Is It a Felony to Have a Fake I.D.?

Getting busted with a fake I.D. is a legal predicament commonly brought on by college students and other under-21s looking to purchase alcohol. 

But whether for buying beer or any other reason, using a fake I.D. is illegal in the state of Texas, and there are consequences for those busted. 

Read on to learn more about fake I.D.s and how these crimes are charged in Texas. 

Texas Fake I.D.—Felony or Misdemeanor?

It’s important to understand that using a fake I.D., altering an I.D., or using someone else’s I.D. are all illegal actions in the state of Texas. The punishment and individual charges vary, depending on which of the laws in particular you break. 

For example, according to Texas law, a person may not:

• Display or have in their possession a “fictitious” I.D.
• Lend their driver’s license to someone else or permit someone else to use it
• Represent someone else’s license as their own
• Possess more than one currently valid license or use false information when applying for a new license

Although not felony violations of Texas law, the above infractions are considered Class-A misdemeanors punishable by a maximum of a year in jail, $4,000 in fines, or both. 

Using a Fake I.D. to Purchase Alcohol

The most common violation of I.D. law often involves minors using fake or fabricated I.D. to buy booze on college campuses. Although this may seem commonplace, it’s a Class-C misdemeanor offense in the eyes of the state, punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Tampering with Official Government Records

In theory, the most trouble you could probably bring upon yourself for possessing a fake I.D. is getting charged with tampering a government record. 

Although this generally doesn’t apply in the case of minors purchasing alcohol, doing things like knowingly making a false change to a government document or using an official government document for an illegal purpose are serious offenses. 

People charged with third-degree felony tampering with a government record face, in theory, jail time and a fine of up to $10,000. 

Contact a Fake I.D. Lawyer for More Information

Have you been busted with a fake I.D.? Go with an attorney who can help you get the best chance of keeping a clean record—a fake I.D. lawyer with The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy. 

Call us at 817-605-1010 or fill out the form on our website for more information.