Identifying Counterfeit US Passports: A Practical Guide

Counterfeit United States passports are among the most coveted identification documents globally, even though acquiring them is extraordinarily difficult. The most convincing forgeries are actually genuine passports that were issued after the applicant presented fraudulent identity documents, including birth certificates and Social Security cards. At the opposite end of the spectrum, poor-quality fakes can sometimes be detected by untrained individuals. Between these two extremes lies the bulk of counterfeit passports, which typically call for specialized equipment and an experienced examiner to differentiate them from the millions of authentic passports carried by travelers each year.

Step 1

Genuine passports obtained through the use of fake identity documents represent the most challenging type to detect. Within the United States, there is no uniform standard for birth certificates or the procedures by which states issue them. Frequently, getting a birth certificate requires little more than submitting an application. That certificate can then be used to secure a Social Security number. A 2009 investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined the passport application process and discovered that in four out of four instances, investigators managed to acquire a United States passport using various false documents. When the documents submitted with the passport application are not available for review, spotting these fakes is practically impossible for an ordinary person.

Step 2

Passports that have been altered can occasionally be recognized without special tools, though non-professionals may find this challenging. Among the techniques used to alter passports are lifting the laminate to swap out the photograph and feeding a legitimate passport through a laser printer. Certain security features on passports are only visible under specific lighting conditions, and once revealed, they become readily apparent.

Step 3

The most easily detected counterfeit passports are those that have been physically modified—for example, a photograph that has been cut out and replaced—or those with control numbers that are missing or have been changed. Control numbers appear in the machine-readable code located at the bottom of the passport's first page. Another straightforward way to identify a fake is to inspect the laminate for embossed security images. If no embossed images are present, the passport is definitely counterfeit.

Step 4

As stated by the Justice Department, "Possession of a false identification document with intent to defraud the United States" can result in a maximum sentence of 15 years without parole and a fine of up to $250,000. If you suspect a passport is fraudulent, report it to the State Department for investigation. Supply as many details as possible. You can reach the State Department by phone at 1-877-487-2778 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern time, or send the information by mail to U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, 1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036.