Can you be fined and imprisoned if you knowingly make a false statement on an application for a driver's license or identification card?

Answer

Depends on the laws of the state you reside in, what you lied about and why. If for instance, you lied about your age, that would be a minor offense. Whether of not you would go to jail depends on if it were a misdemeanor or felony. Probably you would be fined, lose your license/state ID, and maybe probation. However, almost any felony charge can land you in the "pokey." Lots of folks are pretty nervous these days, about ID falsification. For obvious reasons.

Answer

It's funny you should ask this because I had a somewhat related question myself I'm awating reply on but you see I never lied or gave any government agency a false statement. I'm almost 37 and am still yet to obtain my first driver's license, parents are long deceased, can't afford driving school, wife is ill and needs me to transport her to appts. so my options of abiding the rules of my "permit" are getting pretty limited. I've operated cars for nearly 5 years, but to answer your question 20 years ago giving false info was something that would rarely if ever even be discovered, and was pretty much that way for quite some time up until the notorious attacks on New York and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.. since then it's really become an exceptionally touchy thing cause now everyone's afraid terrorists are lurking the country trying to pose as citzens in order to begin WWIII. I don't know about your state but in Nevada all that used to happen was you'd be 86'd from whatever DMV Branch you pulled the stunt at however now it's a felony arrest usually with 2 security guards pointing guns in your face and the Secret Service gets involved.

All I can say is if you're going to try this stunt, first obtain VERIFIABLE identity documents to back it up should the issue be brought to court. Even there you will encounter obstacles, at some point. Realistically, as advanced and police/gvernment controlled as this country is becoming it's not even worth the risk. I think if say your reasons were to obtain alcohol underage, merely trying to use false ID is a much less serious offense then screwing with DMV.

Answer

Well, I don't know about that, but if you make a "false statement" on any official document, the best thing you can do is 'fess up as soon as you discover it, upon which your error will probably be counted as innocent. On the other hand, if you ignore it and commit some crime in connection therewith, you could get in all kinds of trouble. Plus your insurance company may seize this as an excuse to deny your claim.

First answer by Nikki. Last edit by Susan. Question popularity: 116 [recommend question]

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