Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | October 29, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Carrying or using a fake ID in Ohio is treated seriously, no matter what your age is or what the reason is. It’s important to understand when these charges can apply and what you’re facing if you are going through this situation.
Prohibited Behaviors in Ohio
Ohio prohibits these behaviors involving driver’s licenses or ID cards:
- Using, carrying, or possessing a fake, forged, altered, suspended, or expired ID or driver’s license
- Allowing someone else to use your real ID or driver’s license
- Pretending an ID or license is yours when it actually belongs to another person
- Keeping your ID or license when you’re required to hand it over to the BMV
- Lying or hiding information on your ID application or renewal
Violating this law is typically charged as a first-degree misdemeanor. Penalties generally include up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
Penalties for Individuals Under 21 Who Violate This Law To Purchase Alcohol
If you’re accused of using a fake ID to buy alcohol and you’re under the age of 21, you’ll face a slightly different charge – furnishing false information to obtain beer or intoxicating liquor by a person under twenty-one.
Under this statute, the penalties include the following:
Under 21 but at Least 18
If you’re charged with this first-degree misdemeanor and you’re an adult but are under 21, you face the following consequences:
- First offense: The judge can sentence you to up to six months in jail and a fine between $250 and $1,000.
- Second offense: A second conviction can lead to up to six months in jail and fines between $500 and $1,000. Along with the increased fine, your driver’s license could be suspended for up to one year.
These penalties are serious, and the more convictions you have, the more likely you are to be sentenced to jail time.
Under 18
If someone is under 18, their case is handled in juvenile court. The judge has the power to order detention, probation, or house arrest. Treatment may also be required. Overall, the penalties for having or using a fake ID – no matter what the circumstances are – are serious.
Charges Could Become Identity Theft
Most of the time, having or using a fake ID doesn’t lead to identity theft charges because those IDs do not show the details of a real person. Fake IDs usually have completely made-up information or your own information with the birthday altered.
However, if you use someone else’s real identity – like their driver’s license – to act as that individual, you could face identity theft charges. If you use another person’s information to commit fraud, like stealing, opening credit cards, or something else that causes harm, you’re likely to face these more serious charges.
Identity Theft Penalties in Ohio
If you’re accused of using another person’s identity, the consequences can be severe:
- Fifth-degree felony: Up to 12 months in prison for general identity theft.
- Fourth-degree felony: If the offense results in financial harm between $1,000 and $7,500—or if the victim is elderly or disabled—penalties can include 6 to 18 months in prison.
Although these charges are less common in typical fake ID scenarios, any misuse of another person’s real information carries the risk of serious felony charges.
A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
If you are facing any of these charges, reach out for help as soon as possible. Fake ID and identity-related offenses can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects your education, career, and future opportunities.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is here to help you understand your situation and formulate a plan. We’ll help you get set up with a consultation with one of our criminal defense lawyers.
For more information, contact the Ohio criminal defense law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have six convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, Norwalk, and Huron.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 625-7770
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers– Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200 B,
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 910-2605
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452
(419) 871-3995
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089
(440) 967-6136
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857
(419) 863-5922
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Huron
202 Cleveland Rd W unit 1
Huron, OH 44839
(419) 827-5884