Using or making a “fake ID” in Colorado isn’t just one law—it can mean different things depending on what happened. Charges range from petty/civil or misdemeanor tickets to felony forgery when people manufacture or sell counterfeit IDs. Below is a straightforward overview, with official sources linked.
Key takeaways
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“Fake ID” cases fall into three buckets: ID misuse under the motor‑vehicle code, under‑21 alcohol age‑misrepresentation/possession, and felony‑level forgery for making/selling counterfeit IDs.
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Penalties vary by bucket: petty/civil or misdemeanor exposure for possession/use in many situations; felony exposure for manufacturing or distributing.
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The DMV can impose administrative license actions (suspension/revocation) separate from any criminal court outcome.
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Some cases can later be sealed if eligible; sealing depends on the final disposition and offense class.
What “fake ID” covers under Colorado law
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ID misuse involving driver licenses or state ID cards. Colorado’s motor‑vehicle code prohibits lending/borrowing someone else’s license or ID, possessing an altered or counterfeit card, or using false information in a DMV application. These rules are codified in the Vehicles and Traffic title, including unlawful acts related to licenses. See the compiled Title 42 PDF where unlawful ID acts (section 42‑2‑309) appear in context in the official statute compilation at the Office of Legislative Legal Services: Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 PDF (2024), section 42‑2‑309.
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Underage alcohol: illegal possession/consumption and age misrepresentation. When someone under 21 uses someone else’s ID or a counterfeit ID to buy alcohol—or is simply cited for illegal possession/consumption—charges commonly arise under Title 18’s underage statute. See the Criminal Code’s public‑order provisions for illegal possession/consumption by an underage person and misrepresenting age to obtain alcohol: consult the Title 18 compilation and search for section 18‑13‑122 on the legislature’s official CRS portal: Colorado Revised Statutes portal (Title 18).
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Forgery/manufacturing or selling fakes. Making, altering, or distributing counterfeit IDs can lead to felony exposure under Colorado’s forgery statutes. These are found in Title 18 (Criminal Code) and distinguish first‑ and second‑degree forgery. For the official text in the current compilation, use the General Assembly’s CRS portal and the Title 18 PDF/section pages for: First‑degree forgery, section 18‑5‑102 and Second‑degree forgery, section 18‑5‑104. Prosecutors may also consider criminal impersonation (section 18‑5‑113) when someone uses another person’s identity for a benefit.
Student‑focused scenarios (how charges can differ)
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Borrowed sibling’s license to get into a bar; caught at the door: typically pursued under license/ID misuse rules (motor‑vehicle code), often a misdemeanor‑level exposure depending on facts.
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Used a fake to buy at a liquor store/sting: commonly charged under the underage possession/consumption and age‑misrepresentation statute.
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Ordered high‑quality fakes and sold copies: risks felony forgery or related identity/fraud charges.
Colorado fake ID penalties at a glance
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Underage alcohol statute (often petty/civil‑infraction tier depending on the subsection and disposition): court‑imposed fines, alcohol education, and community service are common; exact tiers and requirements are in the statute and local practice.
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ID misuse in the motor‑vehicle code: usually misdemeanor exposure for possessing/using another person’s license, altering a card, or similar acts; courts may impose fines, classes, probation, and the DMV can still act on your license.
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Forgery/manufacture/sale: felony exposure for creating or distributing counterfeit IDs or forging government instruments; penalties can include felony‑level sanctions.
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Escalation factors: repeated conduct, intent to defraud government processes (e.g., DMV application fraud), or selling to others can move a case into higher penalty classes.
License consequences are separate from court
Even if a criminal case is dismissed or reduced, the DMV can impose its own administrative action on your driving privilege. Learn how suspensions, revocations, cancellations/denials, and reinstatement work—and how to check status or pay fees—on the official DMV hub: Driver records, suspensions, and reinstatements. For alcohol‑related requirements (education levels, interlock, SR‑22), the same hub links out to the latest steps and forms.
Will this stay on my record?
Colorado allows many records to be sealed if eligibility criteria are met, but timelines and eligibility depend on the outcome and offense class. Start with the Judicial Branch’s statewide instructions: JDF 491 — How to Seal Criminal Justice Records. Eligible convictions use different forms (e.g., JDF 612). Some non‑conviction outcomes may be sealed automatically under recent “Clean Slate” reforms—see the instructions for details and current law.
What to do next
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Don’t ignore your citation or summons; calendar every date and read the instructions.
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Consider speaking with a licensed Colorado defense attorney before making statements.
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Avoid posting about the incident on social media.
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Ask about diversion, deferred judgment, or education programs where available.
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If you’re warned about license consequences, review your status and next steps on the DMV’s suspensions and reinstatements hub.
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After your case concludes, check Judicial Branch resources to see whether and when you can seek record sealing.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Statutes and procedures change. Always verify current law on the Colorado General Assembly website and consult a licensed Colorado attorney for advice about your situation.
