In North Carolina and throughout the United States, college towns and campuses see false identifications being used by incoming college students every year. Noteworthy, many vendors and establishments are now using machines or scanners to determine if an identification is fake or real.
N.C.G.S. §§ 18B-302(b) and (c)
Under North Carolina General Statute § 18B-302(b), it is unlawful for a person less than 21 years old to do any of the following:
- Purchase, attempt to purchase, or possess malt beverages or unfortified wine.
- Purchase, attempt to purchase, or possess fortified wine, spiritous liquor, or mixed beverages.
- Consume any alcoholic beverage.
A violation of this subsection by a person who is 19 or 20 years old can be found guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. Further, if any person is under the lawful age to purchase and who aids and abets (helps) another in violation of the bulleted list above can be found guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
N.C.G.S. § 18B-302(e)
More importantly, under the statute, it is unlawful for any person to enter or attempt to enter a place where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed, or to obtain or attempt to obtain alcoholic beverages, or to obtain or attempt to obtain permission to purchase alcoholic beverages, by using or attempting to use any of the following:
- A fraudulent or altered driver’s license.
- A fraudulent or altered identification document other than a driver’s license.
- A driver’s license issued to another person.
- An identification document other than a driver’s license issued to another person.
- Any other form or means of identification that indicates or symbolizes that the person is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing alcoholic beverages.
In violation of this section of the statute, the person could be convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Along with that, it is unlawful for any person to permit or allow the use of the person’s driver’s license or any other form of identification of any kind issued or given to the person by any other person who violates or attempts to violation this statute. For example, using your older brother’s or sister’s identification because you look like them. In that case, you and your sibling could be charged and convicted. Additionally, once the DMV is in receipt of that conviction, the DMV can revoke your license as required under law.
One final note, possessing a fake ID is illegal under North Carolina law. However, using a fake ID does not qualify as identity theft. Lastly, supplies of false identifications can face serious consequences (up to a Class I felony) in North Carolina.