Minor in Possession and Fake ID Laws by State (2026)
How each state handles underage drinking and fake ids and the penalties, from each state's code.
| State | Underage drinking and fake IDs |
|---|---|
| Alabama | It is illegal for anyone under 21 to attempt to buy, buy, drink, possess or transport alcohol, apart from limited job duties for 18- to 20-year-old restaurant servers and licensee employees. A violation is a misdemeanor with a fine of $50 to $500 and up to 3 months in jail. Knowingly using or trying to use a fake or nongenuine driver's license to get alcohol carries the same penalty. For both offenses, on conviction (including in juvenile court or as a youthful offender) the person's driver's license must be surrendered to the judge and suspended for 3 to 6 months. Ala. Code 1975 §§ 28-1-5, 28-3A-25(a)(18), (a)(21), (b)(2), (c) |
| Alaska | A person under 21 may not knowingly consume, possess or control alcohol (except as allowed under AS 04.16.051(b)) or buy or ask someone else to buy alcohol; each is a non-criminal violation punished by a $500 fine, which the court may reduce to $50 (one or fewer prior violations) or $250 (two or more) if the person completes an alcohol safety action program or community diversion panel within six months. A person under 21 may not use a false or borrowed birth certificate or other evidence of age, or otherwise misrepresent age, to get served in a licensed premises, and misrepresenting someone's age to get them alcohol is the violation of delivery to a person under 21 ($500). AS 04.16.050, 04.16.060 |
| Arizona | It is a class 1 misdemeanor (up to 6 months and $2,500) for a person under 21 to buy, receive, possess or consume alcohol, and a person under 18 convicted for the first time may also have driving privileges suspended for up to 180 days. It is also an offense for a person under 21 to have any alcohol in their body, or to drive with any alcohol in their body (a class 1 misdemeanor). Misrepresenting age with written identification to get alcohol, or using a false, altered or someone else's ID to enter a licensed bar, is a class 1 misdemeanor with a minimum $250 fine, and the person's driver license may be suspended. A.R.S. §§ 4-244(9), (34), (41), 4-246, 4-241(L), (N), (O) |
| Arkansas | It is unlawful for anyone under 21 to buy or possess alcohol, and alcohol in a minor's body counts as possession. A person 18 to 20 who violates this commits a 'violation' with a fine of $100 to $500, and the judge may require essays on alcohol or educational probation; minors under 18 are handled under the Juvenile Code. On arrest, a person 18 or older must surrender their driver's license, which is suspended for 60 days for a first offense, 120 days for a second, and 1 year for a third or later. A minor who calls for emergency medical help for someone else and cooperates may be immune from prosecution. Ark. Code § 3-3-203 |
| California | A person under 21 who buys alcohol, or drinks alcohol in a bar or other on-sale premises, or possesses alcohol on a street, highway or any public place, commits a misdemeanor punished by a $250 fine or 24 to 32 hours of community service (up to $500 or 36 to 48 hours for a repeat). Presenting a false or borrowed ID to buy alcohol, or possessing a fake ID, by a person under 21 carries the same penalties. These offenses may also be charged as infractions. A driver under 21 may not knowingly carry alcohol in a vehicle, and a passenger under 21 may not possess it, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or designated adult or working for a licensee; this is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or $1,000), and the vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days. For listed alcohol and drug offenses committed at ages 13 to 20, the court must suspend the driving privilege for one year (or delay a first license by one year). Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 25658(b), (e), 25661, 25662; Cal. Veh. Code 23224, 13202.5; Cal. Penal Code 17(d), 19.8 |
| Colorado | A person under 21 who possesses or drinks alcohol anywhere in Colorado commits illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol by an underage person, a strict-liability unclassified petty offense. A first offense brings a fine of up to $100, a substance-abuse education program, or both; a second, a fine of up to $100 plus required education, assessment and treatment if needed, and up to 24 hours of public service; a third or later, a fine of up to $250, required assessment and treatment, and up to 36 hours of public service, plus a $25 surcharge. Prosecutors are encouraged to offer diversion. C.R.S. § 18-13-122(3), (4); C.R.S. §§ 18-1.3-401, 18-1.3-501, 18-1.3-503 |
