Fake IDs aren’t new. They’ve been around for decades and people still use them to get into bars, buy drinks, or just avoid the “under 21” headache.

But not all identification cards works. Some states are easier to fake while others are strict against fakes.

And depending on where you live, one state’s ID might get a pass while another gets rejected instantly.

I spent hours going through real user reviews, Reddit threads, and vendor feedback to figure out which states work best in 2025.

Arizona

If you ask around on Reddit or check fake ID reviews, Arizona always comes up as a safe bet for first-timers. It’s because Arizona ID cards are easier to mimic.

Arizona IDs are basic in design compared to other states. No advanced holograms. No fancy laser-cut windows. And because they’re common, vendors know how to make them well.

Here’s what’s usually on a legit Arizona license:

• A vertical layout if you’re under 21
• 2D barcode and mag stripe (most vendors nail this)
• Basic holograms — nothing too wild
• Some UV details, but not layered like California or New York
• Ghost image (small secondary photo), which decent fakes replicate

What matters most? It scans. A lot of fakes from Arizona pass swipe or barcode tests at liquor stores, bars and in college towns where no one’s running it under blacklight.

One thing to watch out for: newer versions (post-2023) now include REAL ID stars and slightly updated fonts. If your fake looks dated, it might get flagged.

Connecticut

Honestly, CT is good. Nothing crazy and that’s the point.

The design is basic, the barcode scans, and most bouncers outside the Northeast barely look at it twice. If you’re not trying to pull off some altered CT ID flex, this one just works. It doesn’t raise eyebrows.

However, the newer version does have the REAL ID star, so make sure that’s there. Also, the layout doesn’t scream “underage” — even for real 18–20-year-olds, it’s horizontal, which helps.

Is it fancy? No.

But if you want something that slides through without drama, Connecticut is a good bet.

Florida

This one’s tricky.

It looks nice lots of colors, big state seal, layered security stuff and when done right, it really looks official.

But that’s the problem.

Because it looks so complex, it’s easy to mess up. Bad fakes get caught fast. You’ll see threads where people say their fake Florida ID got rejected immediately. Others say theirs worked fine for months. It all depends on the vendor and how much you paid.

If you’re using it somewhere not popular, you might be fine. But if you’re in a small town bar and your ID glows like a disco ball under UV, good luck.

Bottom line?

Don’t go cheap. And if your fake looks off even slightly don’t even try it at a strict place.

New York

If you’re thinking about using a New York fake ID, just know this: it’s kind of a gamble.

The real ones are packed with security. Like, laser-engraved signatures, invisible UV layers, holographic maps the works. If your fake misses even one thing, some bouncers will catch it instantly. Especially in NYC or anywhere that sees a lots of identification cards every night.

But… if you’re in a smaller city or out of state?

Then you’re lucky because not everyone knows exactly what a New York ID should look like, and some people just wave it through without blinking.

Most people I’ve seen pull it off had a premium fake. If you’re getting it for cheap, don’t even bother. It’ll get spotted.

Pennsylvania

PA is underrated, honestly.

It doesn’t come up in every fake ID thread, but the few times it does, it’s usually positive. The design is just detailed enough to look legit, but not packed with security like California or New York.

Most vendors get the hologram right it’s a little keystone that shifts under light. UV outline of the state is there too, but it’s pretty basic.

The one thing that really helps?

The microtext. It’s tiny and clean on real ones, and good fakes usually nail it.

I wouldn’t say it’s the “best,” but it’s solid. Especially if you’re planning to use it somewhere like a college bar, not an airport bar.

Mississippi

Mississippi IDs are plain. And that’s exactly why some people like them.

They don’t have any crazy 3D holograms or laser-cut anything. It’s a simple design that doesn’t try too hard which means most decent vendors can get them right without screwing up the details.

The catch? If you’re somewhere that actually checks IDs under UV or scans them regularly, it might not hold up.

But for bars that are more about vibes than strict checks? It does the job.

