Author: Alex Morgan

A simple, expert-led guide for beginners who want believable, safe, and well-designed novelty IDs.

Designing a realistic novelty ID feels confusing until someone breaks it down properly.

Most people think, “Just put my name and photo, right?” but the difference between a cheap novelty card and a believable prop comes from choosing the right details, not the most details.

This guide comes from real experience hundreds of cards, different templates, different use cases, and a lot of trial and error.

I’ll walk you through what actually matters, why it matters, and how to choose details that give your novelty ID a clean, polished, realistic feel without crossing legal boundaries.

Start With the Purpose: What Will This ID Be Used For?

Before filling any fields, you need to know your “use case.”

This one question changes everything.

• You need details that look good on camera and hold up in close-ups.
• Fictional details matter more than real-world accuracy.
• Aesthetic balance matters more than technical detail.

Google’s search patterns show people often ask:

“What details should be on an ID card?”

“How to design a fake ID that looks real?”

“What info is needed for an ID?”

But for novelty IDs, the rules are different.

You only add details that help tell the story and make the card look visually convincing.

The Essentials: The Details Every Realistic Novelty ID Needs

These are the details that instantly give a novelty ID credibility.

They’re not legally sensitive they’re just basic identification fields that almost every ID-style document uses.

Name (First + Last)

Even if everything else looks great, a missing or weirdly formatted name makes the card feel unfinished.

Keep it simple and clean.

Photo (High Quality)

This is the heart of the ID.

A crisp, well-lit photo instantly raises the realism.

For beginners:

Use the guidelines photography experts recommend for portrait ID photos:

Use a proper camera if possible. Avoid selfies and portrait mode blur.

Date of Birth

You can use your real DOB or one that fits your prop/character.

This is safe and widely used in novelty products.

Issue & Expiry Dates

Real IDs almost always have these, which is why adding them helps.

Don’t overthink it, just keep the dates reasonable.

A Unique ID Number

This doesn’t have to follow any government pattern.
It can be:

NOV-392182, FIC-102847, ID-88473

Random + short = perfect.

Signature

This makes the card look personal.

A simple signature drawn with a black marker on white paper works great.

Optional Details That Add Believability (Only If Needed)

These aren’t required, but they help when you want your card to feel more complete especially for film props or collectibles.

Physical Traits

Height, weight, hair color, eye color.

These fields are extremely common on many ID types (driver’s licenses, membership IDs, etc.)

Address

If you add an address, keep it fictional.

It gives context but never use real sensitive info.

Organization or Role

For workplace, club, event, or fictional agency props.

Barcode or QR Code (Non-functional)

Important:

Use decorative codes only never anything linked to verification.

You can generate fictional QR codes safely here:

(Just don’t encode sensitive data.)

Access Level or Class

This helps for props like staff IDs, security badges, membership cards, etc.

What You Should Never Include (Very Important)

To stay on the right side of laws and search engine policies, avoid:

• real state seals
• real government holograms
• PDF417 barcodes (used in state IDs)
• MRZ lines (passport-style codes)
• copying layouts from government ID templates
• real identification numbers used anywhere else

You can read the official law here:

Your goal is realistic but clearly novelty just like movie props.

What Actually Makes a Novelty ID Look “Real”? (Not What People Think)

Most beginners focus on the wrong things fonts, colors, lamination.
Designers focus on something much simpler:

Clean spacing

Good spacing makes the card feel professional.

Clutter kills realism immediately.

Balanced fields

Not too many, not too few.

Aim for 6–10 well-chosen fields.

Consistent story

If the character is 22, don’t use a 2010 issue date.

If the name is short, don’t force long descriptors.

Photo quality

A blurry photo ruins even the best design.

These are the same principles used in professional ID design:

Novelty IDs follow the same logic minus the functional verification elements.

The Designer’s Checklist (Simple Enough for Anyone)

Here’s an easy checklist beginners can follow:

✔ Name
✔ Good photo
✔ Date of Birth
✔ Issue date
✔ Expiry date
✔ ID number
✔ Signature
✔ Optional: height, hair, eyes
✔ Optional: fictional address
✔ Optional: non-functional barcode
✔ Optional: role/title

If you include these, your card will look balanced and believable.

Final Tips So Your Novelty ID Looks Polished

These small details make a big difference:

• Use short, clean fields
• Avoid overly long names or titles
• Don’t cram every possible field
• Keep data consistent
• Don’t mimic any real state or government format
• Choose fictional but realistic values (height, eye color, etc.)