| Connecticut | A minor who possesses alcohol in a public or private place commits an infraction for a first offense and faces a $200 to $500 fine for a later offense (exceptions apply when with a parent, guardian or spouse who is 21 or older, for employees, or on a doctor's order, and a minor who calls 911 for someone in danger and cooperates is not prosecuted). An underage person who buys or tries to buy alcohol or lies to get it is fined $200 to $500. Lying about age or using someone else's license to buy alcohol is punished by a $200 to $500 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both. A person under 21 convicted of misusing a license this way loses their driver's license for 150 days; a possession conviction brings a 60-day or 30-day suspension, and someone without a license must wait 150 days before getting one. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 30-88a, 30-89, 14-111e |
| Delaware | A person under 21 who possesses alcohol or is found to have drunk it pays a $100 civil penalty for a first violation and $200 to $500 for later violations; the first and second violations are civil (not on a criminal record), and a third or later is an unclassified misdemeanor. Being in a tavern, taproom or package store under 21 carries a $50 fine. An underage person who lies about being 21 to get alcohol is fined $100 to $500 (first offense) or $500 to $1,000 (later offenses). A person convicted of a first possession or tavern offense may seek expungement after turning 21. 4 Del. C. § 904(b), (e), (f), (o) |
| District of Columbia | People under 21 may not buy, try to buy, possess or drink alcohol, misrepresent their age, or use a fraudulent ID to buy alcohol or enter licensed premises. Underage possession or drinking is handled with civil penalties rather than a criminal charge: up to $300 and a 90-day suspension of D.C. driving privileges for a first violation, up to $600 and 180 days for a second, and up to $1,000 and one year for a third or later violation. The Mayor may require a diversion program, which can include alcohol awareness education and community service. D.C. Code § 25-1002 |
| Florida | A person under 21 who possesses alcohol commits a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days and $500), and a later offense is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year and $1,000); employees 18 and older serving alcohol at licensed businesses and culinary students tasting in class are exempt. An underage person who buys or tries to buy alcohol, or anyone who lies about age to get it, commits a second-degree misdemeanor, and the court may add up to 40 hours of community service if a state license or ID was misused. Possessing a fake, counterfeit or borrowed driver license or ID is generally a third-degree felony, but possessing one with only the birth date altered is a second-degree misdemeanor. A driver under 21 with a 0.02 or higher alcohol level faces a 6-month license suspension (1 year for a repeat). Fla. Stat. §§ 562.111, 562.11(2), 322.212, 322.2616; Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082, 775.083 |
| Georgia | People under 21 may not buy or try to buy alcohol, knowingly possess it, lie about their age, or use false identification to get it (exceptions: alcohol given by a parent or guardian in their home with them present, religious ceremonies, prescriptions, and certain jobs). A first violation is generally a misdemeanor (for possession, up to 6 months and $300), and using false identification is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature; a second violation is generally a high and aggravated misdemeanor. First offenders may receive deferred probation leading to dismissal, and a person who seeks medical help in good faith for an alcohol overdose is protected from arrest and prosecution for these offenses. O.C.G.A. §§ 3-3-23, 3-3-23.1 |
| Hawaii | People under 21 may not buy or drink alcohol, possess it in public places, at public gatherings, on beaches or parks, or in a vehicle on a public road, or use a false, borrowed or fictitious ID to buy it (exceptions for delivering it for an employer, religious ceremonies, and authorized compliance checks or studies). For ages 18 to 20 a violation is a petty misdemeanor; those under 18 are handled in family court. Every violator must do 75 hours of community service and an alcohol education and counseling program, and the person's license or permit is suspended for at least 180 days (or, if unlicensed, eligibility is delayed until age 17 or for 180 days). Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-101.5; Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 706-640, 706-659, 706-660, 706-663 |
| Idaho | A person under 21 who buys, tries to buy, possesses or drinks alcohol commits an infraction on a first violation ($300 fine) and a misdemeanor after that (up to $2,000 and 30 days in jail; a third or later conviction up to $3,000 and 60 days). On a misdemeanor conviction the court must suspend the young person's driving privileges for up to one year (up to two years if previously suspended for this), with possible restricted privileges, and may order an alcohol evaluation and treatment. A person with only one such violation and no other alcohol or drug findings within five years is entitled to have it vacated and sealed. Using false identification or misrepresenting age is covered by the same age-violation penalties. Idaho Code §§ 23-604, 18-1502 |
