Is It Illegal to Use a Fake ID in Michigan?

Yes. Using a fake ID in Michigan is a criminal offense. It’s not a prank, and it’s not a harmless party move—it's a violation that could lead to fines, a criminal record, license suspension, and even jail time in some cases.

Michigan law addresses fake IDs under more than one statute, depending on how the ID is created and how it's used. If you're caught simply using someone else's ID, that's one charge. If you're caught making or altering IDs, that’s a whole different level of trouble.

MCL 436.1703 – Minor in Possession and Misrepresenting Age

Michigan Compiled Laws section 436.1703 is commonly used to charge minors who use a fake ID to buy or consume alcohol. Under this statute, it is illegal for a person under 21 to:

• Purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol
• Possess or consume alcohol
• Falsely represent their age for the purpose of buying or consuming alcohol

If the police catch you at a festival trying to buy beer with a fake ID, this is most likely the law they’ll use to charge you.

MCL 28.295 – Altering or Forging a Driver’s License

This statute makes it unlawful to manufacture, forge, alter, or attempt to use an altered driver’s license. If you are caught using a completely fake ID that doesn't belong to you or was created illegally, you could also face additional charges like identity theft or uttering and publishing, depending on the facts of your case.

What Are the Penalties for Using a Fake ID in Michigan?

The punishment for using a fake ID at a festival—or anywhere else in Michigan—depends on how the offense is charged. Often these charges begin as misdemeanors, but in serious situations, they could result in felonies.

First Offense – Misdemeanor

• A fine of up to $100
• Possible community service (up to 90 hours)
• Required alcohol education class or screening
• Driver’s license restrictions or suspensions
• No jail time in most first-time cases, but it’s possible depending on your behavior and overall circumstances

It’s important to note that even though jail time might be rare, having a misdemeanor on your record can have long-lasting impacts. It may affect your admission to college programs, your ability to secure housing, and even job applications.

Subsequent Offenses

If you’ve been caught before, the penalties increase dramatically. A second Minor in Possession or fake ID offense can lead to:

• Fines up to $200
• Increased community service hours
• Extended alcohol screening programs
• Possible jail time up to 30 days

Felony Charges

Felony charges are usually reserved for forgery, identity theft, or selling fake IDs. But if you’re operating a fake ID “business” or found with multiple fakes, things get serious fast. A felony conviction could spell years in prison and lifelong consequences.

Increased Enforcement at Michigan Summer Festivals

Police know what happens at festivals. They’ve seen it all—especially in July when events are packed. You can expect to see undercover officers roaming popular events and cooperating with vendors to spot fake IDs. Public safety officers and local law enforcement work together with Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) agents to monitor underage drinking and fake ID use.

High-Profile Areas

While you might think you can blend in with the crowd, enforcement is usually higher in areas involving alcohol sales:

• Beer gardens, fenced-off drinking areas
• Food trucks and tents selling mixed drinks
• Pop-up bars and sponsor zones
• Nightlife spots near the festival grounds

At larger festivals like Faster Horses, Mo Pop, or arts and live music events in Traverse City or Ann Arbor, you can expect random ID scans and security checks. If your ID has been tampered with—even if only slightly—they’ll find it. And if they do, the police are often not far behind.

What Happens If You Get Caught with a Fake ID?

Let’s say you’re at a July festival in Michigan and you use a friend’s ID to grab a beer—then you get stopped. What happens next?

1. Police Investigation

You’ll likely be questioned by the officer or an undercover agent. They might ask your age, date of birth, and compare your story to the ID. If anything seems off, they may take you aside for further questioning.

2. Confiscation of ID

The ID you used will be confiscated as evidence. Police may also check if it’s been altered, whether it's fraudulent, or if you're using someone else’s real ID.

3. Issuance of Citation or Arrest

Depending on the jurisdiction and whether this is your first offense, you may receive a citation (a sort of ticket) or be taken into custody briefly. If you're arrested, you're usually booked and potentially held until bond is posted or court date is scheduled.

4. Court Appearance

You’ll be given a date to appear in court, usually in the district where the festival occurred. This is when having a skilled criminal defense attorney becomes critical.

Do You Have Any Defenses to a Fake ID Charge?

You sure do. Just because you were caught with a fake ID doesn’t mean the case is airtight. Prosecutors must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, and there are several possible defenses:

• Lack of Knowledge: Maybe a friend handed you an ID and you had no idea it was fake.
• No Intent to Commit Fraud: Intent matters. If you didn’t use the ID for the purpose of buying alcohol or misrepresenting your age, the case might not hold up.
• Illegal Search or Seizure: If the ID was taken from you without cause, your attorney can move to suppress that evidence.

An experienced defense attorney can help identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and work toward a dismissal or resolution that protects your future.

What if You’re Under 18?

If you’re under 18 and caught with a fake ID, the matter may be handled in Michigan’s juvenile system. While this might seem like a “safer” route, juvenile convictions can still leave a permanent mark and affect scholarships, job prospects, and more.

However, juvenile courts often focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. Your attorney can work to get you placed in a diversion program, community service option, or alcohol education class in lieu of formal sentencing.

How a Fake ID Affects Your Driver’s License

Using a fake ID in Michigan can affect more than your criminal record. Your driving privileges could be impacted as well. For example, the Secretary of State may initiate administrative sanctions like:

• License suspensions for 90 days or more
• Restricted driving privileges
• Points added to your driving record

This could make you miss work, school, and other important commitments. If you drive for rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft, you've probably just lost your ability to work.

Impact on College Admissions and Employment

One of the most damaging long-term effects of a fake ID charge is how it appears on background checks. Colleges, grad schools, airlines, government positions, and healthcare industries frequently reject applicants based on criminal history—or even a pending misdemeanor charge.

If you're a student at the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Western, or any of our other great schools, a criminal conviction can also lead to disciplinary hearings, housing exclusion, or expulsion.

What Should You Do If You’re Charged?

If you or someone you know has been charged with using a fake ID at a Michigan festival, don’t wait to get help. Prosecutors are often unforgiving, but an experienced attorney can fight to have your charges reduced—or even dismissed.

At Boria Law, we've helped countless clients navigate the criminal justice system after one mistake at a festival or bar. Whether you’re charged in Plymouth, Detroit, Ann Arbor, or anywhere else in Michigan—we’re here to help protect your future.

Call attorney Aaron J. Boria directly at (734) 453-7806 to schedule your free consultation today.

Conclusion

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of summer festivals in Michigan. But if you’re under 21, using a fake ID to grab a drink or get into a bar can have serious consequences. A simple mistake at a July music event or fireworks show can lead to criminal charges, court appearances, and a record that follows you for life.

We know that good people make mistakes. At Boria Law, we don’t judge. We fight. And we know how to resolve these types of charges with your future in mind.

Are you facing charges for a fake ID in Michigan? Call (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation and find out how we can help you get back on track. Your freedom, reputation, and future are worth protecting.