Fake Id Laws in Texas

Possession of Fake Driver’s License or Id in Texas

Texas Law prohibits several scenarios related to false identification, including possession and providing false information when applying for an ID card. The statute outlines several scenarios, including:

  • Knowingly displaying or possessing a fictitious or altered ID
  • Lending an ID to another individual
  • Displaying another’s ID as his or her own
  • Providing false information or documents when applying or renewing an ID

Any of those violations is a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of one year in jail and $4000 in fines.

Misrepresentation of Age by a Minor

Any form of misrepresentation of age by a minor with the intent of claiming to be 21 years old or older to purchase alcohol is a violation of Texas law, including the presentation of false documents.

This crime is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. In Texas, this is the most common offense involving a fake ID.

Possession of a Fake License or Certificate

Even if you do not use your fake ID to commit misrepresentation of age, it is still illegal to possess any form of fictitious ID that is “deceptively similar” to an official ID. However, there is an exception to possession of such IDs if they have the statement “Not a Government Document” printed diagonally on both sides in red capital letters.

Violating this statute is also a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to $500 in fines.

Tampering With a Government Record

If your ID is a legal document that you have attempted to alter, then you have committed the crime of tampering with a government record. This can include:

  • Knowingly making a false change to a government record
  • Knowingly presenting a fake document
  • Intentionally damaging the legibility of the record
  • Possessing or selling an official government document for an illegal use or knowing that it has been obtained illegally
  • Knowingly making or using false documents

Under Texas law the most serious false ID crime, tampering with a government record, is a third-degree felony. Penalties can include imprisonment for two to ten years and a fine of up to $10,000.

If you’ve received a charge for Possession of a False ID, Misrepresentation of Age, Tampering with a Government Record, or any related charges, call our office today for a consultation with an experienced attorney.