In
the United Kingdom, the legal framework governing the possession and
use of fake identification is primarily detailed in the Identity
Documents Act 2010. This Act specifies severe penalties for various
offenses related to false identity documents.
Key Provisions and Penalties:
Possession with Improper Intention:
It is illegal to possess or control any false identity document with
the intention of using it for establishing or verifying personal
information (Identity Documents Act 2010, Section 4). The penalties for
such an offense can be severe, including imprisonment for up to 10 years
or a fine, or both, if convicted on indictment.
Possession without Reasonable Excuse:
Holding a false identity document without a reasonable excuse is also
punishable, with penalties including up to two years of imprisonment or a
fine, or both. This applies even if there is no intent to use the
document (Identity Documents Act 2010, Section 6).
Manufacturing or Supplying False Documents:
Creating or having apparatus intended for the production of false
documents is a serious offense, attracting similar penalties as
possessing with improper intent (Identity Documents Act 2010, Section
5).
Specific Definitions and Applications:
The Act defines what constitutes an identity document very broadly,
encompassing items like passports, driving licenses, and documents used
instead of a passport. It also specifies personal information to include
details such as name, date of birth, and residential status (Identity
Documents Act 2010, Sections 7 and 8).
Forgery and Counterfeiting Act:
The Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 also lists offenses related to
the forgery and counterfeiting of documents, emphasizing the illegal
nature of forging identity-related documents and the potential for
criminal penalties.
These laws reflect the UK's rigorous
stance against identity fraud, underscoring the serious legal
consequences of possessing or using fake identification.
Reference Section
- Identity Documents Act 2010. Available at legislation.gov.uk
- Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981. Information available on the Crown Prosecution Service website.
