Department of Motor Vehicles

DMV ANNOUNCES MORE THAN 300 CHARGED IN CRACKDOWN ON FAKE IDS AND UNDERAGE DRINKING

In shortened concert season, DMV still focuses on prevent underage alcohol purchases

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced TODAY that more than 300 people received tickets during its seasonal crackdown on the use of fake identification to purchase alcoholic beverages.

The Operation Prevent enforcement campaign largely focuses on concert venues, where young people often try to use fake ID to buy beer. DMV investigators work with the venues and local law enforcement to deter underage drinking and the potential for impaired driving that can result. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s concert season and enforcement campaign was shortened.

“It has been great to see the many outdoor concert venues open again, and DMV remains committed to ensuring that those who go can enjoy themselves without the dangers of underage drinking and the potential of impaired driving that can result,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder.

“Keeping alcohol out of the hands of young New Yorkers is a top priority at the New York State Liquor Authority,” said State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley. “We remain committed to partnering on the front lines with the DMV and local law enforcement to ensure alcohol is sold and purchased responsibly by adults only.”

DMV investigators are trained and use sophisticated equipment to scan and detect fraudulent IDs. During the summer enforcement campaign, 291 fake documents were seized. A total of 292 tickets were issued for attempting to use fake IDs, and another 48 tickets were issued for violating of the Alcohol Beverage and Control Law.

Citations and fake ID seizures by region include:

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 NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.   

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