Creating Novelty ID Templates

How To: Create a novelty ID
Note: This tutorial is for academic purposes only, and should not be attempted as it may be illegal depending on your location.

Creating Front of novelty ID
First you will need to create an ID on your computer. Linkbase has an amazing Florida drivers license Photoshop template available for download. You can make this look amazing, and all it takes is a basic grasp of Photoshop.

Creating Back of novelty ID
Next you will need to create a back for your novelty ID. Make sure you edit the image properties to make it the EXACT same size as the front of your novelty ID. You will have to create the back yourself, but it is relatively simple to find a barcode online. You can use your real drivers license for inspiration. Make sure you add a "magnetic strip," which can be found by searching for a "black bar" on Google Images and resizing accordingly. I have a sample I can post if there is enough interest.

Printing Your novelty ID
Fake IDs can be printed on photo paper or cardstock, but in order to create a profession quality ID, you need a special type of paper called Teslin. Laser printers will not print on Teslin, but most inkjet printers will work, particularly Epson printers. Make sure you print with the highest quality settings. Print the front and back images on both sides of the paper. If you decide to go with photo paper instead of Teslin, use two different sheets, then glue them together, along with a layer of cardstock in between.

Finishing Your novelty ID
Carefully cut your novelty ID out, and make sure you give it rounded corners. Now all that's left is to laminate it. You can get self-lamination sheets at any Staples, or you can invest in a laminator. Many models are available for under $50. One last touch many people like to give their IDs is a hologram. Excellent novelty holograms can be purchased very cheaply here. Arcadia also has many other products to perfect the finishing process.

Using Your novelty ID
Many people have different ideas on how to use a novelty ID. Most people agree that it a good idea to keep your ID in a plastic covering in your wallet, and offer over your whole wallet if the clerk asks for noveltyID. Also, some people like to tell the clerk to keep the change if they think she's getting suspicious. This gives her an incentive (perhaps even an unconscious one) to not question the ID.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post in the comments section. Also, remember this should not be attempted, as possession of a novelty ID may be illegal depending on where you live.