Governor Cuomo Announces Record Number of Fake ID Seizures in 2018

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced New York’s efforts to deter underage drinking resulted in a record number of fake identification seizures in 2018. The year-round Operation Prevent initiative focuses on concert venues, bars, restaurants and alcohol retailers throughout the State. The State seized 892 fake documents as part of the initiative, up from 814 in 2017.

«It goes without saying that New York State has absolutely zero tolerance for underage drinking, and last year’s record number of fake ID seizures demonstrates once again that we are deadly serious about tackling this issue,» Governor Cuomo said. «Underage drinking often leads to avoidable tragedies, and we will continue these successful enforcement measures to crack down on illegal behavior and ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.»

Investigators from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles are taking several steps to strengthen their enforcement efforts that have led to higher numbers of fake ID seizures. DMV investigators are now using a mobile computer at large venues to speed the processing of tickets and working closely with state and local law enforcement to identify areas where underage drinking is occurring and enforcement is needed. In one enforcement initiative in December, DMV and SLA investigators ticketed 115 people in a bar in Hyde Park, resulting in the suspension of the facility’s liquor license.

Last year, 922 people were ticketed for using false identification or using another person’s identification, up from 843 in 2017. Additionally, 892 fake documents were seized, up from 814 the year before.

Fake identification arrests and the number of IDs seized in 2018 by region include: