Fake IDs to be Legalized, Regulated in Minnesota

SAINT PAUL, MN-- After many years of lobbying and debating, Minnesota will become the first state to legalize and regulate the sale of fake identification cards, or fake IDs. Starting January 1, 2011, fake IDs will be able to be purchased at your local retailer.

Governor Pawlenty has been a big supporter of the bill, citing the tax benefits and the safety measures that come with regulation. "We need to keep the profits created by the black market out of the hands of those little, punk college students running fake ID operations from their dorm rooms," said Pawlenty.

The fake ID industry in Minnesota alone is estimated to be upwards of $20,000, which will now be taxed and regulated. Economists estimate this bill will generate nearly $3,000 in extra tax revenue annually for the state. "The extra money will be great to help shrink our state deficit," said Pawlenty. Some of the money will fund educational programs on safe fake ID use targeted at high school students across the state.

Some of the regulation measures will include a minimum age limit of 18 years old, or a signature from a parent or guardian, as well as minimum quality measures. One local retailer, who preferred not to be mentioned at this time, said it will offer a money back success guarantee for up to one year after a purchase.

Other states have looked to Minnesota and begun to debate fake ID legalization, especially Nevada. Governor Jim Gibbons, a big supporter of the bill, said, "We might as well legalize it. Hell, everything else is legal in Nevada."

One of the biggest lobbyist of the bill was the liquor industry. However, none of them could be reached for comments.