A realistic novelty ID is not about faking anything. It’s about design clarity, good details, and visual storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What information should go on a novelty ID?

A realistic novelty ID usually includes your name, photo, date of birth, issue/expiry date, a fictional ID number, and a signature. You can add optional details like height, eye color, or a decorative barcode if it fits your use-case.

2. How do I make a novelty ID look believable without copying a real one?

Use clean spacing, a sharp photo, fictional numbers, and simple details that make sense for your prop or character. Avoid real state seals, real holograms, or barcode formats used on government IDs.

3. Should I use my real information on a novelty ID?

You can, but it’s safer to use fictional data especially for addresses or ID numbers. Many people use character names for cosplay or film props.

4. What photo works best for novelty ID design?

A well-lit, front-facing photo taken with a real camera works best. Avoid selfies, heavy filters, and portrait-mode blur. Good lighting makes the biggest difference.

5. Do I need an ID number on a novelty ID?

Yes, it helps with realism. It doesn’t need a special format—just avoid real government numbering styles. Something like “NOV-402913” works perfectly.

Most people only ever see the finished prop ID.

Sharp photo, clean layout, the little details that make it feel like something official but not too official.

What they don’t see is the hours of decisions, edits, corrections, and “nope, that’s not allowed” conversations happening behind the scenes.

So instead of giving you the polished marketing version, I’ll walk you through how we actually design these cards the way I’d explain it if you were sitting next to me watching the process unfold.

Let’s dive in.

1. Realism Doesn’t Come From Copying It Comes From Discipline

One of the first things we teach new designers at fakeids.com is this simple truth:

If you copy a real ID, you’ve already failed.

Real IDs are protected by federal law and we respect that.

Some states even protect layouts, hologram shapes, and microtext patterns. Designers need to know that and respect it.

What we do instead is study structure rather than identity:

• how spacing creates hierarchy
• how colors guide the eye
• how photos sit in a frame
• how typefaces affect readability
• how background patterns add depth without distracting

When you understand these, you can create something that feels believable without ever crossing a line.

This is the same approach movie prop designers use for passports, FBI badges, and boarding passes. They follow the visual logic not the original design.

And honestly?

It gives us more creative freedom.

2. Your Photo Is the Heart of the Card (And The Hardest Part of Our Job)

I’d be honest here, 70% of the quality of your final card depends on the photo you upload.

And I say this as someone who has spent too many nights fixing:

• sideways selfies
• photos taken in yellow bathroom lighting
• “portrait mode” images with fake blur
• blurry nightclub photos
• pictures where someone cropped their forehead off

When a good photo comes in, the design process becomes smooth.

When a bad one comes in, we fight with it for 20 minutes.

Here’s what we actually do with your photo:

Photo Workflow (Actual Steps)

• import into Photoshop
• adjust exposure (usually +0.15 to +0.35)
• fix color temperature (most photos are too warm)
• lift shadows under the chin
• soften harsh flash
• clean the background
• apply skin-tone balancing using selective color
• crop using gridlines (eyes in the top third)
• sharpen edges without overdoing clarity

It’s not magic.

It’s just careful retouching the same way photographers prep headshots.

When customers follow the instructions (“use a real camera, don’t stand too close”), everything becomes easier.

3. Building the Card Layout The Part You’d Be Shocked To See

People think we “use templates.”

We don’t. Templates create sameness and mistakes.

We build every layout manually, based on a fictional design system.

However all our Ids will have all every details which will make it almost perfect to real ID.

Here’s how it usually goes:

1. Start with a blank 1012×638px canvas

This gives us enough space to design at print resolution.

2. Create a background layer

This is NOT a state background.

We design our own patterns:

• geometric wave lines
• overlapping hex patterns
• soft gradients
• modern vector textures

Sometimes we reject 4–5 backgrounds before choosing the one that feels balanced.

3. Add structural guides

This is where it gets technical.

We use:

• 8pt padding grids
• 16pt spacing grids
• 4-column layouts
• vertical rhythm guides

These grids keep the whole card clean and readable.

4. Typography

We use fonts that are:

• open-license
• modern
• readable
• NOT used on state IDs

Inter, Roboto, Source Sans fonts you see in tech interfaces, not government documents.

