Which state to choose? - update

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

Yeah, I second OH or NY for PA area, that's solid advice. Let me break down why those two are usually the go-to and what you need to think about before you pull the trigger.

Honestly, the main reason is regional overlap. PA shares borders with both Ohio and New York, so the templates for those states are super common in the Mid-Atlantic. That means bouncers, bartenders, and even TSA in the tri-state area see them all the time. If you rolled in with something like a California or Florida ID, it'd stick out like a sore thumb because everyone around here knows those are the typical "I'm on vacation" IDs. The more your ID looks like what locals actually carry, the less likely anyone is to give it a second glance.

Picking a state, step by step:

First, figure out where you'll be using it. If you're mostly in PA, pick a neighboring state – OH and NY are the best bets because they're not as common as NJ (which has super complex UV and microprint that can be hard to replicate) but still familiar. Next, check template availability – not all vendors carry every state, so you need to make sure the vendor you're looking at actually has a current, updated version of that state's design. Outdated templates are an instant giveaway. Then look at the security features required: New York has a lot of layered stuff (raised text, UV patterns, microprint on the back, and that ghost image + wave effect), while Ohio is a bit simpler but still has a nice matte finish and fine line work. Beginners often underestimate NY and end up with IDs that flunk basic light tests. Finally, consider the physical feel – both states have thick, rigid cards. PA itself is actually polycarbonate, which is really hard to replicate. OH and NY are standard PVC with some laminate work, much more forgiving for most vendors.

Key terms to know:

OTF (Off the Floor) – means the ID was designed from scratch, not just scanned or "sourced" from a leaked file. OTF is usually better because it's made to match current real IDs.

Template – the digital layout file. You want one that matches the current year's design – states change things every few years.

UV (ultraviolet) – the hidden patterns that glow under blacklight. NY has a ton of UV. If your vendor can't do UV right, skip that state.

Microprint – tiny text that looks like a solid line to the naked eye but reads clearly under magnification. OH has some microprint on the front.

Safety checklist before ordering:

Before you order, make sure the vendor provides a realistic, non-cracked laminate that matches the state's feel – no cheap peeled corners. Ask for a photo of the completed ID under normal light and UV if you can – a good vendor will show you. Make sure the barcode scans properly – some cheap replicas have barcodes that encode fake data but fail decoding at a scanner. And check if the ID has a raised DOB or license number – both OH and NY require that, and it's a common weak point on poor fakes.

Common mistake warnings:

Don't assume that because you like a state design, it's a good pick. I've seen people order Colorado or Texas because the card looks cool, then get burned because the UV patterns were wrong and nobody in PA ever sees those IDs anyway. Also, don't order a state you actually live in unless you're 100% confident the vendor matches every tiny detail. You'll be scrutinized way harder.

Another mistake: going with a state that has a big, bold "ID" background that's easy to mess up. NY's blue wave is notorious for being either too dark or misplaced. If the vendor's sample photos look off, move on.

Last thing – OH and NY are both "common" for a reason. They're used widely by people in the Northeast corridor. Chances are, the more real ones you've handled, the better you'll be at spotting a fake of the same state. So if you've seen a real OH or NY card before, you know what to look for on your own order. That alone can save you a headache.

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