Between the bright lights at a club, deafening music at a house party, or mellow vibes of a kickback, it’s no secret that Howard University students like to have a good time. But the abundance of 21 and older clubs, marijuana legalization, and alcohol options on seemingly every restaurant menu in DC has college students breaking the law on a regular basis. 

Fake identification cards (or fake IDs) are no stranger to college campuses. Typically used to buy alcohol, weed, or enter into 21 years-or-older spaces, fake IDs have been used for decades across the nation. 

“I feel like I would be robbed of my college experience if I didn’t have a fake ID,” said a sophomore Howard student. “We don’t have any places on campus where we can throw parties just for Howard students, and I feel like I would be doing myself a disservice by missing out on these things.”

Although lying about age is against the law on its own, using a fake ID can lead to a snowball effect of illegal activity. Today, about 4,000 underage people die from excessive alcohol use annually, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Underage drinking, driving under the influence, and many other federal offenses can stem from fake ID usage. Additionally, being caught with a fake ID can result in a misdemeanor fee that could cost more than textbooks for class. 

According to DC Code §25-1002, each subsequent violation could result in a couple hundred dollar fine and suspension of driving privileges in the District. The third fake ID violation could result in “a fine of not more than $1,000 and suspension of driving privileges in the District for one year.”

But even with these prices on the line, students at Howard University feel like they need to lie to keep up with the social climate. A student who recently turned 21 said her fake ID was supposed to be for fun until she began to rely on it frequently. 

“When I first got my fake ID, I just got it because I thought it would be something fun to have,” said the student. “When I started using my fake ID, I realized that I couldn’t go a lot of places without it or I would be left out.” 

In addition to the monetary cost of using a fake ID, there is also a psychological element that comes with using it. 

“When I used to use my fake ID, there would be a dark cloud over my head, wondering if it was going to work,” said the student. “But now, I don’t have to worry about that.” 

However, not all students feel like a fake ID is their gateway to having a good time. Jaelyn Scott, a 20-year-old senior without a fake ID, says that not being legal has encouraged her to have fun in different ways. 

“It forces you to have fun that’s not just at a club,” said Scott. “I feel like I’ve done more stuff than people who have a fake or even real ID.”