5. Placing customer data

This part requires judgment.

Two IDs never look the same because:

• long names wrap differently
• different eye colors affect spacing
• birthdays with double digits need special alignment
• some customers include middle names, others don’t

It’s like fitting text into a UI card everything has to feel natural.

6. Adding fictional security artwork

This is the fun part for us:

• UV-style waves
• hologram-inspired shapes
• micro-pattern layers
• abstract seals
• texture overlays

These are custom-created assets.

We never reuse official symbols. You’d be surprised how many times designers say:

“Nope, remove that too close to something real.”

Compliance matters.

4. The Compliance Phase: The Part We Take Very Seriously

Every card goes through a quick internal checklist before printing.

Here are things we absolutely NEVER include:

• state seals
• flags, coats of arms
• barcodes with real format
• PDF417 codes
• MRZ passport lines
• real hologram icons
• DMV text strings
• official color patterns
• state-shaped shadows or outlines
• serial formats used by US IDs

If a design even feels like it’s drifting close to something official, we rebuild it.

5. Why Our Cards Feel “Real” Even Though They’re Not

Let me tell you a secret, realism doesn’t come from copying a government ID it comes from good graphic design.

• The way shadows fall.
• The spacing around the photo.
• The sharpness of the edges.
• The background depth.
• The consistency of the text.

These are real design principles the same ones taught in UI/UX and brand identity work.

Someone with a good eye for spacing can make anything look legitimate without using any protected elements.

That’s why our cards feel smooth, clean, and polished.

6. Printing: The Part Customers Never Think About

Printing is a science.

If you’ve ever held a cheap novelty card from another site, you’ve felt:

• dull colors
• flat surfaces
• blurry edges
• low-res lamination
• inconsistent thickness

We don’t do any of that.

Here’s our typical print workflow:

• Convert artwork to CMYK
• Apply print-safe color profiles
• Print onto Teslin or composite PVC
• Add laminate layers
• Trim edges
• Round corners
• Inspect manually
• Print duplicate
• Pack discreetly

This is why our cards last for years and don’t peel.

7. Human Mistakes Are Caught Because Humans Review Everything

Every designer has a story of catching something weird:

• a customer accidentally typed “1997” twice
• a space got added at the end of a last name
• a height was submitted as “6’09”
• a middle name was the same as the last name
• the eye color didn’t match the photo

We fix obvious mistakes quietly before printing.

You’d be shocked how many times this saves an order.

8. Your Data: What Actually Happens Behind The Scenes

Here’s the real truth nobody here wants your data.

The designers only see:

• your text
• your photo
• your signature (if added)

That’s it.

And after we print your cards:

• files are kept temporarily
• deleted automatically in short intervals
• never fed into AI
• never stored long-term
• never reused for anything

Designers care about making the card look good not keeping your information.

9. Why This Entire Process Matters

Prop IDs aren’t toys.

People use them for:

• film and photography
• cosplay
• collectibles
• creative projects
• character design
• novelty gifts
• theatre productions

So they need to look good, feel good, and print well without ever crossing into replica territory.

That balance realism along with compliance is the whole reason our design workflow exists.

And honestly?

It’s why we’ve been doing this for years without issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you copy real state IDs when designing prop IDs?

No. Our designers only use original artwork, fictional elements, and custom patterns. We study design principles, never government templates or protected symbols.

2. What makes a prop ID look realistic if nothing is copied?

Realism comes from professional graphic design clean spacing, sharp photos, balanced colors, and layered textures. These are visual principles, not replicas of official IDs.

3. What security-style features do you include?

We use cinematic, fictional elements like abstract hologram-style shapes and geometric patterns. None of them match real government holograms, barcodes, or seals.

4. How do designers edit the uploaded photo?

A real designer adjusts exposure, color balance, clarity, and alignment manually inside Photoshop. There are no auto-filters or AI tools in the editing process.

5. How do you ensure the designs stay legal?

Before printing, every card goes through a compliance review to ensure no state symbols, protected layouts, barcode formats, or government identifiers are used.

6. What printing material do you use for prop IDs?

We print on Teslin or composite PVC, laminate for durability, and check each card by hand. You receive two copies your main card and a free duplicate.

Let’s be honest the novelty ID space isn’t like selling socks or scented candles.
It’s an industry where people naturally have questions, doubts, and concerns.

