This page collects the offences cited across our guides, so that each guide does not repeat them. Penalties are the maximums as published on legislation.gov.uk and were last checked on 4 October 2026. Which offence applies to a given act is decided on the facts of the case, and this page is not legal advice.
Identity Documents Act 2010
| Section | What it covers | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Section 4 | Having a false, improperly obtained or another person’s identity document with an improper intention | 10 years, or a fine, or both |
| Section 6 | Having such a document without reasonable excuse | 2 years, or a fine, or both |
| Section 7 | Defines an identity document; includes a licence to drive granted under Part 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 | Definition only |
Fraud Act 2006
| Section | What it covers | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Section 2 | Dishonestly making a false representation to gain or cause loss | 10 years on indictment (section 1) |
| Section 6 | Possessing articles for use in fraud | 5 years on indictment |
| Section 7 | Making, adapting or supplying articles for fraud | 10 years on indictment |
Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981
| Section | What it covers | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Forgery: making a false instrument intending it to be accepted as genuine | See section 6 |
| Section 3 | Using a false instrument knowing or believing it false | See section 6 |
| Section 5 | Custody or control of certain false instruments, including certified copies of birth, marriage and death register entries | See section 6 |
| Section 6 | Penalties | Up to 10 years on indictment for the most serious offences; lower for others; fine or up to 6 months on summary conviction, as printed |
The figure of ten years applies to the most serious offences in the Act, not to every act involving a false document.
Other offences cited in our guides
| Law | What it covers | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Act 1971, section 24A | Deception to obtain leave to enter or remain | 2 years on indictment; 6 months on summary conviction |
| Medical Act 1983, section 49 | Falsely pretending to be a registered doctor | Fine on summary conviction |
| Private Security Industry Act 2001, section 5 | Using an unlicensed security operative | 5 years on indictment; 6 months on summary conviction |
Where to read next
For how these apply to particular documents, see buying a driving licence, fake passports and fake driving licences.
Frequently asked questions
Is having a fake driving licence a crime in the UK?
It can be. A UK driving licence is an identity document under section 7 of the Identity Documents Act 2010, and possession without reasonable excuse can carry up to two years.
What is the maximum penalty for forgery?
The Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 provides up to ten years on indictment for the most serious offences. Lower maximums apply to others.
Is the maximum penalty the sentence people usually get?
No. A maximum is the upper limit set by Parliament. Sentences depend on the facts and the court.