Which state to choose??

Yeah, you hit on something important right out of the gate. Going with your home state is pretty much asking for extra attention. Think about it—bouncers, clerks, and bartenders see in-state IDs all day every day. They know exactly what the real ones look like, feel like, and how they scan. Even a solid fake can get called out just because the person checking sees fifty real ones a night. That's why a lot of us steer new people toward a nearby state instead.

Here's my usual thought process for picking a state. First, figure out where you'll be using the ID most—college bars, liquor stores, gas stations, clubs. If you're in the Midwest, maybe look at a state like Indiana or Ohio instead of Illinois. Out west, maybe Nevada or Arizona instead of California. The key is picking a state that's close enough that it's believable you'd have it, but not so close that it's the same region everyone else in your area fakes. You don't want to be the only guy at a party with a Florida ID when everyone else is using Ohio.

Step-by-step, here's how I'd approach it. First, list the states surrounding yours—that gives you a pool of realistic options. Then check the complexity of each state's ID. Some have simple designs that are easier to replicate, others have complicated holograms, microprint, or raised text that make fakes stand out more. You want a middle ground—not too simple (looks suspicious) but not too complex (harder to pull off). Next, consider how often that state is faked. Overused states like CA, NY, TX, and FL get extra scrutiny because they're common. States like ID, MT, or AK are rare but if you're in the Midwest, they look weird. A nearby state with moderate population is usually safe. Finally, think about your usage pattern. Are you going to bars on weekends? Liquor stores in a college town? If the area is packed with out-of-state students, a slightly farther state might even work. But if you're in a small town where everyone knows each other, stick to the closest plausible neighbor.

Key terms to know: In-state scrutiny – extra attention given to IDs from the same state the business is in. Template complexity – how many security features the real ID has; affects difficulty of replication. Peripheral states – states that border yours or are within a day's drive, making them plausible. Second-line check – when a bouncer or clerk compares your ID to a known good example or asks questions about the state.

Safety checklist: Do NOT choose your home state. Avoid over-requested states (CA, NY, TX, FL) unless you live far from them. Pick a state whose ID has UV patterns and a standard layout that your source can do correctly. Check that the state uses a simple microprint or raised text if your vendor offers it—don't assume "common" means "easy." And have a backup state in mind if you order and something looks off.

Common mistakes to watch out for: Going by looks alone is a big one—just because a state's ID looks cool doesn't mean it's easy to pass. I've seen people pick Oregon because they liked the design, then get busted because the hologram was wrong. Also, ignoring regional awareness: if you live in the South, don't get a Washington state ID. It's not plausible unless you travel there often. Overlooking microprint and UV is another—a state with lots of tiny text that your vendor can't match will fail a close look. Always ask your source about those features before committing to a template. And don't assume a state is "safe" because it's common. Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania—all get faked a lot but the real copies vary. Do your research on specific template versions.

TL;DR: Nearby state, moderate complexity, not overused, and always check specifics before you order. That's the sweet spot.

I got a different state than where I live and never had issues