They want to know:

• Who’s behind the website?
• How are photos handled?
• Is the product safe and legal to own?
• Will their data get deleted?
• Are the cards novelty-only or something else?

Most websites hide behind vague text like “we value your privacy” or copy-paste legal templates that say nothing real.

But people aren’t stupid.

They can sense when something feels shady.

That’s why transparency isn’t just a “nice to have” for a novelty ID business it’s the foundation of trust, legitimacy, and long-term survival.

Here’s what transparency actually looks like, why it matters, and how FakeIDs.com practices it daily.

What Transparency Really Means in a “Grey Zone” Industry

Most e-commerce brands talk about transparency in vague terms “we care about your privacy”, “we value trust”, “we never misuse your data.” You can copy-paste that onto almost any website.

In the novelty ID space, generic claims don’t cut it.

Here, transparency has a few very specific dimensions:

• What are these IDs actually for? Are they meant to be collectible and fun, or are they trying to skirt the law?
• How close are the designs to real IDs? Are you copying state layouts and seals, or creating original artwork that clearly belongs to the prop/collectible category?
• What happens to photos and signatures after upload? Are they deleted? Stored? Shared? Used for anything else?
• Who is behind the site? Is there a real team, or just a brand name with no accountability?

If a site can’t answer those questions clearly, it becomes hard to trust it as a user and just as hard for platforms like Google to separate it from truly harmful activity.

But that’s not the case with us, you can learn everything about us and can checkout our disclaimer and privacy policy to know how we operate.

Why Customers Need Radical Clarity

From a customer’s point of view, ordering a novelty ID is a mix of excitement and anxiety.

They’re thinking things like:

• “Is this legal to own where I live?”
• “Will my photo end up somewhere it shouldn’t?”
• “Is this site going to vanish after I pay?”

If a website doesn’t answer those concerns directly, the customer is left to guess and most people assume the worst.

That’s why we’ve leaned heavily into education, not just sales. I’d strongly recommend to check these articles:

Fake ID vs Novelty ID The Real Difference

Legal Boundaries of Collectible IDs in the US

How We Keep Customer Data & Photos 100% Private

You’ll see what we do, what we don’t do and where the legal and ethical lines are.

That kind of clarity doesn’t just “sound good.” It helps people make informed choices, and it keeps them out of trouble. When someone understands that our cards are collectible props, not government documents, they’re far less likely to misuse them.

How Lack of Transparency Hurts Everyone

It’s easy to think transparency is optional until you look at the damage done by sites that hide everything.

When a site:

• never explains how designs are created
• never mentions novelty-only use
• never talks about deletion of photos
• never lists a real contact method

…then both users and the industry pay the price.

Customers get scammed, photos are reused or leaked, and eventually that behavior shapes how platforms see every site in the niche even the honest ones.

We’ve already seen what happens when search engines decide “this entire category looks risky.” Manual penalties, deindexing, and lost trust follow very quickly. The only way to stand apart from that is to be painfully, consistently clear about your intent and your process.

That’s why our FAQs doesn’t dodge hard questions. If something isn’t allowed, we say it. If something is legal only under certain conditions, we explain those conditions.

What Transparency Looks Like in Practice on FakeIDs.com

For us, transparency isn’t a banner; it’s baked into the way the site works.

1. We openly define what we sell.

We don’t pretend to be an ID service. Our Disclaimer tells you plainly that our products are novelty and collectible items, made for props, gifts, cosplay and fun not for real-world identification or age verification.

2. We explain how we handle your data instead of saying “we care about privacy.”

Our Privacy Policy and dedicated blog on data handling walk through how uploads are encrypted, isolated, and deleted. We don’t expect you to “trust us”; we show you why you can.

3. We are upfront about processes.

On the Order Page, you can see exactly what information is needed, why it’s needed, and what happens next. There’s no surprise extra step after payment where you suddenly learn about a risky requirement.

4. We don’t hide behind a faceless brand.

Our About and Contact pages exist for a reason: you should know who you’re dealing with, and you should always have a way to reach us.

5. We publish our rules on refunds and shipping.

Instead of improvising when something goes wrong, we keep clear, written standards in our Refund Policy and shipping info, so people know what to expect before they buy.

Individually, these might look like “just pages.” Put together, they send a much stronger message:

“We’re not hiding anything. Here’s how everything works. Decide based on that.”

