The use of fake IDs—whether scannable IDs, novelty IDs, or even fake CDLs—has become a common workaround for people facing age restrictions, legal barriers, or bureaucratic hurdles. While some individuals use them for harmless activities like entering clubs, others attempt more serious ventures, such as renting vehicles.
In both the United States and Canada, renting a car typically requires a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and sometimes a credit check. However, some people resort to fake IDs to bypass age restrictions (most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, with higher fees for those under 25) or to avoid legal complications (e.g., undocumented immigrants, suspended licenses, or bad driving records).
This article explores:
✔ Why people use fake IDs for car rentals
✔ Key differences between U.S. and Canadian rental policies
✔ How rental companies detect counterfeit IDs
✔ Legal consequences of using fake IDs
✔ Alternatives to fraudulent methods
1. Why People Use Fake IDs to Rent Cars
A. Age Restrictions & High Fees
Most U.S. and Canadian rental agencies impose strict age policies:
Under 21? Nearly impossible to rent.
21–24? Possible but with expensive “young driver” fees (25–25–50/day).
25+? No extra charges.
Young adults who can’t afford these fees sometimes turn to scannable IDs that falsely display an older age.
B. Suspended Licenses or Poor Driving Records
Individuals with DUIs, excessive tickets, or revoked licenses may use fake CDLs (Commercial Driver’s Licenses) to rent vehicles, as CDLs are less scrutinized in some rental systems.
C. Undocumented Immigrants Avoiding Paper Trails
Some foreign nationals without proper visas use novelty IDs to avoid detection when renting cars for work or travel.
2. U.S. vs. Canada: Key Differences in Rental Policies
United States
Stricter ID Verification: Many U.S. rental agencies use barcode scanners linked to DMV databases.
Credit Checks Required: Most companies demand a credit card under the renter’s name.
Higher Penalties for Fraud: Using a fake ID can lead to felony charges in some states.
Canada
More Flexible for Foreign Renters: Some agencies accept international licenses without deep verification.
Less Digital Scanning: While major chains scan IDs, smaller rental shops may rely on visual checks.
Milder Legal Consequences: Fraud may result in fines rather than jail time (unless used for criminal activity).
Bottom Line: The U.S. has tighter controls, making scannable IDs harder to use successfully. Canada’s system is slightly more lenient but still risky.
3. How Rental Companies Detect Fake IDs
A. Barcode & Magnetic Strip Scanning
Most U.S. rental agencies use electronic verification systems that cross-check:
DMV records (for U.S. licenses)
Passport databases (for international renters)
If a novelty ID doesn’t scan properly, the rental is denied, and authorities may be alerted.
B. Visual Security Features
Rental clerks are trained to spot:
✔ Missing holograms (real licenses have state/province-specific holograms)
✔ Incorrect fonts or colors (e.g., a fake CDL might use the wrong shade of blue)
✔ Poor-quality laminate (peeling edges, air bubbles)
C. Secondary Verification
Some companies:
Call the issuing DMV/DOT to confirm license validity.
Require additional ID (passport, utility bill) if suspicions arise.
Pro Tip: Even the best scannable IDs can fail if the clerk does extra checks.
4. Legal Consequences of Using Fake IDs for Rentals
In the U.S.
Misdemeanor or Felony Charges (depending on state laws)
Fines (500–500–5,000+)
Possible Jail Time (up to 1 year for first offenses)
Vehicle Impoundment (if fraud is discovered mid-rental
In Canada
Fraud Charges (Criminal Code Section 403)
Fines (1,000–1,000–10,000 CAD)
Deportation Risk (for non-citizens)
Worst-Case Scenario: If the rented car is involved in a crime or accident, the fake ID user could face additional charges for identity fraud, insurance fraud, or even conspiracy.
5. Safer Alternatives to Fake IDs
Instead of risking legal trouble with fake CDLs or novelty IDs, consider:
A. Peer-to-Peer Car Rentals (Turo, Getaround)
Some private renters don’t enforce strict age policies.
Less likely to scan IDs deeply.
B. Borrowing a Friend/Family Member’s Car
Many rental agencies allow third-party rentals if the primary driver is present.
C. Using Ride-Sharing or Public Transit
Cheaper and avoids legal risks altogether.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Risk?
While scannable IDs and fake CDLs might seem like quick fixes, the consequences of getting caught far outweigh the benefits. Rental companies are getting better at detecting counterfeit licenses, and law enforcement takes ID fraud seriously in both the U.S. and Canada.
Despite the various risks associated with using fake driver’s licenses, there are times in life when we have no choice but to use one. In such cases, we must ensure we use high-quality, scannable fake IDs obtained from professional vendors