How to Spot a Fake UK Licence
Fake UK licences are a growing issue that poses serious dangers to personal safety and road safety. To combat the problem it is imperative to adopt more robust verification measures as well as public awareness campaigns.
Examine the quality of printing: Blurred or fuzzy images can be an indication of counterfeiting. Check for watermarks that are clear and consistent.
What is a fake UK Licence?
A fake UK licence is an identification document that has been made to appear like a genuine licence. It could be used for illegal purposes such as buying or selling alcohol, entering a nightclub or obtaining an employment. Companies that employ drivers and conduct right-to- work checks are at risk of being harmed by fake ID documents. Knowing how to recognize a fake UK license can help businesses protect themselves from fraud and save money.
Some fake documents appear like genuine documents and can be difficult to recognize without the right tools. The things to look for include a blurry or shaky watermark or one that is inconsistent with the rest of the document. Checking the photos for consistency and looking at microtext can also be helpful. The text of a valid license should be readable under a magnifying lens. Any difference between a genuine and a fake document could be a sign of fraud.
The DVLA warns against buying or using a fake licence is a serious crime that could result in a substantial fine or even jail time. The agency suggests that people only buy a driving licence through the DVLA website or through authorized outlets. It is an excellent idea to keep a copy of their driving licence at all times in case they are asked to show proof of age.
Someone who has fake licenses could be at risk of being involved in an accident and face other consequences, like losing their job. The DVLA is concerned that some people are purchasing and using fake documents to avoid taking a driving test, which they argue is important for safety on the road.
Fake documents are commonly employed to target teenagers who try to buy alcohol or cigarettes. Many retailers have an "adverse 25" policy in which they require anyone under the age of 25 to provide an authentic form of identification.
In many cases, it is impossible to tell if someone is using a fake identity because fakes are so well made that they can be almost impossible to distinguish. However, a few simple checks such as checking the postcode and photo, and checking the holograms and UV markings can tell the difference.
How to Identify a Fake UK Licence

Many people present fake IDs in order to gain access to situations, products or services they are not entitled to. This is a frequent problem, and there are a myriad of ways to be scammed, from gaining entry into restricted areas for people of a certain age to gaining employment or securing a tenancy the UK. It is hard to determine whether a piece of ID documentation is real or not.
This is because the majority of legitimate ID documents are designed with characteristics that make them difficult to duplicate. The UK driving license is made of polycarbonate, which is a robust material that is resistant to laser printing and etching. In addition, the plastic is coated with special materials that cause it to glow under UV light. This is the reason why the hologram of a real driving licence will appear to move when moved, something that counterfeiters can't replicate precisely.
Additionally, the text on a genuine UK driving license is printed in raised type, meaning that if you run your finger across it, you will feel bumps. This is a simple way to check for fakes since they appear flat and smooth. Other checks include examining the image for indications of tampering, making sure that the image appears to belong to the license and examining smaller details such as dates and codes. If the date or code doesn't match the person presenting the card, that's another sign that it could be fake.
You can also ask the person to provide their check code and then use this to verify your licence online. This can be done through the DVLA website and it is free to do. This is particularly crucial if you're concerned about the validity of a document, as it can help ensure that you do not get admonished by an armed criminal.
Although Highly recommended Reading is possible to buy fake driving licences from websites, the majority of them are for novelty and should not be used as identification. Remember that it's illegal to create and use fake identification documents. If you are approached by someone who is selling a fake ID, report them. This will not only prevent them from committing crime, but may also prevent legal or insurance issues for you and your business.
How to Order a Fake UK Licence
The internet has enabled a number of businesses to market fake UK driving licences as novelty items. These aren't an exact copy of the genuine UK driving licence as they come with features that can make it easier to identify fakes, for example, the surname letters are not embossed or raised, and the hologram on the reverse does not work. This makes it difficult to present when people are required to present their ID.
Authentic UK licences have security features that make them difficult to create. They include raised surfaces, tactile engraving changing colours and intricate background designs. Certain fakes have UV markings that are detectable under UV light. However this isn't enough anymore as counterfeiters have devised methods to get rid of or eliminate the UV markers.
The date of issue and expiry date are both security elements on the UK driving license. A valid photo (in black and white for photocards with a newer design) and the steering wheel hologram that "turns" as the card moves. The lettering indicates the categories of entitlements that are defined under the European Community Directive, and the national categories in smaller font.
A valid driving licence will also display any endorsements that the holder has received. A fake driving license could have incorrect or missing endorsements. However this is not always the case since many people do not update their driving license when they move.
You can verify the license number online, or by contacting the DVLA. You could also ask the individual for additional evidence of identity. It could be a recent utility bill that is not older than six months, a bank or building society statement or passbook showing their address and name or a valid UK driving licence, or an old-fashioned provisional licence.
If you suspect you've discovered a fake UK license, you can call the DVLA to report it. This will be reported to the police and a criminal investigation may be launched.
Why should you buy a fake UK Licence?
If you run a business that has employees who drive vehicles for company business, it is important to make sure they're legally allowed to perform this. Employers can be held criminally liable when employees are found to have falsified or fake ID, so it's crucial that checks are made on all documents.
A number of companies have been selling UK driving licences without requiring any tests, and it's important to be aware of the signs that could indicate these documents. A few simple tests, such as placing the document in UV light or checking that holograms move, can help to spot fake documents.
Poor print quality is another red flag. Real licenses have sharp, clear images and text. Fake licences are often characterized by blurred or mismatched images. Make sure you have clear, consistent watermarks. Finally, examine the fine print - a fake licence may have misspellings or typos.
Two authentic forms of identification are required by drivers who wish to swap their old-fashioned European driving license to the new photo-card format. The documents must be current (not older than six months) and include the name, date of birth and the address of the person who is requesting an exchange. You may also provide a current driving licence and bank statement, credit card statement, or passbook showing the name and address for the person who wants to change their license.
Many believe it's easy to purchase fake UK driving license. However, this could be a serious risk for the person purchasing the licence and other drivers. It's not only against the law, but it can also cause accidents that could result in serious injuries or even death. Additionally, buying fake driving licenses could cause other crimes, including identity theft and money laundering.
The BBC obtained messages between license providers and their customers, and discovered that they can charge up to PS600 (£600) for an UK driving permit that does not require a test. These vendors encourage their clients to contact them privately via WhatsApp for further details and the text messages show the vendor asking customers to provide their full name and address, as well as date of birth and passport photo. These details are used to generate the license.