College Students and Fake IDs

Think it's no big deal to have a fake ID? In an era of concerns about identity theft and homeland security, a fake ID can get you into more trouble than you think.

At a family gathering a few years ago, I was stunned to hear a 19-year-old relative tell everyone all about her fake ID which she used to get into bars. She didn't think it was a big deal, especially since so many underage people on her college campus carry these things. Besides, they're hard to detect. Fake IDs used to be shoddy and easy to spot, but thanks to the Internet, anyone can purchase fake licenses that look an awful lot like the real thing.

I'm not going to lecture you all about knowing your limit and the dangers of binge drinking. Truth be told, I think the drinking age should be 18. We trust 18 year olds to put their lives on the line in Iraq, and we don't trust them to buy a beer? But folks, fake IDs are a different issue.

What happens if you get caught with a fake ID in the United States? It's against the law in every state to use a fake ID (and it's against the law in some places to even own one). In most states, it's a misdemeanor, which can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines and possible jail time. Some states have made Fake IDs a felony, which will limit your career choices and possibly your right to vote.

What's the big deal about kids wanting to go to a bar, you ask? The thing is, legal crackdowns on fake IDs aren't inspired by underage bar hoppers. These crackdowns have to do with a post 9/11 political environment where lying about one's identity has become a whole lot more serious. It also has to do with concerns over identity theft. In addition, fake IDs can be used to buy firearms by people who have lost that right legally, and they can be used by illegal immigrants.

In other words, the government thinks this is serious business, and if trends continue, fake ID laws are going to become harsher. Forging your identity not get a drink is not worth it, kids.