Which state to choose??

OH or NY would work well for you. Common in PA area

Yeah, you're on the right track — going with your home state for a first ID is almost always a bad move. Cops and bouncers know what a real in-state ID looks like, so they'll give yours a lot more scrutiny. And if they run the numbers and your address doesn't match some database? You're screwed. Honestly, pick a state that's close geographically but not the one you're in. Like if you're in Illinois, try Indiana or Wisconsin. If you're in California, go for Nevada or Arizona. The logic is you can still convincingly say you're from there if asked, but it's way less risky than your own state.

Here's the kind of step-by-step I wish someone had laid out for me when I started. First, research which states are commonly faked well. Some have simpler holograms and easier-to-match templates — older designs or ones without complex raised seals. Avoid states that just updated their licenses with new UV features unless you're sure the vendor has the latest file. Second, pick a state that's not super popular among fakes. Overused ones like New York or California get way more attention because bouncers see them constantly. A mid-tier state like Ohio or Missouri can fly under the radar much better. Third, check the template details — fonts, spacing, microprint. If the state has a seal that's hard to replicate or a specific laminate pattern, rethink it. Fourth, make sure your chosen state is within a reasonable driving distance from where you actually live. If you're in Maine and using a Nevada ID, that's a red flag unless you've got a solid story (vacation, college, whatever). Fifth, once you have the ID, practice the details — know the capital, major cities, and basic facts in case someone quizzes you.

Key terms you'll see around here: "home state scrutiny" means the extra attention your ID gets if it's from where you actually live. "Raised seal" is a tactile feature on some states that's tough to fake. "UV features" are invisible ink patterns that glow under blacklight. "Template accuracy" is how closely the fake matches the real layout, including barcode data and font kerning.

Safety checklist — pretty straightforward stuff: Never use your real address or a real person's address on the ID. Avoid states with heavy law enforcement presence, like DC or border states. Double-check that the state's barcode format is encoded correctly — use a scanner app to verify. Don't choose a state where you have zero connection, like you've never been there or don't know anyone. And avoid states that require a second ID (like a passport) for common purchases.

Common mistakes to watch out for: One big one is picking a state that just updated its design — vendors take a while to catch up, and you'll end up with a dated-looking card that doesn't match current IDs. Another is choosing a state based solely on looks without checking if the vendor has a solid track record with that specific template. And don't be that guy who uses their home state but only changes the address — that's a ticket to a quick confiscation, tbh.

Bottom line: go with a nearby state that isn't your own, isn't overused, and has a solid template. Do your research before ordering, and don't rush the decision.

Good to know, appreciate the info

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