| Illinois | A person under 21 may not buy, accept a gift of, possess or drink alcohol, and no one may transfer, alter or deface an ID, use another person's ID, carry or use a false or forged ID, or get an ID with false information. Violating these rules of the Liquor Control Act is a Class A misdemeanor (less than one year in jail and up to $2,500). Exceptions include religious services, drinking at home under a parent's direct supervision, culinary students tasting in class, and immunity for possession or consumption when the person called for medical help for someone else or reported a sexual assault and cooperated. A driver under 21 convicted of carrying open alcohol in a vehicle is subject to loss of driving privileges. 235 ILCS 5/6-20; 625 ILCS 5/11-502(f); 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55 |
| Indiana | It is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 60 days and $500) for a minor (under 21) to knowingly possess or consume alcohol, or to transport it on a public highway without a parent or guardian. If the minor drank or transported alcohol while driving, the court may suspend driving privileges for up to one year, and must suspend them for at least 60 days if the minor is under 18. Lying about age or presenting a false ID to buy alcohol is a Class C misdemeanor, merely possessing a fake ID to violate the alcohol laws is a Class C infraction, and selling or giving a minor a fake ID is a Class C misdemeanor. A person who seeks medical help for someone or reports a sex offense or crime may be immune under IC 7.1-5-1-6.5. IC 7.1-5-7-7, 7.1-5-7-1, 7.1-5-7-2, 7.1-5-7-3; IC 7.1-1-3-25; IC 7.1-5-1-6.5; IC 35-50-3-4 |
| Iowa | People under 21 may not buy, try to buy, drink or possess alcohol (exceptions include drinking at home with a parent's knowledge and consent). For an 18- to 20-year-old, a first offense is a simple misdemeanor with a $260 scheduled fine; a second is a $500 fine plus a choice between a substance-use evaluation or a license suspension of up to one year; a third or later is a $500 fine and a suspension of up to one year. Violations by those under 18 go to juvenile court. Using a fake or altered driver's license or ID to buy alcohol is a simple misdemeanor with a $260 scheduled fine and is reported to the DOT for license action. Iowa Code §§ 123.47(3)-(4), 805.8C(7), 321.216B, 805.8A(4)(h) |
| Kansas | No one under 21 may possess, consume, obtain, buy or try to buy alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage. For ages 18-20 it is a class C misdemeanor with a minimum $200 fine; those under 18 are handled as juvenile offenders with a $200-$500 fine. The court must also order the driver's license suspended for 30 days on a first conviction, 90 days on a second and one year on a third, and may order 40 hours of community service or an alcohol education program. Using or possessing a fake or altered driver's license to buy alcohol while under 21 is a class B misdemeanor with at least 100 hours of community service and a $200-$500 fine (class A on a repeat). People who call for medical help for an alcohol emergency have immunity. K.S.A. 41-727; K.S.A. 8-260(c)(4), (d) |
| Kentucky | A person under 21 may not possess alcohol for personal use, buy or try to buy it, have someone else buy it, misrepresent their age, or enter a licensed premises to buy alcohol. These are 'violations' (non-criminal offenses with a fine of up to $250). Using or trying to use a false, fraudulent or altered ID to buy alcohol is a violation for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor (up to 12 months) for each later offense. For anyone under 18, these offenses are status offenses handled in juvenile court or the family court. KRS 244.085(1)-(4), (8); KRS 244.990(4), (5), (7) |
| Louisiana | It is unlawful for anyone under 21 to buy or publicly possess an alcoholic beverage. The penalty is a fine up to $100 via a citation that is not placed on the person's criminal history record, and the court may suspend the driver's license for 180 days (a hardship license may be allowed for a first conviction). Buying alcohol for someone under 21 (other than a parent, spouse or guardian) carries a fine up to $500, up to 30 days, or both. Possessing a fake ID (a fraudulent identification document) carries a fine up to $500, up to 6 months, or both; making or distributing one carries up to $5,000 and up to 3 years. La. R.S. 14:93.12; 14:93.13; 14:70.7(C) |
