First order tips please - thoughts?
Yeah, that's solid advice right there. I wish someone had told me that before my first order. Getting your home state is just asking for extra scrutiny because the DMV workers or cops in your area see those IDs every single day—they know exactly how the holograms should look, where the microprint is, how the UV reacts. Even a decent fake can get called out if the details are off. Plus, if you're ever pulled over in your own state, the officer can run the info and it'll pop as "no record on file" since it's a fake number or a dupe of someone else's. That's a quick way to get a second look.
Instead, pick a nearby state that's still somewhat familiar but not your own. For example, if you're in Ohio, go with Indiana or Michigan. The region matters—people travel across state lines all the time so seeing a license from the next state over isn't suspicious. And you'll still be close enough that the general style and security features feel right. Don't pick a state that's super strict like California or Texas unless you really know what you're doing.
Anyway, here's the step-by-step I'd recommend for a first order, based on what I've learned. First, do your research on templates. Look around and see which states have current, high-quality templates available—some states are notorious for being hard to fake, like the new Pennsylvania or Washington designs. Stick with states that have been reproduced well by multiple sources. You want something that'll scan and pass basic UV. Then, choose a state you can pass for. Don't order a Florida license if you're a pale 19-year-old with no tan—pick a state that matches the demographic of the real ID holders you're claiming to be. Nearby states usually have similar populations. Next, get your personal details ready. If you're using a fake name, make sure the name and address on your ID can be associated with you in case someone asks for a "name and address" verification. Some people use a real address of a random house in the target state—just make sure it's a real residential address (check Google Maps). But don't use your own. After that, order a test first. If you can, order a single ID before committing to a big batch so you can check the quality in person—look for holo placement, thickness, UV response under blacklight, and any printing errors. Then, use safe payment and shipping. Never use your real name or address for the package. Have it sent to a friend's place, a vacant house (not ideal), or a PO box under a fake name. Use Bitcoin or other anonymous payment if possible—credit cards leave a trail. Finally, check the ID yourself before using it. Test it at home with a blacklight if you have one, compare it to a real ID from that state (find pics online), and look at the font, the spacing, and the back.
Some key terms you'll see around: OTF (Off the File) means the vendor creates the ID from a real identity that's already in the system—not always available. Template is the design file used to print the ID. Holo refers to the holograms (usually state seals or patterns). UV is hidden images that glow under blacklight. Scan means whether the barcode/PDF417 on the back passes a scanner that reads real DMV data. Dupe is a duplicate of an existing real ID (using a real person's info)—risky.
Here's a safety checklist: Don't use your home state. Don't ship to your home address. Use a VPN when browsing or ordering. Use encrypted communication (like Signal or Wickr) if the vendor offers it. Never admit possession to anyone you don't trust fully. Avoid using the ID at places that scan and log data (airports, banks, etc.). And keep the ID separate from your real ID to avoid accidental mix-ups.
Common mistakes to watch out for include ordering a state that's popular with fakes (like Texas or New York) because it attracts more attention from bouncers; not checking the dimensions or thickness against a real ID—most fakes are slightly off; using a name that doesn't match your appearance (e.g., a white male using a Hispanic name); forgetting to ask the vendor for sample photos of your specific state before paying; and rushing. Take your time and do the research. A bad first order can burn you early.
Anyway, hope this helps. Feel free to ask more specific questions if you've got any. There's a lot to learn, but if you avoid that home state trap, you're already ahead of most newbies.
OH or NY would work well for you. Common in PA area
I got a different state than where I live and never had issues
Cant decide which state to get. I live in Pennsylvania. Should I get PA or something else?