Fake or false ID

Introduction

This section provides information for how to identify a fake identification and what to do if you need to seize a fake ID.

It also has information about fake ID laws.


Identify fake or false ID

There are ways to identify fake, false or altered versions of Northern Territory Government issued:

  • driver licences
  • evidence of age cards.

If you suspect a person is using a fake, false or altered ID, you should follow the steps for seizing an ID.

Driver licences

Licences issued after January 2006

Licences issued after January 2006

What to look for
  • digital image on plastic card
  • stylised Sturt's Desert rose
  • date of birth under name in large font
  • class includes description of licence class/es
  • date of birth on back in large font
  • unique identification number on back
  • bar colour coding by licence type.
How to tell if the card is geniune
  1. hologram map of Australia
  2. Australian Coat of Arms in all four corners
  3. "Northern Territory of Australia" repeated for five lines across the centre (not overlapping silhouette of Australia)
  4. licence number in top right corner - up to seven digits

Licences issued between July 2001 and January 2006

Licences issued between July 2001 and January 2006

What to look for
  • digital image on plastic card
  • stylised Sturt's Desert rose
  • conditions and endorsement printed on reverse
  • date of birth centred below coloured bar
  • header bar colour coded by licence type.
How to tell if a card is genuine
  1. hologram map of Australia
  2. Australian Coat of Arms in all four corners
  3. "Northern Territory of Australia" repeated for five lines across the centre (not overlapping silhouette of Australia)
  4. licence number in top right corner - up to seven digits
  5. individual card number at bottom left

Evidence of age cards

Evidence of age cards

NT evidence of age cards are issued to people aged 18 years and over.

How to tell if the card is genuine

  1. holographic overlay with silhouette of Australia with NT map highlighted
  2. Australian Coat of Arms in all four corners
  3. "Northern Territory of Australia" repeated for five lines across the centre (not overlapping silhouette of Australia)
  4. card number in bottom left corner - up to seven digits

Altered ID example

A person changed the date of birth on this ID from 1993 to 1988 by scratching the surface and adding ink.

It was picked up through the feel of the card, which was scratched and pitted.

Front

Altered ID example - front

Back

Altered ID example - back


Fake ID laws

It is an offence to use fake or fraudulent identification (ID) to buy alcohol or gain access to nightclubs or pubs.

Fake ID laws for children

Children cannot do any of the following:

  • create and/or use a fake or false ID to get into a pub or nightclub, or to buy alcohol
  • alter any form of ID in an attempt to appear older
  • give a false ID to another child, so that they can get into a pub or nightclub, or buy alcohol
  • use a fake or false ID to try and get a genuine ID, such as an Evidence of Age card.

Fake ID rules for adults

It is an offence to give a child your ID if it is likely to be used for any of the following:

  • to get into a nightclub or pub
  • to buy alcohol
  • to obtain a genuine ID.

Seize fake or false ID

Anyone who works at a licensed premise should look out for fake or false ID.

If you suspect that an ID is fake or false, follow these steps.

Step 1. Seize ID

You should seize any suspected fake or false ID that is presented in an attempt to:

  • enter a licensed venue
  • buy alcohol.

Step 2. Issue seized ID advice card

After you have seized a fake or false ID, give the person a seized identification advice card.

Make sure you record the date and venue name on the card.

Explain that you are required by law to seize suspected fake or false IDs.

The person can call the phone number on the back of the card for more information or to get their ID back.

Step 3. Record details in incident register and secure ID

If your workplace has an incident register, you should record any relevant details as soon as practical.

You should also make sure the ID is stored in a safe location.

Step 4. Tell the licensee or nominee

At the end of the shift or the next day, advise the licensee or nominee that you have seized a suspected fake or false ID.

Step 5. Tell Licensing NT you are holding a seized ID

You can contact Licensing NT by:

Step 6. Fill in and submit a seized ID advice form

You must fill in a seized ID advice form and submit the form and seized ID to your nearest Licensing NT office either in person, email, mail or fax within 72 hours.

Seized ID advice form DOCX (35.1 KB)
Seized ID advice form PDF (82.1 KB)

You should also keep a copy of the form for your records.

Email, fax or mail

If you are outside of Darwin, Katherine or Alice Springs, you should send your form and a scanned copy of the seized ID by either: