Complete beginner - where do I start?
Hey, welcome aboard! Starting out can feel overwhelming, but honestly it's not that complicated once you break it down. Here's a step-by-step that'll get you going without making the classic beginner mistakes.
First off, pick your state. You want a state you could realistically be from. If you live in Ohio, don't pick California — that's a red flag immediately because your mannerisms, accent, even little things like how you say "pop" vs "soda" will give you away. Also avoid the super common states like CA, NY, TX, FL unless you actually live there; bouncers and clerks see those all the time and know exactly what to look for. Choose a nearby state that's not too picky about their IDs (think states with standard vertical/horizontal layouts, not fancy new ones with complex holograms). Good beginner picks are often midwestern or smaller states that haven't updated their design in a while.
Next, find a vendor. Only, and I mean only, use the trusted vendor list stickied in this forum. Ignore any PMs or random "I know a guy" DMs — those are scammers 99% of the time. Read through the list, pick a few names that keep popping up, and then go to the review section. You'll see key terms like "templates" (the design file), "PVC" (the plastic material, most common), "holograms" (overlays that catch light), "UV" (ultraviolet features visible under blacklight), "microprint" (tiny text), and "raised text" (feels bumpy on the surface). Stick to vendors with at least a dozen recent reviews, not just one or two glowing ones.
Then, read recent reviews carefully. Don't just look at the rating — read the details. Is the hologram placement right? Does the material feel flimsy? How's the turnaround time? Look for consistent feedback over the last month or two. Vendors change, good ones go bad, new ones emerge. A review from 6 months ago is basically useless. Pay attention to mentions of "DL scan" (how it does on a scanner), "bend test" (flexing the card to feel real), and "blacklight test" (UV glow). If multiple people mention the same issue — edge lamination peeling, wrong font size, missing raised birth date — walk away.
Before you order, keep this safety checklist in mind. Never use your real name, address, or any real info — create a clean alias. Use a VPN (or at least Tor) when browsing vendor sites — your ISP can see that traffic. Only pay with cryptocurrency (BTC or Monero), never gift cards or PayPal. When you get the ID, test it at home first: bend it slightly, check for smooth edges, run under UV light if you have one. Never take it straight to a bar. Also, never post order details, tracking numbers, or photos of your ID in public channels — use PMs for any sensitive info.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid include picking a state because you "like the design" — trust me, that's how you end up with an Arizona ID when you've never been west of the Mississippi. Pick realistic. Don't rush and order before researching — give yourself a week to read reviews and lurk. Ignoring the trusted list and trying some random vendor because of a cheap price or fast shipping is a bad idea — you'll get scammed or end up with a terrible ID that gets confiscated. Not checking the mailbox setup is another issue — if parents or roommates grab your mail, that's a problem. Get a PO box or use a friend's address. And finally, don't overthink every little detail. A $100 ID won't be perfect. Aim for good enough to pass a casual glance at a gas station or college bar, not a police checkpoint.
Start with those three steps, take your time, and you'll be set. Feel free to ask if any of the key terms don't make sense — we've all been there.