| Maine | A person under 21 may not buy, consume (except at home with a parent or guardian present), or possess alcohol, have alcohol on licensed premises, possess a false ID card, or show false or borrowed proof of age to buy alcohol or get into a bar. Each is a civil violation, not a crime: a fine of $200 to $400 for a first offense, $300 to $600 for a second, and a mandatory $600 for a third or later; later fines may not be suspended except as the statute allows (for example, for community service or education). A minor who knowingly transports alcohol in a vehicle under the minor's control commits a separate civil violation (up to $500 for a first offense). 28-A M.R.S. § 2051(1), (2); § 2052(1-A) |
| Maryland | A person under 21 may not possess or consume alcohol (exceptions include family members furnishing alcohol in a private home, religious ceremonies and certain college courses), and may not misstate his or her age to buy alcohol. These are civil 'Code violations' handled by citation: an adult 18-20 faces a fine up to $500 (up to $1,000 for a subsequent violation), while a person under 18 is handled in juvenile court. Adults who furnish alcohol to underage persons commit a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for a later offense (or up to 1 year and/or $5,000 for certain knowing furnishing for underage drinking). Md. Code, Crim. Law §§ 10-113, 10-114, 10-119, 10-121 |
| Massachusetts | A person under 21, not accompanied by a parent or guardian, who knowingly possesses, transports or carries alcohol is punished by a fine up to $50 for a first offense and up to $150 for a later offense (with an exception for 18- to 20-year-olds carrying alcohol for their job), and the registrar must suspend the person's driver's license for 90 days. A person under 21 who buys or tries to buy alcohol, has someone buy it, or misrepresents age or falsifies identification to buy it is fined $300, with a 180-day license suspension. Making, using, carrying or lending a false ID card or license, or using another person's, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $200 or up to 3 months. G.L. c. 138, §§ 34C, 34A, 34B |
| Michigan | A minor (under 21) may not purchase, consume or possess alcohol. A first violation is a state civil infraction with a fine up to $100, plus possible substance use services, community service and screening at the minor's expense (this level may be used only once). A second violation is a misdemeanor with up to 30 days and/or $200, and a third or later violation a misdemeanor with up to 60 days and/or $500; jail is allowed only for violating probation or failing to complete ordered treatment, service or payment. A minor who uses fraudulent identification to buy alcohol (or an adult who gives it to a minor) commits a misdemeanor with up to 93 days and/or a $100 fine. MCL 436.1703(1), (2); MCL 436.1109(6) |
| Minnesota | A person under 21 may not consume alcohol (a defense exists for drinking in a parent's or guardian's home with consent), buy or attempt to buy it, possess it with intent to consume it anywhere other than a parent's or guardian's home, enter a liquor establishment to buy or be served alcohol, or claim to be 21 or older to buy alcohol. These are misdemeanors, and a minimum $100 fine must be imposed on a person under 21. The driver's license of a person under 21 convicted of buying or trying to buy alcohol with a license, ID card or false identification is suspended for 90 days, as is the license of someone who lends an ID to an underage buyer. A person who calls 911 for medical help in good faith is immune from prosecution for underage consumption or possession. Minn. Stat. §§ 340A.503, 340A.703, 171.171 |
| Mississippi | A person under 21 who buys or possesses beer, light wine or light spirit products, or who buys, receives or possesses other alcoholic beverages in a public place, commits a misdemeanor with a $200 to $500 fine (plus up to 30 days of community service for beer and light wine). Falsely claiming to be 21 or showing a document indicating so (a fake ID) to buy alcohol carries the same $200 to $500 fine and up to 30 days of community service. Instead of these penalties, a judge may take and hold the minor's driver's license for up to 90 days, which is not a conviction unless probation is violated. Records of these charges may be expunged after dismissal or completion of the sentence. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 67-3-70, 67-1-81 |
| Missouri | A person under 21 who buys or tries to buy, or possesses, intoxicating liquor, is visibly intoxicated, or has a blood alcohol content of 0.02% or more commits a class D misdemeanor (fine up to $500) for a first offense and a class A misdemeanor for a second. A person 17 to 20 who claims to be 21 to get liquor commits a misdemeanor, and using an altered or fake license or ID to get liquor carries a $500 fine for each offense; altering or misrepresenting a license is a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 and/or one year. The court must suspend or revoke the driving privileges of a person over 15 and under 21 found to have violated the minor-in-possession law, and of a person under 21 who commits an alcohol-related driving offense or uses an altered license. RSMo §§ 311.325, 311.320, 311.328, 302.400; §§ 558.011, 558.002 |
