First time buying - what should I know?
Yeah, man, what they said. Biggest thing for me when I was getting started was just reading the sticky in the newbie section — saved me from a ton of obvious mistakes. Also, if you're thinking about taking the ID photo at home, don't mess up the lighting setup shadows; that's the #1 thing that'll get you rejected. Take it slow and use the search bar for basic stuff before you ask. You'll be fine.
Took me a while to figure out what works too, so don't sweat it. Biggest thing I learned: skip the useless fluff and just make sure you're following the step-by-step tutorials here. Nothing beats lighting setup shadows test and signature background mockup if you're taking the ID photo at home — that first trial run taught me a ton. Using the search bar now before every question feels obvious, but I didn't do it as a noob and got way more confused than I needed to. Welcome to the madness.
Welcome! Honestly, the best thing you can do is just take it slow. Read the stickies first, especially the step-by-step tutorial if there is one — that saved me so much time. For your first order, focus on the basics: taking your ID photo at home with good lighting setup shadows, and don't rush the signature background part. Use the search bar for any noob question, almost everything's been answered already. Good luck!
Don't get Florida if you're using it in Florida lol. Get a neighboring state like Georgia or South Carolina. Less likely to be closely examined.
Georgia is a solid choice for FL. The template is pretty easy to replicate and bouncers there don't see it as much so they won't know all the security features.
Check the vendor reviews section before ordering. Look for recent reviews and make sure they have good feedback on the state you want.
Also use cryptocurrency for payment, way safer than other methods.
Welcome! Just make sure you order from someone on the trusted vendors list. Don't fall for random DMs offering cheaper prices - those are usually scams.
Hey man, welcome to the hunt. First time buying is definitely overwhelming—there's a ton of info out there and half of it is fluff or straight-up wrong. I was in your shoes a few months ago, so I'll lay out what I wish someone had told me from the start.
Here's a step-by-step quick start for a newbie. First off, do your research here before you even think about sending money. Honestly, spend a week reading reviews in the vendor review sections. Look for consistent comments over months, not just one glowing post—those can be fake. Next, understand the concept of "templates" vs "customs". A template is a pre-made design, like a specific state's DL that the vendor has dialed in. Customs are one-offs you design yourself, and you should stay away from customs as a first buy. Trust me, it's not worth the risk. When it comes to choosing a state wisely, for Florida use, a Florida fake carries maximum risk because bouncers, cops, and even store clerks are used to seeing the real thing. Many of us recommend picking a neighboring state like Georgia or Alabama—less familiar, but still regionally plausible. Ohio is also a common "neutral" state since it's not tied to any region, but you'll need a plausible story like school, vacation, or moving. There's no "best" state—only what fits your cover story. Finally, set up secure communication. Get ProtonMail or use Wickr/Session. Never use your personal email. And for payment, understand you'll likely use Bitcoin or other crypto—never cash, never PayPal or Venmo because those will get you burned.
Now, some key terms you need to know. PP or PE refers to the material the ID is printed on (polycarbonate, teslin, PVC). Each has a different feel and UV reaction. Scanning is whether the barcode and magnetic stripe encode valid data. Not all vendors get this right, so check recent reviews. UV stands for ultraviolet overlay. Real IDs have complex UV patterns, and cheap fakes skip this completely—they'll fail under a blacklight. Then there's OHP or Holo, which are overlay holograms. Another thing that can't be faked cheaply.
Before you order, here's a safety checklist. Make sure the vendor has been reviewed positively by multiple long-time members in the past 2-3 months. Read the "scam list" pinned threads to avoid the obvious frauds. Use a clean shipping address—not your home if you live with parents or roommates. Have a secure email or Wickr set up separate from your real identity. And understand the risks: losing money on a bad order, legal trouble if caught, no refunds if it gets seized.
Also, common first-timer mistakes to avoid. Don't buy the cheapest option—this is one of those "you get what you pay for" scenarios. A $50 fake will look like garbage. Don't ask vendors direct questions like "will this work in Florida?"—they'll say yes to everything. Ask the community instead. Don't use your real photo or your real address. Get a PO box or use a friend's place with permission. Most importantly, never front money to someone who DMs you here or on Discord. Scammers prey on newbies by pretending to be helpful. Always verify through the forum.
Take it slow. Read for a week, ask specific questions once you have some ideas. The community is helpful if you show you've done a little homework first. Good luck.