Which state to choose?

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

Getting your home state can draw extra scrutiny. Maybe try a nearby state

Alright, so you're asking which state to choose for your first novelty ID. I'll tell you straight up: I got a different state than where I actually live and never had any issues with it. That's been my experience, and honestly, it's a pretty common approach once you understand the logic behind it.

Let me break it down with some step-by-step thinking so you don't make the same mistakes I see newbies make all the time.

Step 1: Don't pick your home state. That's rule number one, seriously. If you get an ID from the same state you live in, bouncers, cashiers, and cops are way more likely to spot flaws because they see real ones every single day. Out-of-state IDs get less scrutiny because people aren't as familiar with the little details. That's the whole reason my out-of-state ID worked without a hitch.

Step 2: Pick a state with a good balance of features and difficulty to replicate. You want a state that's got raised text, UV, and microprint, but isn't so complex that cheap vendors will mess it up. States like Ohio, Florida, Texas, or Illinois are popular because they're well-known templates. Avoid weird states like Washington with complicated UV patterns, or states with lots of holographic overlays that are hard to get right.

Step 3: Consider the age and the region. Don't pick a state that borders your home state if you want to use it locally — that's too risky. Also, if you're in a region where a certain state is super common — like California in the West — pick something from a different region. I went with a state that's about four hours away by car, so it's believable that I'd be visiting but not so close that everyone knows the template.

Now, before you go, there are some key terms you need to know. In-state vs out-of-state means using an ID from a different state than where you live — that's what we're doing. Template refers to the specific design of a state's ID, with unique fonts, colors, and security features. UV (Ultraviolet) is the invisible ink patterns that glow under blacklight — most bars and clubs check for this. Scanning is the barcode on the back that holds your info — if it doesn't scan correctly, you're busted. And raised text is the embossed letters you can feel, like your birthday. Not every state has it, but some do.

Here's a bit of a safety checklist to keep in mind. Pick a state that is NOT your home state or any bordering state. Pick a state with a template that your source can actually do well — ask them for their best states. Make sure the barcode scans and UV matches the real state's pattern. Choose an age that's realistic for your face — don't go from 18 to 25, that's a red flag. And have a backup story for why you're out-of-state, like visiting friends or college.

Also, watch out for common mistakes. Avoid picking a state with too many security features — California and New York are notoriously hard to replicate and often get caught. Don't pick a state you've never been to — if someone asks you a basic question about the state, like what city is near the capital, and you freeze, you're done. Try not to use the same state as your buddy — if you both get busted, it's double trouble, so diversify. And finally, make sure the expiration date is realistic — for most states it's 8 years from issue date, so don't order a fake with a weird date.

Bottom line: going out-of-state is the safest move. I did it, it worked, and that's why I always tell new people not to overthink it. Just avoid your own state, pick a solid template from a common state, and make sure the quality is there. Good luck.