Do you want to create a fake ID to give as a joke to a friend? Here's how to create a compelling one.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Quick Fix
Step 1. Scan an ID card on your computer, making sure that the front and back and the holographic elements are visible
Step 2. Open a paid image editing program, such as Adobe Photoshop, or a free one, such as GIMP or Paint.net
Step 3. Insert the new photo:
it should have more or less the same resolution and size as the real one.
- If necessary, zoom in on the new image so that the head is roughly the same size as that of the original photo.
- You can also adjust the contrast and brightness to make it look more like the real thing. What matters is that it is not too light or too dark.
Step 4. Edit the text fields
Opt for a font similar to that of the real document (Courier was the most used on older ones). Also, adjust the font size and space between characters.
- Write the full name, without abbreviations.
- Write a realistic date of birth. Don't use an old document as a template if you are going to give it to a 20-year-old person.
- Write down the color of the eyes and hair.
Step 5. Print the new document on card stock of the type used for business cards
Make sure you print both the front and the back.
Step 6. Cut out the new document
Step 7. Glue the two sides together to form a new one and cut the corners that overlap
Step 8. Add holograms (optional) for an extra touch of authenticity, but be sure to do this before laminating the document
Step 9. Laminate the paper
Trim the laminate to extend approximately 6mm over the end of the paper.
Method 2 of 3: Professional Method
Step 1. Get the supplies
There are several tools, so it is important to be familiar with the method before purchasing them. Here is a list of the most important things:
- Teslin card
- Laminated paper
- A laminator
- An encoder for the magnetic band (optional)
Step 2. Get a document template
You will need to get a final product that is as realistic as possible.
Try searching for it on a Peer-2-Peer (P2P) network like BitTorrent to find one
Step 3. Download an editing program to modify it
You can use Adobe Photoshop (download the trial version from Adobe's site) or free software like GIMP.
Change the text fields. Most standard documents use the Arial font. If you prefer special fonts not available on Windows (such as those for creating signatures), read this article to find out how
Step 4. Edit the eye and hair color fields
Step 5. If it's a driver's license, take care of the restrictions and other typical items:
use of corrective lenses, the type of driving license and so on.
Step 6. Scan the photo and signature
The signature may not attract attention, while the photo absolutely does. Consider these aspects:
- If you are the one taking the photo, use a white background with a neutral light and keep the frame on your face.
- Edit your passport photo.
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Software such as Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Fireworks, and GIMP provide an image editing tool called "Magic Wand", which will allow you to delete the other person's face.
Once the background has been fully selected without containing another person's face, press the "Delete" key on the keyboard to delete it. You can then zoom in on the new face and use the erase tool to clean up blemishes. At this point, zoom in and copy the image onto the ID template. The result will be perfect and you can add the background color you want
Step 7. Add a barcode
Those in the documents contain almost all the information indicated on the front. You can generate a PDF417 on the internet.
Step 8. Aggregate a magnetic stripe
If you want it to be scannable, it can be encrypted. The tool to do this is very expensive and difficult to find. Search online to find the offer of this service.
- There are two types of magnetic strips: HiCo and LoCo; the first is much more complicated to demagnetize and the decoders that can do it are much more expensive than those used for the second. Most HiCo decoders also decode LoCo bands.
- The best way to program the band is to decode the document, modify the data and then program it on the band. Encode it after finishing the document.
Step 9. Buy some synthetic paper; there are two types, Teslin and Artisyn, characterized by a single layer and featuring silica and a synthetic polyethylene support, with micropores and temperature resistance that make them a first choice product for laminated documents
- The Teslin is more expensive than the Artisyn, but much less versatile.
- If you want to use an ink printer, you will get better results with Artisyn synthetic paper or Artysin NanoExtreme. Printing on the Teslin in this way will not work well, as it will give a grainy look to the image.
- Artisyn and Artisyn NanoExtreme are coated with chemicals that effectively absorb ink. They are cheaper than Teslin, fit all types of printers and tend to deliver better results.
- You can buy them both online.
Step 10. Choose the printer
You might want to use a pigment one like an Epson with DuraBrite ink, which gives amazing results and works well with the Teslin.
- Alternatively, you can use a laser printer, which produces sharper and clearer results, or a dye-based printer, which features standard colors.
- If you use the dye-based printer, be sure to opt for Artisyn paper and set the highest photo quality.
- Print the document.
- Cut it out. If you are using Artisyn microperforated paper, you will be able to skip this step. Otherwise, start cutting by tracing the dimensions with laminated paper. Opt for a letter opener.
Step 11. Choose thermal lamination to bond synthetic paper to laminate
Once you are done, the paper will harden and look like PVC.
- Buy a laminator, but if you can't afford it, you can use an iron. It won't be easy because if the appliance heats up too much, you risk melting the plastic. Also make sure that the iron does not have any water in it, as this could damage the ink on the pre-laminated document and the steam could cause it to warp. If you opt for this method, cover your ID card or driver's license with a towel, T-shirt, or paper bag so the plastic won't melt.
- Laminate the document by inserting it into the laminated paper.
- Immediately after this step, place it under a book to dry it flat.
Step 12. Add a generic hologram:
hardly anyone examines them. If you want to make a truly authentic document, there are other ways to replicate one:
- The most common one is transparent but, when it moves, it creates a rainbow-colored spectrum. However, it is difficult to create following the method proposed below.
- Make your own hologram (optional) by reading the method below.
- The latest details. Smooth the corners of the hologram with sandpaper to give the document a "worn" look.
Method 3 of 3: Create the Hologram
Step 1. Make your own binary hologram (optional)
It is a very popular golden hologram that can be easily reproduced with Pearl-Ex paint and Photo-EZ paper.
Step 2. Create a stencil, which is basically the outline of an image with the negative part missing
- Scan the hologram from your document and convert it to a completely black image.
- Print on a clear plastic sheet designed for inkjet and laser printers.
- Take the transparent sheet and stick it on the EZ photo paper.
- Put it in the sun to get the stencil.
- Paint the hologram with Interfering Golden Acrylic Color and Pearl-Ex paint.
- Pearl-Ex paint is sold in powder form and must therefore be prepared.
- These paints are transparent but, if you look at it from different angles, the color changes.
- You will need to buy a clear varnish base to prepare the Pearl-Ex. Go for a 1:50 ratio (1 of Pearl-Ex and 50 of base). If you use the Golden Interferent Acrylic Color, a 5: 1 ratio will work (5 parts of paint and one base).
- When applying the paint to the stencil, you should use one of those screen printing brushes, similar to a pencil but with a flexible tip. A sponge can also help, but you will need to be extra careful during the procedure. Apply very thin amounts of product and practice before going to work.
Step 3. Create a multicolored hologram
- Take the two dominant colors and purchase the Pearl-Ex paint to reproduce them.
- The hologram can be made directly on the finished document or before lamination.
Advice
- Holograms give a touch of authenticity.
- Keep the document in your wallet for a week, so that it looks "aged" before being used. A brand new one might look suspicious.
- You can only laminate the back of the document with synthetic paper. Many machines use this method, but it can also be done manually. You can also replicate the signature bands by scratching the surface of the laminated paper with sandpaper.
- If the document is fresh off the press, change the shirt if you use it on the same day.
- Don't show it left and right, or you could get in trouble.