Why Transparency Also Matters for SEO and Manual Reviews

The reality is: novelty ID websites live under a microscope.

When Google reviewers look at a site in this space, they’re asking:

• Is this clearly about collectibles and props, or does it look like it’s facilitating illegal activity?
• Does the site explain legal boundaries, or does it encourage rule-breaking?
• Does it have full policies, disclaimers, contact info, and an owner story?
• Are there real, helpful articles, or just thin sales copy?

A site that hides its intent, its policies, and its identity is far more likely to be flagged, even if it isn’t actively doing anything illegal.

By contrast, a site that:

• distinguishes novelty vs illegal use
• publishes guides about legal boundaries
• explains data handling
• makes its business practices visible

…gives both users and search engines something concrete to trust.

That’s one of the reasons we’ve invested time into a small but meaningful blog library around safety, legality, privacy, and clarity rather than only publishing “sales” content. In the long run, it’s better for customers and better for search.

The Long-Term Play: Building a Brand, Not Just a Storefront

Anyone can throw up a website, take orders for a few months, then disappear.

That’s not what we’re trying to build.

Transparency is our way of saying:

• we’re here to stay
• we’re willing to explain how we work
• we’re prepared to stand behind our products
• we know where the legal and ethical lines are, and we keep them in view

When you read our Legal Boundaries article, check our Disclaimer, skim our Privacy Policy and send a question through Contact you’re not just dealing with a checkout page. You’re dealing with a brand that takes responsibility.

That’s what we want FakeIDs.com to be known for not just design quality, not just fast service, but honest transparency in a niche that desperately needs it.

Final Thoughts

Transparency in the novelty ID industry isn’t about looking good. It’s about doing the right thing for customers, for search platforms, and for the long-term health of the whole niche.

We create novelty and collectible IDs. We say that openly.

We explain how we design them, how we protect your data, and how we expect them to be used.

And if you’re ever unsure about anything legality, safety, data, or process there’s always a real page, a real explanation, and a real way to reach us.

That’s what transparency means to us.

Not a slogan. A way of operating.

If you’re buying a novelty ID, a collectible card, or a film prop, you’ve probably wondered:

“Is this even legal?”

And honestly, you’re not alone.

The internet has mixed fake IDs, prop IDs, collector cards, and counterfeit documents into one giant confusing mess.

Search engines don’t always help either they treat everything “fake ID–related” with caution, even when the intent is harmless.

The truth is surprisingly simple:

The legality depends entirely on the intent and the design, not the existence of the card itself.

In this guide, we’ll break down the actual U.S. laws, what collectible IDs are allowed, what crosses the line, and how FakeIDs.com stays on the safe, responsible side of creativity not deception.

Let’s make the gray areas clear.

Two Types of “FAKE ID” (and Why Only One is Illegal)

Most confusion comes from the fact that the phrase “fake ID” has two meanings:

1.Fake ID (illegal meaning)

This refers to a counterfeit identity document created to deceive.

Examples:

• A card designed to look exactly like a state license
• Something intended to deceive age checks
• An ID meant to impersonate a government-issued document

This falls under 18 U.S.C. § 1028 which covers “fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents.”

It is a federal offense to produce, possess, or use such a document with intent to defraud.

2. Novelty / Collectible ID (legal meaning)

A collectible ID, prop ID, or novelty card is a fictional design created for:

• Film productions
• Cosplay
• Photography props
• Collectors
• Personal display
• Entertainment

These are legal because they’re not used to deceive and they don’t try to replicate official government layouts.

This is exactly what FakeIDs.com designs.

Fictional, creative, collectible cards with novelty-only purpose.

You can read our clarity statement here Disclaimer.

What U.S. Law Actually Says

There is no federal law banning novelty or collectible IDs.

What the law does prohibit is:

1. Creating or possessing an ID that imitates a real government document

Covered under 18 U.S.C. § 1028.

Illegal if the card:

• uses a real state seal
• copies a real driver’s license layout
• includes numbers formatted like DMV IDs
• is intended to deceive an establishment
• can pass machine verification

2. Manufacturing items that look like federal IDs or badges

Covered under 18 U.S.C. § 701.

This includes:

• federal agency IDs
• law-enforcement badges
• military credentials

Again, this applies only to documents intended to mislead or impersonate.

3. Using any ID to deceive or misrepresent your identity

Even if the card is “fake,” it becomes illegal only when used with criminal intent.

