DMV cited more than 310 people for trying to use fake ID to purchase alcohol

Annual Summer Crackdown Sees Impact as Numbers Drop from Prior Years

ALBANY, NY  —  Investigators for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles cited 312 concertgoers and bar patrons this summer for attempting to use fake identification to purchase alcoholic beverages when they are below the legal drinking age.

A total of 389 fake licenses were seized.

Last year, more than 550 people were cited.

“We are glad to say that this annual enforcement drive is having an impact, as concertgoers are increasingly aware that DMV investigators are present to keep people safe from underage drinking and potentially driving,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “There are so many great venues across New York State to see live music, and we want everyone to enjoy them responsibly.”

DMV works cooperatively with the venues to check for fake identifications. Members of DMV’s Field Investigations division are well-trained on how to spot a fake license, and updated security features added last year make New York’s licenses more difficult to recreate.

In addition to summer concert venues, DMV investigators also focus on bars and restaurants where underage patrons may attempt to buy alcoholic beverages.

Citations and fake ID seizures by region include:

State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan said, “All New Yorkers deserve to return from summer knowing that their children are back to school safely and that our roads and highways are as safe as possible for their daily commutes. The State Liquor Authority is proud to join our partners at the DMV to announce a decrease in finding of fake ID use at venues across the state. This is an encouraging outcome. Ensuring that alcohol stays out of the hands of our underage youth is our mission and requires constant collaborative effort between the state, local law enforcement, and our licensed retailers.  We continue to focus our enforcement efforts to avoid future sales to minor and encourage retailers to use available technology for protect themselves and the public’s safety.”

OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Underage drinking can lead to negative health consequences, including addiction. Efforts like this are an important part of the ongoing prevention efforts across New York State, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to address this issue and keep New Yorkers safe.”

New Yorkers struggling with addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports website.