Which state is best for a student ID in 2026?

If you're a student looking for a reliable novelty card, you need to consider where you're actually using it. I see a lot of people going for Illinois or Ohio because those are the big college states, but remember that bouncers in those areas are the most experienced at spotting fakes. For a student ID, I actually recommend Maryland or Washington.

These states have modern designs that are well-replicated by top-tier vendors, but they aren't as 'hot' as the big two. Washington, in particular, has a design that is complex but very well-understood by top-tier vendors. Maryland is also a great choice because the polycarbonate body and the tactile features are very difficult for bouncers to find faults with. Always check the verified list for the most up-to-date templates.