Ever wonder what kind of fake IDs people use the most?

You’re not alone. In a world where you need an identification cards for everything — from buying a drink to getting into a club.

It’s no surprise that counterfeit IDs are everywhere.

But not all forge IDs are created equal. Some types are way more common than others, and today, I’ll break it down for you. Real talk, real facts, easy words — no boring textbook vibes here.

Let’s get started.

So, What’s the Most Common Counterfeit ID in U.S?

By far, driver’s licenses are the most counterfeited form of ID in the U.S.

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. A driver’s license is the golden ticket that you flash everywhere without a second thought:

• Need to buy alcohol?
• Prove your age?
• Open a bank account?
• Rent an apartment?

Your license is the go-to proof.

That’s why when people need a fake, they go straight for a forged driver’s license — not a passport, not a student ID. Just something simple, believable, and universally accepted.

Which States’ Driver’s Licenses Are Forged the Most?

You might think it’s just big states like California or Florida and you’re not wrong. But real data shows a few other names pop up just as often.

Here’s what the latest stats say (IDScan.net, 2024 Fake ID Report):

• Texas – Texas licenses are one of the most popular forgers’ picks. With how big Texas is, nobody would doubt if you flash a Texas ID in New York, Chicago, or Miami.
• South Carolina – An unexpected favorite. Older South Carolina licenses didn’t have fancy holograms or updated designs, making them easier to copy.
• Arizona – Arizona’s old IDs didn’t expire until age 65, which left tons of outdated, easy-to-fake designs floating around for decades.
• Washington, D.C. – D.C. licenses are a common target because many people — especially outside the East Coast — aren’t super familiar with what a real D.C. ID even looks like.
• New Mexico – Basic designs and less familiarity make New Mexico licenses another popular choice for counterfeiters.

(And yes, fake California, Florida, and Illinois licenses are still everywhere too.)

Why Certain States Get Targeted for Fakes?

It’s not random — counterfeiters are smart about which IDs they forge. Here’s what make them pick these states:

• Simpler design – Older licenses from states like South Carolina didn’t have strong anti-counterfeit features. Less holograms and fewer microprints that means easier printing jobs.
• Big state – A Texas or California ID doesn’t look suspicious anywhere. You could be a student, a traveler, a transplant — no one questions it.
• Unfamiliarity – Try flashing a New Mexico ID in a Boston bar. Chances are, the bouncer has never held a real one — making it easier for a bogus document to slip past.

In short, fake ID makers look for what’s easy to copy and what’s easy to believe.

How Big Is the Fake ID Problem, Really?

Way bigger than most people realize.

• In 2023, a study of 130 million ID scans found that 1.18% of all Texas licenses scanned were fake (IDScan.net 2024 Report).
• Customs officers in Chicago seized over 700 fake licenses hidden inside ordinary packages in just two weeks (U.S. Customs & Border Protection).
• College studies show about 40% of underage students have owned or used a fake ID at some point (Emory Economics Review, 2025).

And it’s not just teens sneaking into bars. Forged licenses fuel identity theft, financial fraud, and even more serious crimes.

Are Forged IDs Easy to Spot?

Not anymore — at least, not with just a quick look.

Modern counterfeit licenses often have working barcodes, holograms, and even scannable magnetic strips. Unless you’re using a legit ID scanner or blacklight, it’s almost impossible to spot a good fake by eye alone.

According to security tests, ID scanners can catch up to 95% of fraudulent documents (Veriff ID Fraud Report) — way higher than any human bouncer or bartender could spot manually.

This is why clubs, bars, and airports increasingly use tech instead of just gut feeling.

How to Tell if an ID Might Be Fake (Even Without a Scanner)

If you ever have to eyeball it, here are a few tricks pros use:

• Feel the texture: Real IDs feel slightly textured. Fakes usually feel too slick or plasticky.
• Check the holograms: Real holograms move and shimmer under light. Printed imitations usually look flat and fake.
• Look at fonts and spacing: Blurry letters, misaligned numbers, or awkward spacing are all red flags.
• Expiration date weirdness: A license issued in 2022 probably shouldn’t expire in 2045 unless it’s Arizona. Know the norms.

No method is perfect. But a few smart checks can catch sloppy fakes fast.

Where Do People Actually Get Fake IDs?

There are tons of shady websites claiming they can forge you a “perfect” ID. Most of them deliver bad fakes. However, others… honestly get pretty close.

One name that often pops up when people search for high-quality fake IDs is TopFakeIDs.com.

We know how to make scannable fake licenses that pass basic ID checks, with working holograms and barcodes.

If you’re wondering why fake ID providers are still so common even with better detection? It’s because they constantly tweak designs to stay ahead. As soon as states update their real IDs, counterfeiters rush to copy the new versions.

(Just a note: using a forged ID can get you into legal trouble — so even if you find a high-quality fake, the risks are real.)

Final Thoughts

Driver’s licenses are still the #1 target for counterfeiters — and Texas, South Carolina, Arizona, Washington D.C., and New Mexico top the fake ID charts today.

Fake IDs aren’t just a teenage rebellion thing anymore. They fuel everything from underage drinking to serious fraud. And while spotting an obvious fake is easy, detecting a high-quality forgery takes tech — not just a sharp eye.

If you’re running a business, a bar, or even just curious about how widespread forged IDs are, the best defense is knowing what’s really happening out there — not just assuming you can spot a fake with a quick glance.

Because honestly? Some of these counterfeit licenses could fool almost anyone.