| Montana | A person under 21 who knowingly drinks, possesses or gives away alcohol (minor in possession) faces a $100 to $300 fine, 20 hours of community service and an alcohol information course for a first offense, $200 to $600 and 40 hours for a second, and $300 to $900 and 60 hours for a third, with a chemical dependency assessment for repeat offenses and possible jail up to six months for a third offense by an adult 18 to 20. For offenders under 18 the court must also confiscate the driver's license for 30 days on a first offense and six months on a later offense, with further suspension if the course is not completed. Attempting to buy alcohol under 21 carries a fine up to $150. Displaying a fictitious or altered license or one issued to someone else (a fake ID) is a misdemeanor with up to $500 and/or six months. MCA 45-5-638, 61-5-302, 61-5-307 |
| Nebraska | A minor under 21 may not consume, possess or physically control alcohol in public places, on public property or in a vehicle, except in a religious ceremony or at home. For ages 19 and 20 it is a Class III misdemeanor (up to three months and $500); for 18 and younger it is a Class III misdemeanor and the court may impound the driver's license (or bar getting one) for 30 days on a first offense, 90 days on a second and 12 months on a third, with alcohol education and community service. A person who calls for help for a possible alcohol overdose is exempt. Misrepresenting age to get alcohol is a Class III misdemeanor, and making or altering an ID to sell to someone under 21 is a Class I misdemeanor. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 53-180.02, 53-180.05, 53-181, 53-180.01; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-105, § 28-106 |
| Nevada | A person under 21 who buys alcohol, drinks it where it is sold, or possesses it in public commits a misdemeanor; the penalty is any combination of up to 24 hours of community service, a victim-impact meeting and an alcohol evaluation, and the records are sealed once the terms are completed. Exceptions include possession for religious purposes, with a parent, spouse or guardian 21 or older, or under a prescription, and there is immunity for seeking emergency medical help. Falsely claiming to be 21 to obtain liquor (including with a fake ID) is a misdemeanor with the same penalty options. NRS 202.020, 202.040 |
| New Hampshire | A person under 21 who possesses alcohol or is intoxicated (0.02 alcohol concentration is prima facie evidence) commits a violation with a mandatory minimum fine of $300, or $600 for a repeat. Falsely representing one's age to buy alcohol is a misdemeanor with a minimum $500 fine ($1,000 for a repeat), and using or displaying a fake ID to buy alcohol carries the same minimum fines plus 90-day withdrawal of a state ID card. For any alcohol offense by a person under 21, the court may also revoke or deny a driver's license for 90 days to one year (6 months to 2 years for a repeat). RSA 179:10, 179:9, 263:56-b; RSA 651:2, 625:9 |
| New Jersey | A person under 21 who knowingly possesses or drinks alcohol (or cannabis) in a school, public place, public conveyance or motor vehicle gets a written warning for a first and second violation and a write-up with a referral to community services for a third or later violation; parents of under-18s are notified. Under the alcohol law, an underage person entering a licensed premises to buy alcohol, drinking there, or buying or trying to buy alcohol, and anyone misrepresenting age to get alcohol, is a disorderly person with a fine of at least $500. Displaying a fake driver's license or other government ID is a crime of the third degree and possessing one a crime of the fourth degree (using another person's information only to buy alcohol is excluded), and a conviction forfeits driving privileges for six months to two years. N.J.S. 2C:33-15; R.S. 33:1-81; N.J.S. 2C:21-2.1 |
| New Mexico | A minor (under 21) may not buy, attempt to buy, receive, possess or be served alcohol, except when a parent, legal guardian or adult spouse serves the minor on private property (not licensed premises) under their control, or for religious practice. It is a misdemeanor: a first violation brings a fine of up to $1,000 and 30 hours of DWI-related community service; a second, up to $1,000, 40 hours and a 90-day driver's license suspension; a third or later, up to $1,000, 60 hours and suspension for two years or until age 21, whichever is longer. A minor who presents false evidence of age or identity to buy alcohol commits a petty misdemeanor, and giving or lending an ID to a minor for that purpose is also a petty misdemeanor. Selling, serving or buying alcohol for a minor is generally a fourth degree felony. NMSA 1978, § 60-7B-1(B), (C), (E), (F), (G); § 60-7B-7; § 60-7B-8 |