Possession alone without bad intent is not a crime in many states. Intent is everything.

What Makes Collectible IDs Legal

Collectible IDs are legal for three simple reasons:

1. They do not replicate real licenses

We intentionally avoid:

• state seals
• DMV-style barcodes
• official holograms
• exact color palettes
• security micro-text
• government symbols

Our designs are unique, fictional, and artistic.

You can verify this in every product description and on the Order Page.

2. They are never meant for real-world verification

They are used for:

• props
• gifts
• fun
• collections
• creative shoots

That’s why every product page and footer clearly states “for novelty / collectible use only.”

You can read our Terms & Conditions to learn more.

3. They do not connect to any government or verification system

Real IDs connect to:

• DMV databases
• barcode verification tools
• law enforcement systems

Collectible IDs do none of that.

Barcodes, if present, are decorative or fictional never functional.

Common Misconceptions About Novelty & Collectible IDs

Let’s clear up the most widespread misunderstandings many fueled by Hollywood or Reddit threads.

“Any fake ID is illegal.”

Wrong.

Only IDs intended to deceive are illegal.

“It’s illegal to own a fake ID, even if you never use it.”

Not true in most states.

Legality depends on intent.

“Novelty IDs must be reported to the government.”

No.

They’re treated like props, cosplay items, or memorabilia.

“If it looks high-quality, it must be illegal.”

Quality isn’t the issue intent and design similarity are.

How Fakeids.com Stays Compliant (Our Internal Rules)

We don’t just follow the law we exceed it with strict internal safeguards.

Here’s what we do:

1. Fictional templates only

We don’t copy any U.S. state designs.

Even if a card has a “state” name, the layout is 100% custom.

2. Clear disclaimers everywhere

Our Disclaimer and FAQs clearly define novelty-only use.

3. No real-security elements

No:

• DMV-style barcodes
• official holograms
• REAL ID gold stars
• magstripes with valid data

Everything is decorative.

4. Data and photo privacy

We delete customer photos within 72 hours following NIST SP 800-88 guidelines.

We covered this deeply in our privacy-focused article: How We Keep Customer Data 100% Private

5. No replication of official credentials

We stay away from:

• federal ID formats
• military IDs
• law enforcement lookalikes

6. Internal compliance checks

Every design passes through:

• a design check
• a compliance review
• a novelty-use validation
• before reaching customers.

Why Collectible IDs Exist (And Who Actually Uses Them)

Collectible IDs aren’t just fun there’s a real cultural and creative market for them.

Here’s where they’re used professionally:

Film & TV Industry

Production teams need prop IDs for:

• characters
• schools
• security badges
• fictional locations

Photoshoots & Creative Agencies

Artists use them for:

• conceptual visuals
• character-driven work
• in-camera props

Cosplay & Costuming

Fans create:

• sci-fi badges
• character IDs
• fantasy credentials
• comic-inspired designs

Gifts & Collectibles

People collect:

• novelty cards
• themed IDs
• personalized memorabilia

This fits the same category as:

• custom trading cards
• fictional passports
• superhero badges

Not government documents wonderfully fictional items.

Good Vs Bad Use (Simple Rules to Stay Safe)

Collectors, photographers, and cosplayers can enjoy novelty IDs safely by following these simple rules:

• Don’t use them to deceive anyone
• Don’t show them during real ID checks
• Don’t modify them to look like real government IDs
• Don’t claim they are official
• Don’t resell them as “realistic IDs”

When used responsibly, collectible IDs are fun, creative, and 100% legal.

Final Thoughts

In the U.S., the line between “illegal fake ID” and “legal collectible ID” is defined by:

• Intent
• Design
• Usage

At FakeIDs.com, we create collectible, artistic, novelty-only IDs not documents meant to deceive.

Our commitment to ethical design, privacy protection, and transparency keeps everything safe and compliant.

When you upload a photo or signature, you’re not just sending pixels, you’re sharing part of your identity. That deserves real protection, not vague statements or recycled privacy templates.

Most people don’t realize how an uploaded image can be misused. Photos often contain hidden EXIF data, which can reveal location, timestamps, and device information.

A study of Lepide found that over 40% of businesses don’t even know where all their customer data is stored.

That’s exactly why we built our privacy workflow from scratch a system designed to keep every image safe, isolated, and fully deleted right after use. You can read the foundation of our approach in our Privacy Policy, but here’s the human version of how it works behind the scenes.

