

It’s also against the law to lie so that you can get a real ID.

If you do these things, you could be given a big fine, or face more serious consequences. 

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

What is a fake ID?

A ‘fake ID’ can mean a couple of things. It includes: 

• • a fake ID that looks like a real ID (for example, you’ve created it on your computer);  
  • a real ID that has been scratched or altered in any way (like to make you seem older);  
  • a real ID which belongs to someone else (like a friend’s or sibling’s ID).  

What are the accepted forms of ID?

In Victoria, you can prove your age using: 

• • a drivers licence (from anywhere in Australia); or 
  • a passport; or 
  • a proof of age card (from anywhere in Australia); or 
  • a keypass card; or 
  • a Victorian marine licence. 

Is it illegal to use a fake ID?

Yes. 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 by police;
• given a fine on the spot; or 
• convicted by a court and be given a more serious penalty.

Can the police or security confiscate a fake ID?

A fake ID can be confiscated by police or a staff member at a pub or club (like a bouncer). If the ID is a genuine driver’s licence, security or staff are not allowed to confiscate it (they can only confiscate a driver’s licence if they are absolutely sure it is fake).

The person who confiscates your ID must give it to the police. If the ID is fake, it may be destroyed, or returned to the person who owns it. The police may keep information about this in their records too. If it is not fake, it must be returned to you within a reasonable time.

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 to do something illegal. 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 to get alcohol.

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

• given a warning or a caution by police; 
• given a fine on the spot by the police; 
• convicted by a court and be given a more serious penalty. 

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;
  • given a fine on the spot by the police; or 
  • convicted by a court and be given a more serious penalty.

What can happen 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 by police, and have to go to court where you could be given a more serious penalty. 

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