| New York | A person under 21 may not possess alcohol with intent to drink it, except as part of a required class or when given by a parent or guardian. The penalty is a fine of up to $50, an alcohol awareness program and/or up to 30 hours of community service; it is not a crime, not a conviction, and police may not arrest for it. Presenting false proof of age to buy alcohol is a violation: up to $100 and/or 30 hours of community service for a first offense, rising to $50-$350 and then $50-$750 for repeat offenses. If a driver's license was used, it can be suspended for three months (first offense), six months (second) or one year or until age 21, whichever is longer (third or later). N.Y. Alco. Bev. Cont. Law §§ 65-b, 65-c |
| North Carolina | People under 21 may not buy, try to buy, possess or drink alcohol; for a 19- or 20-year-old buying or possessing is a Class 3 misdemeanor. Using a fake, altered or someone else's ID to buy alcohol or enter a venue is unlawful, as is letting an underage person use your ID. Aiding or abetting an underage purchase is a Class 2 misdemeanor if done by someone underage and a Class 1 misdemeanor if done by someone of age. A conviction for fake-ID use, lending an ID, aiding and abetting, or buying or trying to buy leads to a one-year driver's license revocation, with a limited driving privilege available in some cases. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 18B-302, 20-17.3 |
| North Dakota | A person under 21 may not buy or try to buy, possess, drink or have recently consumed, or be under the influence of alcohol, or enter a licensed bar (with exceptions such as a restaurant with a parent). A violation is an infraction (fine up to $1,000); the court may order, and for a second or later violation must order, an alcohol and drug education program. Misrepresenting one's age, including by showing a document claiming legal age, is a class B misdemeanor (up to 30 days and a $1,500 fine). Underage persons who call for medical help for someone are immune (up to five per occurrence). N.D.C.C. §§ 5-01-08, 5-01-08.1; N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-01 |
| Ohio | A person under 21 may not knowingly order, pay for, try to buy, possess or consume beer or liquor anywhere, or be under its influence in public, unless supervised by a parent, adult spouse or legal guardian (or for medical or religious use). This is a third-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days, fine up to $500); if the offender was under 18 and in a motor vehicle, the court must suspend the probationary license or permit for six months to one year, and diversion may be available. Buying beer or liquor while underage carries a fine of $25 to $100, and misrepresenting age to get alcohol is a first-degree misdemeanor; using a fake or altered ID or license to do so brings a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Selling or furnishing alcohol to an underage person is a misdemeanor with a $500-$1,000 fine and up to six months. R.C. 4301.69(A), (E), 4301.63, 4301.634, 4301.99(D)-(F), (I) |
| Oklahoma | A person under twenty-one may not possess an alcoholic beverage or low-point beer on any public street, road or highway or in any public building or place; it is a misdemeanor punished by up to thirty (30) days in county jail, a fine up to $100, or both. Using false documents or misrepresenting age in writing to buy alcohol, or entering a package store or bar area, is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $50 and a required substance abuse prevention program, and the court may order the license canceled or denied for one (1) year or until age 21, whichever is longer. For alcohol offenses by people under 18 (and under-21 drinking-and-driving offenses), the court must order the license canceled or denied for six (6) months for a first offense and one (1) year for a later offense. 10A O.S. §§ 2-8-222, 2-8-223; 37A O.S. § 6-119; 47 O.S. § 6-107.1 |
| Oregon | A person under 21 may not attempt to buy, buy, acquire or personally possess alcohol (including accepting or drinking it), except at a private residence with a parent's or guardian's consent, and may not enter areas of licensed premises posted as off-limits to minors. A violation is a Class B violation (fine-only, up to $1,000), or a Class A violation (up to $2,000) if the possession occurs while operating a motor vehicle; no fine may be imposed on a person under 18. The court must order the person's driving privileges suspended, may order community service for misrepresenting age, and must order assessment and treatment for a repeat violation. Using a fake or false ID to misrepresent age is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days), with possible community service and, on a second offense, a license suspension of up to one year. ORS 471.430; ORS 165.805 |
