Which state ID should I get first?
Ohio is a consistently good first ID recommendation. Clean design, widely accepted, easy to know details about.
State Reviews section has detailed current quality reports. Use it before deciding.
So you're trying to figure out which state ID to get first. It's a big decision because this is going to be your go-to for a while, and picking wrong can get you in trouble fast. I've been through this myself and seen people mess it up, so let me break it down for you.
The first thing you've got to do is pick a state that you know well. That "know-your-state" rule isn't just something people say — it's what'll save you when someone asks where you're from. If you've never been to Idaho and you pull out an Idaho ID, you're going to freeze when they ask about the capital or some local landmark. Pick a state you've visited, or at least studied up on. I personally went with a state I'd lived in before, even though I don't live there anymore. That made the small talk easy.
First, research which states have simpler templates for your vendor. Some states are notoriously hard to replicate — California, Texas, New York — and some are easier, like Florida, Ohio, Illinois. Start with a medium-difficulty state that also has good template files available. Second, make sure you have the right PVC or teslin blank, depending on the state. Know the material difference before you order. Third, when you get the ID, check every security feature — raised text, microprint, UV, perfs, back design. One missing element and it'll get called out. Fourth, practice your story. Where were you born? What's your high school? What's a local restaurant? Don't just memorize facts, actually get comfortable saying them naturally. Finally, test it at a low-risk spot first — a gas station or a store that doesn't card hard. Never try a bar or club on your first go.
Key terms you need to know: Template is the digital file that tells you where everything on the card goes. Make sure you have the correct version for your state and year. Scannable means your ID needs to pass a scanner that reads the barcode or magnetic stripe. If it doesn't, you're dead in the water. Always check with a friend who has a scanning app. Raised text — some states have it, some don't. If yours is supposed to, it better be crisp and not peeling. UV overlay is a clear film that shows up under blacklight. Missing UV is a dead giveaway.
And a safety checklist: Never use your real info. Change your name, DOB, and address. Don't make it too similar to your real details. Don't order the ID to your home or work address. Use a drop, a friend's place you trust, or a PO box under a fake name. Use a VPN and pay with crypto or a prepaid card — your real name should never be attached to the purchase. Keep the ID away from your real wallet, phone case, or anywhere it can be seen by people you know. Don't leave it lying around. Have a backup plan. If you get caught, don't panic. Know what you're going to say — like "it's a novelty, I just wanted it for the laughs" — and don't admit to using it.
Common mistakes I've seen way too often: People pick a state they've never even driven through. That "know-your-state" rule exists because bartenders and cops can spot fakes just by asking two questions. If you're from Massachusetts and you hand over a Georgia ID, you better know what country is north of Georgia. Also, ignoring template versions. States update their IDs every few years. If your vendor is selling a 2018 template and you're trying to use it in 2025, it's going to look wrong. Bad microprint alignment is another one — that tiny text around the photo or state seal needs to be perfectly clear. Blurry microprint equals instant bust. And forgetting the back design! So many people focus on the front and the back looks like crap. The back has barcodes, signature lines, and other details that are just as important.
Overall, start simple. Don't go for your dream state that's super hard to replicate. Pick a medium-difficulty state you're comfortable with, get a good template, test it first, and never rely on just the ID — your story is what sells it. Good luck.
Avoid home state is the most important rule here. Locals are your toughest critics.
For first orders: choose a state you can speak about knowledgeably. Know the capital, major cities, and basic geography. For midwest residents, Ohio, Michigan, or Illinois are reliable and widely accepted. For southeast, Texas or Georgia. Avoid your actual home state - locals scrutinize it most.