State Map

In an attempt to circumvent age verification protocols for purchasing alcohol, youth often rely on false identification or “fake IDs” (e.g., driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID card) that has a date of birth that presents them as 21 years of age or older. While there is variance in statutes, all 50 states have laws that make it illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to use false identification for the purpose of purchasing alcohol.

To make it easier for alcohol retailers and servers to identify underage individuals at point-of-sale, 42 states have distinctive licenses for drivers who are under the age of 21. For example, some states issue vertical state-issued IDs or driver’s licenses for individuals under 21 to denote their underage status. Other states denote on the license the year when a minor will turn 21. While these licenses are used by servers and retailers of alcohol, this policy applies to additional products and services that have similar age restrictions. Multiple states have also passed laws that permit retailers to seize fake IDs from underage individuals who attempt to purchase alcohol.

To learn more about false identification laws, refer to our policy position. If you’re interested in learning about licensing sanctions for underage individuals who illegally attempt to purchase alcohol, access our map.

Have an update? Please contact Darrin Grondel at [email protected]