College Drinker, an online magazine edited by Northwestern students, publishes a quarterly column in North by Northwestern’s print magazine.

First off, fake IDs are illegal.
DO NOT USE ONE.
But, inevitably some of you are going to be tempted in college, so we’ve decided to bring you some important information about exactly what you are risking if you use a fake ID.

LAWS
Laws are tricky things. But here’s a breakdown of the consequences if you get caught with a fake ID in Illinois:
The bottom line is that if you’re caught using a fake ID, you’re facing at least a $500 fine.
Trying to pass somebody else’s real ID off as your own is a misdemeanor which can result in up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in jail. Possessing a completely fraudulent ID is a Class 4 felony and can result in up to $2,500 in fines and up to three years in jail. Also, if you are a resident of Illinois, your real driver’s license can be suspended for up to one year. (This law applies to any underage drinking, with or without a fake ID.)
The true spirit of these penalties is to prevent people from fraudulently getting credit cards. Sometimes fake ID possession is reported as a violation of a city ordinance, which won’t go on your criminal record—but much larger penalties can and often do apply.

CAN BOUNCERS TELL?
Yeah, pretty much. You may think you’re pretty slick, but 90 percent of the time a fake is obvious. That’s because all bar staff undergo police training in the BASSET program (Beverage Alcohol Servers and Sellers Education and Training), so they’re pretty good at recognizing them. Plus, you don’t look nearly as old as you think. That beard? Not helping.

ARE BOUNCERS LIABLE FOR LETTING YOU IN?
Yes, kind of. The bar is liable for admitting underage patrons and if caught will face a huge fine. So naturally bouncers tend to take their jobs pretty seriously. Some bars even give their bouncers a small bonus for every fake ID confiscated, giving them even more incentive to deny you.

SHOULD THE DRINKING AGE BE LOWERED?
Obviously. But it isn’t, so I have to say again, do not own or use a fake ID. But now at least you know the laws, and you can make educated decisions like a responsible young adult. Cheers!