What defines the term 'altered' in the context of fraudulent identification?

The term 'altered' in the context of fraudulent identification refers to identification that has been changed or tampered with. This alteration can involve modifications such as changing personal information, adding false elements, or defacing the document to misrepresent its authenticity. In legal and criminal contexts, understanding that 'altered' means any form of modification gives law enforcement and judicial authorities the ability to identify and address forms of fraud effectively. Such alterations are often intended to deceive others regarding the identity of the individual using the identification, which is crucial when evaluating the legitimacy of IDs in various situations. Recognizing this definition can also aid in the prevention and investigation of identity-related crimes. The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of 'altered,' as they refer to legitimate papers, the absence of identification, or the validity period of an ID rather than illicit changes made to the document itself.