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 has been 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 $2,500!

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 Western Australia?

In Western Australia, you can prove your age using:

• a current Australian driver’s licence;
• a current photo card or proof of age card (from WA or interstate); or

• a current passport.

Is it illegal to use a fake ID?

It’s against the law to use a fake ID to:

• enter a pub, club, or bar;
• obtain alcohol; or
• buy cigarettes.

Using a fake ID to get alcohol or get into licensed premises

If you are caught using a fake ID to enter a pub, club or bar or to obtain alcohol, you could:

• be asked to leave a bar, pub, club or other place selling alcohol;
• have your ID confiscated by an authorised person;
• be given a warning or caution;
• be fined $200 on the spot by police; or
• choose to have the matter decided by a court (which may fine you up to $2,000 if you are found guilty).

If the fake ID that you use is a forged or altered WA Photo Card or Driver’s Licence, the fine could be up to $2,500.

Using a fake ID to buy cigarettes

If you’re caught using a fake ID to buy cigarettes, you can:

• have cigarettes confiscated from you;
• be given a warning or caution; or
• be fined $100.
  

If the fake ID that you use is a forged or altered WA Photo Card or Driver’s Licence, the fine could be up to $2,500.

Can I lend my ID to someone else?

It’s against the law to give your WA Photo Card or Driver’s Licence to someone else.  If you are caught, you may be:

• given a warning or caution; or
• fined up to $2,500.

Can I use someone else’s real ID?

No. It’s against the law to use someone else’s ID, even if it’s real.  This counts as a fake ID! If you use someone else’s WA Photo Card or WA Driver’s Licence to do anything, you can be:   

• given a warning or caution; or
• fined up to $2,500.

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

Yes. It’s against the law to make a fake WA Photo Card or WA Driver’s Licence.

It’s also against the law just to have a fake WA Photo Card or WA Driver’s Licence on you if you plan on using it to deceive anyone.

If you are caught doing this, you can be:

• given a warning or caution; or
• fined up to $2,500.

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

It’s against the law to lie or give incorrect information in order to get a driver’s license or photo card.  

If you are caught doing this, you can be:

• given a warning or caution; or
• fined up to $2,500.

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