Complete beginner - what should I know before ordering?
Yeah listen to these guys — read the sticky posts first, seriously. That'll answer like 90% of your noob questions before you even have to ask. One thing I wish I knew early on: getting the step-by-step tutorial right for the ID photo at home matters more than you'd think. Bad lighting setup with shadows on your face is the #1 reason stuff gets rejected. Don't rush it, use the search bar for example photos, and you'll be golden.
Hey man, welcome to the community! You're asking the right questions before jumping in, and trust me — that alone puts you ahead of half the people who end up getting burned. Let me break this down so you don't make the rookie mistakes we all made.
Step 1 – Find the Verified Vendors List – This is non-negotiable. Go to the pinned post at the top of the forum and look for the current verified vendors list. It gets updated regularly because scammers pop up and good vendors go down. Stick to that list like glue. Don't Google "best fake ID sites" or click on random Reddit links — that's how you get exit-scammed or phished.
Step 2 – Choose the Right State – You've already got the most critical piece: never order your own state. If you're in New York, get a nearby state like Connecticut or New Jersey. The logic is simple — a bouncer or cashier in NYC sees hundreds of NY IDs a night. They know every microprint, every hologram, every font quirk. A CT or NJ ID? They see those way less often, so the chances of them spotting a flaw go way down. Plus, it's legal to use an out-of-state ID as long as it's not yours — obviously don't use it for anything official like flying or buying alcohol under 21.
Key Terms You Need to Know – You'll want to get familiar with the lingo. The template is the digital design file for the state's ID. Different vendors have different quality templates, and CT and NJ are common, well-replicated ones. Microprint is tiny text that only shows under magnification — real IDs have it, good fakes replicate it. UV is ultraviolet ink visible under blacklight, and it's required for most states. Then there's the material: polycarbonate vs Teslin. Polycarbonate is the hard plastic used by most newer states (like NY, CT), while Teslin is the softer, more flexible material older states use. Make sure your vendor offers the right material for the state you choose.
Safety Checklist – Before You Order – Before pulling the trigger, run through this checklist. Use a VPN and incognito browser when visiting vendor sites. Pay with cryptocurrency (Bitcoin or Monero) if possible — never use your real name or address. Have the package shipped to a different name at a safe address — don't use your college dorm if you share a mailbox. Check recent reviews for the vendor you picked; look for people complaining about customs seizures or bad quality. And buy only one first, test it yourself before ordering for friends.
Common Mistakes That Get People Caught – These are the classic screw-ups. Ordering your own state — already covered, but seriously, don't. Using a credit card or PayPal linked to your real identity. Getting a state with a "raised seal" that doesn't match your age (like an under-21 horizontal ID with a vertical layout) — some states have different designs for under 21 vs over 21. Taking a bad photo — no shadows, no phone in hand, plain background, neutral expression. And picking a state you've never visited — if someone asks you a question about "your" state and you can't answer, you're done. Learn the basics: capital, major cities, sports teams, zip code format.
Take your time, read the stickies, and ask questions in the beginner thread before pulling the trigger. Better to wait an extra week than lose your money. Good luck!
