2026: The Truth About Fake IDs Among Underage Students in the United States and Canada

In 2025, it was estimated that nearly 10 million fake IDs were circulating in the United States, while Canada saw close to 5 million fake IDs in use. As we move into 2026, governments, businesses, and technology companies are focusing on more effective methods to distinguish real identification from fraudulent documents.

1. Is Using a Fake ID Illegal in the United States and Canada?

Yes. Using a fake ID is illegal in both the United States and Canada. The possession or use of fraudulent identification is strictly prohibited because it enables illegal activities and undermines public safety.

In serious cases—especially when a fake ID is linked to criminal behavior—individuals may face criminal charges, heavy fines, or imprisonment.

2. Why Are Fake IDs So Popular in the U.S. and Canada?

One key difference lies in legal drinking age laws. In Canada, students can legally purchase alcohol at 18 or 19 depending on the province. In contrast, the United States requires individuals to be 21 years old to buy alcohol, enter bars, or purchase tobacco products.

As a result, demand for fake IDs in the U.S. is significantly higher. Studies suggest that approximately 59% of young people aged 15–20 currently possess a fake ID. Combined, these forged documents create more than 14 million false identities nationwide.

What began as teenage mischief has evolved into a highly organized criminal industry, involving professional counterfeiters and global distribution networks.

3. Main Groups Using Fake IDs in the U.S. and Canada

In Canada, the primary users are students under 18, including some university students seeking early access to alcohol.

In the United States, the largest group consists of students under 21, most commonly college students who want to enter bars, clubs, or purchase alcohol.

A smaller but more dangerous group includes career criminals who use fake IDs for fraud, identity theft, and other serious crimes.

4. Why Do Fake IDs Still Exist Despite Advanced Security (2010–2026)?

From 2010 to 2026, both the U.S. and Canada have continuously upgraded ID designs to combat fraud. Modern fake IDs now include high-quality UV features, microprinting, holograms, and precise layouts that are extremely difficult for the human eye to detect.

I have personally seen counterfeit IDs with perfect UV reactions, flawless lamination, and accurate microtext—nearly indistinguishable from genuine IDs.

One major weakness is that most bars and venues do not connect to federal or provincial databases. This creates a false sense of security among users who believe they can bypass checks.

However, no fake ID can survive advanced scanning systems linked to verified data. Accessing official government databases remains impossible for counterfeiters.

How Fake IDs Fuel Binge Drinking

Research clearly shows a strong link between fake ID use and dangerous drinking behaviors. Approximately 66.1% of college students admit to using a fake ID to purchase alcohol.

Students with fake IDs drink more frequently and consume larger quantities of alcohol than those without. Long-term studies reveal that frequent fake ID use leads to escalating alcohol abuse over time.

One study found that fake ID ownership increased from 12.5% before college to 32.2% by the spring of sophomore year.

This creates a dangerous feedback loop: drinking encourages fake ID use, and fake IDs lead to heavier drinking. Among fake ID users, 56% drink alcohol weekly.

5. What Happens If You Use a Fake ID While Driving?

If you are caught using a fake ID during a traffic stop, police can scan the document and immediately detect inconsistencies.

Misdemeanor charges may include:

• Fines up to $2,500
• Up to 1 year in jail (shorter for first-time offenders)
• Probation, community service, and mandatory alcohol education

Felony convictions are far more severe:

• 1–7 years in prison
• Fines up to $100,000 in extreme cases
• A permanent criminal record

For example, in Florida, using a fake ID is classified as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and $5,000 in fines.

Your driver’s license may also be suspended for 30 days to one year, depending on the charge.

6. Where Are Fake IDs Commonly Sold?

Fake ID sellers have moved from street-level operations to sophisticated online platforms. Common channels include:

• E-commerce-style websites displaying replicas of all U.S. states
• Social media platforms such as Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, Facebook, and FakeIDVendors
• Encrypted communication tools: Email, WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord
• Dark web marketplaces specializing in illegal goods

7. Case Study: Scandit and ID Validate

The Scandit ID Validate system demonstrates how advanced anti-fraud technology can effectively combat fake IDs. It achieves a 99.9% accuracy rate when verifying driver’s licenses from all 50 U.S. states.

One large food delivery company uses Scandit to verify over 100,000 IDs per week, saving 180,000 labor hours annually and generating an additional $25 million in alcohol-related revenue.

The system operates entirely on-device, requires no internet connection, delivers results in under one second, and protects user privacy by keeping all data local.