Lending out your identity document is punishable

If you get caught, you will get a criminal record. It also causes problems when applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG), which is required for an internship or job. The young person may also be temporarily unable to get a passport, which makes going on vacation much more difficult. Moreover, the fine is not lenient: a community service sentence or a fine starting from 140 euros. The message is clear: lending or borrowing ID is punishable.

Identity fraud

Since the age for the sale of alcohol was raised from 16 to 18, there have been signals that identity fraud, including in nightlife, is increasing. According to an NOS study in 2019, half of the young people surveyed sometimes go out with an identity document with a false date of birth. In addition, many young people have gone out with someone else's ID. Many of the young people who go out with a fake ID or someone else's do so with the knowledge of their parents.

What is the penalty for forging your ID card?

You are not allowed to lend your identity card to someone else, as an ID card is personal. If you do, you are committing identity fraud, which is a punishable offense. The penalty for this, if discovered, varies. The exact fine at this time can be found in the fine database of the Public Prosecution Service.

More information

You can read an article about the other consequences of lending your identity document on the website of the National Ombudsman.