The Hidden Risks of Uploading Photos Online

Every digital photo includes EXIF metadata. This isn’t something most customers think about, but according to NIST researchers, EXIF “may unintentionally reveal personal information such as geolocation” (NIST IR 8006).

This is where many online stores fail. They use:

• Third-party upload tools
• Cloud-based editors that store cached photos
• Shared hosting servers
• Plugins that copy user uploads

All of these increase the risk of leaks.

That’s why our workflow is built differently, you can see the care we put into trust inside our About Us page.

Why We Built Our Own Secure Pipeline

Most e-commerce sites rely on off-the-shelf upload modules. That’s fine for selling T-shirts but not for a business where customers upload their face.

Our system is built around three principles:

• Zero third-party processing – Everything stays inside our secured environment.
• Air-gapped design workstation – Designers work in an offline workspace where your image cannot sync or upload anywhere.
• Separate upload, design, and production systems – This follows NIST SP 800-53 recommendations on isolating sensitive data.

If you want a closer look at how we operate as a transparent novelty-ID business, our Disclaimer page explains our novelty-only usage policy clearly.

From Upload to Permanent Deletion: Step by Step

Here’s what actually happens inside our system:

1. Encrypted Upload

Your files are transferred using TLS 1.3, the same encryption standard used for banking.

2. Metadata Stripping

Before a designer sees your photo, an automated script removes EXIF, GPS, timestamps, and camera identifiers.

3. Private Design Workspace

A designer uses a temporary, encrypted copy in an offline workspace.

• No cloud.
• No sync.
• No shared environment.

4. Render & Proof

Your novelty card is rendered in a controlled environment that produces a file with zero attached personal data.

5. Cryptographic Deletion

Within 72 hours of order completion, your files are wiped using methods consistent with NIST SP 800-88 (media sanitization).

You can check how this aligns with the ordering experience on our Order Page.

The Security Frameworks We Follow (Human Explanation)

We base our privacy system on three respected frameworks:

FTC Fair Information Practice Principles (FIPPs)

• We explain everything openly.
• We only collect what’s necessary.
• We secure and delete your data.

The FTC calls this “reasonable security,” but we go further we eliminate what isn’t needed.

GDPR Article 5 (even though we’re U.S.-based)

• Data minimization
• Purpose limitation
• Storage limitation
• Confidential processing

GDPR sets the gold standard, so we follow it because it’s the right thing to do — not because we legally have to.

NIST SP 800-122 & 800-53

These guides define how PII should be handled.

Our upload, design, and deletion workflows are built to satisfy these standards end-to-end.

If you want more clarity on our compliance boundaries, visit our FAQs. We break things down in plain English there too.

What We Never Do With Your Data

Many websites don’t intentionally leak data they just don’t know where it goes.

Here’s what we avoid entirely:

• No cloud storage
• No long-term backups
• No AI training on customer images
• No metadata retention
• No 3rd-party image editors
• No hidden analytics tracking uploads
• No archiving “for future templates”

Our entire pipeline is designed for single-use file handling then deletion.

You can read how this relates to customer protection in our Refund Policy, which explains what information is required after payment.

How You Can Protect Your Own Privacy (Expert Tips)

Even with our protections, your privacy starts with you.

Here’s what the FTC, NIST, and cybersecurity experts recommend for safer uploads:

• Turn off location services in your camera app
• Use a fresh photo, don’t reuse official ID pictures
• Use neutral backgrounds
• Avoid sending images over social media
• Use a unique email for online purchases
• Keep confirmation emails secure

If you ever have questions, our team is reachable through the Contact Page.

Privacy Isn’t a Feature (It’s a Partnership)

We believe privacy is earned through transparency, not claims.

That’s why our policies, disclaimers, and processes are visible, readable, and human.

And you should real this Fake ID vs Novelty ID to find learn the difference.

This helps customers understand what we create and what we don’t.

We’re a novelty ID provider dedicated to safe, ethical, collectible-only products. Transparency is how we draw the line clearly and honestly.

Final Thoughts

Your photo isn’t just a file.

Your likeness isn’t just “data.”

And your trust isn’t something we take lightly.

We built our privacy system so that your personal details:

• stay encrypted
• stay isolated
• stay offline
• and disappear when your order is complete

“The best kind of privacy is the kind you never have to worry about because the system takes care of it for you.”

