As the saying goes, “fake it till you make it,” and that’s exactly what many college students resort to when they try to score alcohol using fake IDs. Illinois serves as a popular destination for college students, and therefore, it’s not uncommon to see young people wielding fake IDs in bars and liquor stores.

What exactly makes a good fake ID, you ask? It all boils down to the quality of the fake ID front and back. Here’s a closer look at what types of ID cards are popular in Illinois and how they’re made.

The Real ID Act of 2005 introduced a set of national standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. While this law seeks to enhance the security of identification documents to prevent identity theft, it also makes creating fake IDs more challenging. Nevertheless, makers of fake IDs continue to rise to the challenge.

Fake ID makers typically start by obtaining a high-quality template of an authorized identification card. From there, they use specialized software to add fake information, such as a fake name and birthdate, to the template. Some fake ID makers skip the template altogether and create the ID from scratch, using a high-resolution image of a real ID card as a reference.

Creating the front of the ID card is only half the battle; the back of the card must be just as legitimate-looking. A high-quality fake ID back must contain the proper security features, such as a magnetic stripe or bar code, to make it appear genuine.

There are several different types of fake IDs that are popular in Illinois. One of the most common is the “novelty ID,” which lacks any features that make it appear authentic. These IDs are primarily used by high school or college students to purchase alcohol or gain entry to bars.

A more sophisticated type of fake ID is what’s known as a “semi-realistic ID.” These IDs contain some security features, such as a hologram or microprinting, which make them appear almost genuine to the naked eye. Bouncers and cashiers may be caught off guard by these IDs, but law enforcement or other security personnel would likely be able to spot the discrepancies.

Another type of fake ID is the “super-realistic ID,” which is the most challenging to forge. These IDs contain advanced security features, such as UV printing, that are difficult to replicate. These IDs are primarily used by identity thieves or other criminals who want to avoid detection by law enforcement or other authorities.

Fake ID makers have gotten savvier over the years, and as technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics they use to create authentic-looking fake IDs. Nowadays, many fake ID makers are based overseas, making it harder for authorities to track down the source.

While using a fake ID may seem like a harmless way to get into bars or purchase alcohol, it’s important to remember that it’s illegal and can have severe legal consequences. In Illinois, possessing a fake ID can result in a Class 4 felony, which comes with a $25,000 fine and up to three years in prison.

Furthermore, bars and liquor stores that are caught serving alcohol to minors using fake IDs can face severe penalties, such as the suspension or revocation of their liquor license. As a result, many bars and liquor stores are implementing advanced security measures to prevent the use of fake IDs on their premises.

If you’re an Illinois college student looking to score alcohol, there are legal ways to do so. Many liquor and grocery stores offer delivery services that will bring alcohol directly to your doorstep. Additionally, some bars and clubs offer “mocktail” menus, which contain alcohol-free versions of popular cocktails.

In conclusion, fake IDs are an illegal and risky way for college students to gain access to alcohol. While the quality of fake ID front and back has improved greatly over the years, authorities are cracking down on the use of these IDs and are implementing advanced security measures to prevent their use. College students are better off exploring legal and safe ways to enjoy their college experience without putting themselves or others in danger.