Think of it as low-key and low-risk — not because it’s amazing, but because it doesn’t stand out. And that can be a good thing.

Illinois

Illinois is kind of a quiet favorite for people who don’t want attention.

The real ones have just enough features to seem official holograms, state seal, barcodes but not so much that it’s impossible to fake. If your vendor is even halfway competent, they can pull off an Illinois fake ID that scans and passes the eye test.

It also helps that not many people use them. Bouncers aren’t usually expecting an Illinois ID, which makes it a bit less suspicious in places like the South or West Coast.

If you’re looking for something believable but not flashy, this one’s worth considering.

Where People Actually Buy Fake ID?

Okay, so let’s be real: you’ve probably Googled “buy fake ID” and found like 20 fake id sites with names like fakeyourdrinkz123 or whatever.

Here’s the truth:

Most of them are crap. Some don’t send anything. Some send a laminated library card with your face on it.

If you want to not get scammed, look for:

• Real photos, not Photoshop mockups
• Sites that take Bitcoin or something private (no Venmo or Zelle — those are scams 99% of the time)
• Bonus if they give a free duplicate, you’ll probably lose it at some point

People on Reddit keep mentioning TopFakeIDs, IDGod.ph, and IDPimp. Not saying they’re perfect, but they show real samples and aren’t like other scammers who just take your money and disappear.

How Do Your ID Test If It Works?

Before you go waving it at a bouncer, just test it.

Use a scanner app like Scannr or something and see if your name and birthday show up

Shine a blacklight on it and check for hidden UV stuff. Compare it to a real ID if you can check font size, corners, colors, etc.

Moreover, hold it in your hand see does it feel like plastic or does it feel like a sticker on cardboard?

If it looks sketchy, it’s gonna look way worse in a bar.

What If Your Fake ID Gets Rejected?

Don’t freak.

If the bartender or bouncer looks at it weird and says “this isn’t real,” just say:

“Damn, I think I brought the wrong one — my bad.”

And walk, away.

Don’t stand there trying to explain. Don’t get loud. And definitely don’t admit it’s fake — that’s where people mess up.

Most places won’t care unless you give them a reason to. Keep it low-key and live to try again.

States You Might Want to Avoid

Some states just aren’t worth it unless you’re dropping serious money.

• California has too many layers even good fakes get flagged
• Texas has that weird ghost photo and most cheap fakes screw it up
• New Jersey gets scanned a lot, and the real ones have this weird fine print that’s hard to match

If it looks “cool” to you, chances are it looks suspicious to a bouncer too.

How Much Should You Actually Pay for Fake ID?

If it costs $30, it’s probably printed at a cyber cafe and won’t pass anywhere.

A halfway decent fake runs around $100–$150, and that usually includes a second copy in case you lose one.

Yeah, it’s not cheap. But it’s better than getting roasted by a bartender because your ID feels like laminated notebook paper.

Legal Consequences

It’s important to remember that using a fake ID is illegal and can lead to serious consequences and also need to know which fake id states to avoid. These can include:

• Fines: Financial penalties can be significant and vary by state and severity of the offense.
• Community service: Some jurisdictions may require you to complete community service hours as part of your punishment.
• Probation: Being on probation can restrict your activities and require regular check-ins with a probation officer.
• Criminal record: Having a criminal record can impact your future opportunities, including jobs and education.

Always weigh the risks before deciding to use a fake ID. The potential legal repercussions can have long-lasting effects on your life. It’s important to consider whether the short-term benefits are worth the long-term consequences.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about getting a fake ID, just know it’s not a magic pass. Even the best one can get rejected if you use it wrong — or if you’re unlucky.

But if you’re going to do it, at least be smart about it. Pick a state that makes sense for where you’ll be using it. Don’t flash it around everywhere.

And don’t go for the cheapest option you find on Reddit. That’s how you end up with garbage that gets laughed at by a 19-year-old bartender.

Start with places like Arizona or Connecticut if you’re new to this. And if you’re going for something like New York or California, just know you’ll need to spend more to get something that actually passes.