Everything you upload is protected with intention and deleted with purpose.

At FakeIDs.com, we’ve always believed that creativity should never cross ethical lines.

Every ID we design tells a story a collectible, a prop, or a piece of art made for entertainment. But here’s what it’s not: a legal document, a tool for deception, or anything that challenges trust.

This philosophy isn’t new to us. It’s how we’ve operated from the very beginning by being transparent, responsible, and proudly creative.

Understanding the Purpose of Novelty IDs

Let’s start with the word “fake.”

It often gets misunderstood. To us, “fake” doesn’t mean “false” it means fictional. It represents a creative idea brought to life through design and craftsmanship.

Just like film studios use prop passports or police badges on screen, we craft novelty IDs for the same purpose realism without misuse.

Our customers range from photographers and prop designers to collectors and artists who value quality and authenticity. They’re not trying to trick anyone. They’re trying to create something believable for art, film, or personal expression.

That’s the beauty of novelty design it celebrates imagination while respecting the boundaries that keep it ethical.

The Line Between Creativity and Compliance

The difference between a novelty ID and a real ID is clear: intent and design.

A real ID is used for identity verification.

A novelty ID exists purely for creativity to enhance storytelling, entertainment, and visual art.

Our responsibility is to make that distinction visible in everything we do.

That’s why every ID we design includes:

• Custom artwork instead of official seals.
• Modified layouts that can’t be mistaken for real IDs.
• Creative elements like fictional institutions or playful color schemes.

Each of these design choices ensures compliance with global creative and legal standards. We go beyond the basics because protecting trust means designing responsibly.

Also Read: How Novelty IDs Bring Movies and TV Shows to Life

Our Design Philosophy: Authenticity Without Imitation

Every novelty card begins in our design studio not as a copy, but as a concept.

We focus on three pillars:

• Creativity: Every card is an artistic representation, inspired by realism but never replicating it.
• Precision: From lighting to holographic effects, every element is carefully crafted for visual impact.
• Ethics: Each design is reviewed to ensure it cannot be used or interpreted as a government-issued ID.

It’s a process that mirrors professional prop design in the film industry where authenticity and responsibility go hand in hand.

Our goal is simple: create something that looks convincing for art, yet remains harmless in the real world.

Privacy and Trust: The Cornerstones of Our Brand

Behind every creative project lies trust.

When you submit your details or photos to create a novelty card, we treat that data with absolute respect.

Here’s how we maintain privacy and transparency:

• All data is used only for generating your requested novelty ID.
• Information is securely processed and permanently removed after order completion.
• We never share or resell any personal data.

Your details stay private. Always.

Because in the digital world, data privacy isn’t optional it’s the foundation of responsible creativity.

Staying Compliant, Staying Honest

We understand the reputation of this industry and that’s exactly why we choose to operate differently.

Compliance isn’t just a checkbox for us; it’s how we protect our customers and our brand.

We follow strict internal policies:

• We reject any order intended for real-world impersonation or unlawful use.
• We avoid designs that resemble real government-issued cards.
• We clearly label every product as for entertainment, collectible, or prop use only.

That’s how we keep our mission clean by ensuring every card stays on the creative side of the line.

From Collectibles to Culture

Novelty IDs have evolved beyond props. They’ve become a form of creative expression a way to personalize stories, gifts, or collections.

From movie studios designing custom IDs for characters, to photographers using them for editorial shoots, to fans collecting them as memorabilia novelty IDs have found their place in art and entertainment culture.

We’re proud to be part of that evolution.

When handled responsibly, these items celebrate creativity, identity, and storytelling not deception.

Why This Matters

Our “novelty only” commitment is more than a policy. It’s what defines our place in the creative ecosystem.

In an age where privacy, ethics, and transparency matter more than ever, we choose to stand for something simple yet powerful:

Honest creativity. Real design. Zero deception.

We design for filmmakers, photographers, collectors, and creators who understand that realism and responsibility can coexist beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Every card we make reflects our promise: to create art, not identification.

We’re not just a novelty ID company. We’re a creative studio that values design, trust, and integrity.

So, whether you’re building a movie prop, shooting a creative project, or adding to your collectible shelf — we’ll make sure your novelty ID looks incredible, feels authentic, and stays responsible.

Because when creativity is handled with care, everyone wins — the artist, the viewer, and the world that watches.