| Pennsylvania | A person under 21 who attempts to buy, buys, consumes, possesses, or knowingly and intentionally transports alcohol commits a summary offense, with a fine of up to $500 for a first violation and up to $1,000 for each later violation; a first offender may be admitted to a pre-adjudication alternative, and police must notify the minor's parents. A person under 21 who carries a false ID or uses someone else's ID to get alcohol commits a summary offense for a first violation and a misdemeanor of the third degree after that, with a fine of up to $500 for later violations. The former mandatory driver's license suspension for these offenses (18 Pa.C.S. § 6310.4) was repealed in 2018. 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 6308, 6310.3, 6310.4 (repealed) |
| Rhode Island | A person under 21 who possesses any alcoholic beverage is fined $150 to $750 for a first offense ($300 to $750 second, $450 to $950 third or later), must do 30 hours of community service, and faces a license suspension of at least 60 days; a substance abuse assessment may be ordered on a second offense. Under 21s may not enter licensed premises to buy or be served alcohol, drink there, buy or attempt to buy alcohol, or misrepresent their age with someone else's ID or a license; a first offense brings a mandatory $100 to $500 fine, 30 hours of community service and a 30-day license suspension, rising to $500-$750, 40 hours and three months for a second offense and $750-$1,000, 50 hours and one year for a third. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 3-8-10, 3-8-6 |
| South Carolina | A person under 21 who buys, attempts to buy, or possesses beer or wine, or who buys or possesses alcoholic liquor or falsely represents their age to get it, commits a misdemeanor punished by a $100 to $200 fine and/or up to 30 days, and must complete an approved alcohol prevention education or intervention program of at least eight hours (cost up to $150). Knowingly giving false age information to buy beer or wine is separately punished by a $100 to $200 fine and/or up to 30 days. These sections do not themselves set a driver's license suspension. S.C. Code §§ 63-19-2440, 63-19-2450, 61-4-60 |
| South Dakota | It is a Class 2 misdemeanor (up to 30 days and/or $500) for anyone under 21 to buy, attempt to buy, possess or consume alcoholic beverages (except in a religious ceremony or as otherwise allowed), or to misrepresent their age with any document to buy alcohol from a licensee. For a first offense the court may suspend the person's driving privileges for 30 days to one year (60 days to one year for a later offense), with possible work or school driving permits. SDCL 35-9-2, 35-9-7 |
| Tennessee | It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy or try to buy, possess, consume or transport alcohol or beer (except 18-to-20-year-olds handling it on the job); each is a Class A misdemeanor. For an 18-to-20-year-old convicted of buying or possessing, the court must send an order denying driving privileges to the state. Using a false ID or lying about age to get alcohol is a misdemeanor: under 18, a $50 fine plus at least 20 hours of community service; 18 to 20, a $50-$200 fine or 5 to 30 days in jail, and a second or later offense brings a license denial of up to one year. Tenn. Code Ann. § 57-3-412(a)(3), (a)(5), (c) |
| Texas | A minor (under 21) who buys, possesses or consumes alcohol, or falsely claims to be 21 or shows a document saying so, commits a Class C misdemeanor (fine up to $500); possession and consumption are allowed in the visible presence of an adult parent, guardian or spouse. A minor 17 or older with two prior convictions faces a $250-$2,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail. The court must order 8-12 hours of alcohol-related community service (20-40 for a second) and a driver license suspension or denial of 30, 60 or 180 days for a first, second or third offense. Minors who call for medical help for an overdose, or report a sexual assault, are protected. Tex. Alco. Bev. Code §§ 106.02, 106.04, 106.05, 106.07, 106.071 |
| Utah | It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy or try to buy, ask someone else to buy, possess or consume alcohol, or have a measurable alcohol level in the body; it is a class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months and $1,000) under the title's general penalty. The court may (first offense) or must (later offenses) order screening and education or treatment. For an 18-to-20-year-old, the court must suspend the driver license: one year for a first order and two years for a later one, which the court may reduce after education or treatment. Using false proof of age is a class B misdemeanor for a first violation and a class A misdemeanor (fine up to $5,000 on a third) after that, with a license suspension. Utah Code §§ 32B-4-409, 32B-4-411, 32B-4-304, 53-3-219 |
