The Complete Guide to the McLovin ID: Origins, Pop Culture Impact, and Collectibles

Some movie props become more than just set pieces—they become cultural icons. The McLovin ID from the 2007 comedy Superbad is one of those rare examples. Nearly two decades later, the hilariously absurd fake ID remains a staple in pop culture references, meme culture, and novelty merchandise.

In this guide, we’ll explore where the McLovin ID came from, its role in the movie, why it became iconic, the legality of owning one, and how it has lived on through collectibles and fan culture.

1. What Is the McLovin ID?

The McLovin ID is a fictional fake identification card used by the character Fogell in the hit movie Superbad.

• Name: McLovin (no first name)
• Date of Birth: 06/03/1981 (making him 25 in the film)
• Address: Honolulu, Hawaii
• Eye Color: Brown
• Hair Color: None listed
• Photo: Awkward, passport-style close-up of Fogell

The absurdity comes from the fact that Fogell chose a single-name alias, claimed to be from Hawaii despite clearly not looking Hawaiian, and picked an obviously fake age to buy alcohol.

2. The McLovin ID’s Role in Superbad

In Superbad, Fogell (played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse) is a socially awkward high schooler determined to help his friends Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) get alcohol for a party.
His plan? Present this ridiculous fake ID at a liquor store.

The sequence that follows is one of the most memorable in modern comedy:

1. Fogell proudly reveals the ID to Seth and Evan.
2. They ridicule the name choice (“One name? ONE NAME??”).
3. At the store, the cashier is skeptical but goes along—until a robbery interrupts.
4. The ID becomes a running gag throughout the film.

This prop serves as a central comedic device that fuels much of the plot’s chaos.

3. Where Did the McLovin ID Come From?

The McLovin ID was created specifically for the film by the Superbad prop department. Writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg drew from their own high school experiences and exaggerated them for comedic effect.

• Inspiration: Many teens in the late ‘90s and early 2000s used obviously fake IDs to try to buy alcohol, often with ridiculous names or implausible details.
• Design: The ID mimics the look of a real Hawaii driver’s license from that era, but with intentionally absurd flaws.

4. Why the McLovin ID Became a Pop Culture Icon

4.1 Universally Relatable Humor

Many viewers could relate to the awkwardness of underage attempts to buy alcohol—though few would be bold enough to pick “McLovin.”

4.2 Viral Quotability

Lines like “It was either that or Muhammad” became instant catchphrases.

4.3 Perfect Timing

The film released during the early days of Facebook memes and YouTube culture, allowing the McLovin image to spread quickly.

4.4 Merchandise Appeal

The simplicity of the ID’s design made it easy to reproduce on shirts, posters, and actual plastic cards.

5. McLovin ID in Meme Culture

Over the years, the ID has been:

• Edited with other celebrity faces.
• Used as a joke birthday greeting.
• Referenced in countless social media captions.
• Parodied in TV shows, YouTube sketches, and TikTok videos.

6. Can You Legally Own a McLovin ID?

Owning a novelty McLovin ID is legal in most places, as long as:

• It’s clearly marked as a novelty item.
• You do not attempt to use it as a real ID for purchases, entry, or identification.

Important:

• Using any fake ID (including a McLovin one) to buy alcohol or misrepresent your age is illegal and can result in fines or criminal charges.
• Some states have strict laws about carrying IDs that resemble real government-issued ones, so check local regulations before buying.

7. How to Spot an Authentic Movie Prop McLovin ID

Because of the film’s popularity, real Superbad prop IDs are rare and valuable:

• Screen-used IDs may have prop department marks or wear from filming.
• Certificates of authenticity are usually provided by reputable auction houses.
• Be cautious—many replicas claim to be “movie-used” but aren’t.

8. Where to Buy McLovin ID Merchandise

8.1 Online Retailers

• Amazon & eBay – Replica IDs, keychains, and posters.
• Specialty movie merch stores – Higher-quality replicas with display cases.

8.2 Officially Licensed Products

Some McLovin items are officially licensed by Sony Pictures, including:

• T-shirts with the ID image.
• Posters featuring the card design.

8.3 Fan-Made Items

• Etsy shops often create handmade versions, magnets, or stickers.
• Quality varies, so check reviews.

9. The McLovin ID in Collectible Culture

Just like movie posters and Funko Pop figures, the McLovin ID has become a collector’s item:

• Screen-used props have sold for thousands at auctions.
• Limited-run replicas sometimes become rare and valuable.
• Fans often frame the card alongside Superbad movie stills.

10. How to Make Your Own McLovin ID (For Display Only)

If you’re crafty, you can make a fun display replica:

1. Template: Download a novelty McLovin ID template.
2. Photo: Use a headshot with similar lighting to the movie prop.
3. Printing: Use a PVC ID card printer for an authentic feel.
4. Finishing: Laminate for durability or frame it for display.

(Remember: Never attempt to use a fake ID for illegal purposes.)

11. McLovin’s Legacy in Film Comedy

The McLovin ID scene remains one of the most quoted moments from Superbad and is often ranked among the top funniest movie props of all time.
It cemented Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s status as a comedy actor and continues to appear in retrospectives about 2000s teen comedies.

12. Fun Facts About the McLovin ID

• Christopher Mintz-Plasse was only 17 during filming, so his mother had to be on set during certain scenes.
• The original Superbad script included even more ridiculous fake ID options before settling on McLovin.
• Multiple identical IDs were made for filming in case one got damaged during takes.

13. The McLovin ID Today

Even in 2025, the McLovin ID:

• Sells as a novelty gift for 21st birthdays.
• Appears in memes during graduation and prom season.
• Gets referenced in other media, keeping the joke alive for new audiences.

14. Final Thoughts

The McLovin ID is more than a movie prop—it’s a symbol of Superbad’s blend of awkwardness, absurdity, and relatability. It remains a pop culture relic that fans proudly display, wear, and joke about nearly 20 years later.

Whether you’re a hardcore collector, a casual fan, or someone discovering the film for the first time, owning a piece of McLovin merch is a way to keep that comedic spirit alive—just don’t try to actually buy booze with it.

References (10 Domains)

1. imdb.com – Superbad cast and trivia
2. rottentomatoes.com – Movie reviews & ratings for Superbad
3. sonyclassics.com – Official Sony Pictures merchandise info
4. amazon.com – Replica McLovin ID products
5. ebay.com – Movie prop auctions & collectibles
6. etsy.com – Handmade McLovin novelty items
7. movieweb.com – Behind-the-scenes articles on Superbad
8. screenrant.com – Pop culture references & film history
9. mentalfloss.com – Fun facts about Superbad
10. thepopinsider.com – Movie merch and collectible trends