| Vermont | A person 12 to 20 who lies about age to buy alcohol, possesses alcohol to drink, or drinks alcohol commits a civil violation and is referred to court diversion for the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program. If the program is not completed, the penalty is $300 and a 30-day license suspension for a first offense, and up to $600 and a 90-day suspension for a repeat. Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or more under 21 brings a license suspension (180 days for a first offense if the program is not completed). 7 V.S.A. § 656 |
| Virginia | A person under 21 who buys, possesses or drinks, or tries to buy, possess or drink, alcohol, or who uses a fake, altered or borrowed ID to do so, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. On conviction the court must order a mandatory minimum $500 fine or 50 hours of community service, and an adult's (18 to 20) driver license is suspended for 6 months to 1 year (a restricted license may be allowed); juveniles are handled under juvenile-court rules. A first-time adult offender may receive deferred disposition with an education or treatment program, leading to dismissal. Va. Code § 4.1-305; Va. Code §§ 18.2-10, 18.2-11 |
| Washington | It is a gross misdemeanor (up to 364 days and $5,000) for anyone under 21 to possess, consume or otherwise acquire alcohol, and an offense to be in public showing the effects of drinking; drinking given by a parent or guardian in their presence (not in a licensed establishment) is exempt. An 18-to-20-year-old who buys or tries to buy alcohol commits a misdemeanor with a minimum $250 fine. Possessing or using someone else's ID card is a misdemeanor with a minimum $250 fine and 25 hours of community restitution. For juveniles 13 to 17, a conviction (other than most first offenses) leads to a driver's license revocation of one year (or until age 17), two years for a repeat. RCW 66.44.270(3)-(4), 66.44.290, 66.20.200, 66.44.365, 46.20.265; RCW 9A.20.021 |
| West Virginia | A person under 21 who buys, drinks, possesses, sells or serves liquor or beer commits a misdemeanor: a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 72 hours in jail (or juvenile detention), or probation of up to 1 year for a first offense. Using a fake or someone else's ID, or lying about age, to buy alcohol is a misdemeanor: up to $100 and/or 72 hours, or probation for a first offense. Possessing or displaying a fictitious or altered license, or using another's license, is a separate misdemeanor (up to $500 and/or 6 months). A juvenile adjudicated for drinking gets community service and/or fines ($25, $50, $100); a second adjudication brings a 5-90 day license suspension, and a third suspends the license until age 18. W. Va. Code §§ 60-3A-24, 11-16-19, 49-4-713, 17B-4-1, 17B-5-1 |
| Wisconsin | A person under 21 not with a parent, guardian or spouse of legal drinking age who knowingly possesses or consumes alcohol commits a civil violation: $100-$200 forfeiture for a first offense, rising to $500-$1,000 for a fourth within 12 months. Buying or trying to buy alcohol from a seller, lying about age, or being in a bar unlawfully carries a $250-$500 forfeiture for a first offense, rising to $750-$1,000. The court may also suspend driving privileges (30-90 days for a first violation, up to 1 year for a second and up to 2 years for a third within 12 months) and order community service; suspension is mandatory for repeat violations involving a motor vehicle. Carrying or making a fake ID is a $300-$1,250 forfeiture plus a possible 30-90 day license suspension; giving a fake ID to a minor is a crime, and a Class I felony if done for money. Wis. Stat. §§ 125.07(4), 125.085(3), 343.30(6) |
| Wyoming | A person under 21 may not buy or try to buy alcohol, ask someone else to buy it, possess it, consume alcohol, have a measurable alcohol concentration in the body, or enter a store's off-premise sales area without a parent, spouse or guardian. Exceptions include drinking in the presence of a parent, spouse or guardian 21 or older, religious services, and certain jobs. A violation is a misdemeanor under the alcohol title's general penalty (up to 6 months and/or $750). Using or falsifying identification to obtain alcohol is also a misdemeanor, and possessing or displaying a fictitious or altered driver's license, or another person's license, is a misdemeanor with up to a $750 fine. Driving under 21 with an alcohol concentration of 0.02% or more is a separate misdemeanor: up to $750 for a first conviction, with up to 1 month in jail for a second within a year and up to 6 months for a third within 2 years. W.S. 12-6-101(c)-(g), 12-8-101, 31-7-133, 31-7-136, 31-5-234 |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.