In Chicago, underage students flock to bars and clubs on weekends, clutching fake IDs and holding their breath as they approach the bouncers.
Many manage to slip through unnoticed, reveling in a night that feels both exhilarating and illicit.
As one student described it, she felt “literally free” after getting past the bouncer, an experience she and many others associate with collegiate culture.
The practice of underage drinking, especially involving fake IDs, has become a significant part of the college experience in urban settings like Chicago, where traditional house parties and frat gatherings are scarce.
For students, having a fake ID is often seen less as a crime and more as a rite of passage that opens doors to social activities in a city bustling with nightlife.
A number of students shared with the Sun-Times that when it comes to fitting in, the decision to obtain a fake ID feels almost necessary.
As one student noted, “It was a necessary evil, that’s kind of how I feel about it.”
The underground market for these IDs is thriving, with websites offering fake IDs for as low as $50.
Students communicate via spreadsheets and group chats, coordinating large orders from vendors believed to operate outside the U.S.
Some websites like fakeyourdrank.com promise stealth shipping and rapid production of IDs that pass even the most diligent scrutiny.
Chad Novak, owner of Fireplace Inn in Old Town, observed that the quality of fake IDs has substantially improved over the years, commenting that they are no longer blatantly obvious.
They appear legitimate enough that bar staff have to rely on their technology for verification.
Additionally, the risks associated with acquiring and utilizing a fake ID are significant.
An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations led to the conviction of two men involved with fakeyourdrank.com, emphasizing the legal implications of engaging in this underground economy.
In Illinois, possessing a fake ID is classified as a class 4 felony, with potential penalties including fines or community service.
Despite legal repercussions, students continue to navigate this culture, using a whisper network to find out which establishments are lenient and which are more stringent about checking IDs.
One particular student recalled her first attempt to receive a fake ID, which was intercepted by Customs and Border Protection in 2021.
Despite this experience, she remained undeterred and successfully obtained a new ID by changing her mailing address.
Now 21, she reflects on the reality of her situation with mixed feelings, considering the potential consequences of her actions but still feeling that she was not alone in her decision to obtain a fake ID.
According to Kenneth Sher, a professor at the University of Missouri, peer influence plays a crucial role in students’ decisions to engage in underage drinking, especially in vibrant urban environments.
Sher noted, “We’re such victims of our norms,” emphasizing that individuals often follow the behaviors of their peers when it comes to social drinking.
But for bar owners, the presence of fake IDs creates a precarious balance between maximizing profits and adhering to the law.
Bouncers like Mando Mendez of Kincade’s in Lincoln Park acknowledge the challenges of identifying fake IDs effectively, which can affect the overall atmosphere of the bar.
The stakes are high; bars caught serving underage patrons face severe consequences, including loss of liquor licenses and fines.
To mitigate risks, some bar owners invest in reliable ID verification technology.
Novak, for example, purchased a scanner for his bar to enhance the security of their alcohol sales and to avoid severe penalties associated with non-compliance.
Meanwhile, some students have navigated these situations with unexpected creativity, recalling incidents where a bouncer returned confiscated IDs in exchange for cash.
As graduation approaches, many students look forward to leaving their fake IDs behind, some even commemorating them as a symbol of their youthful adventures.
Jeff, a senior at Northwestern, has created an art installation out of his collection of fake IDs, while others celebrate the transition from delinquent acts to nostalgia.
One student, Emma Nelsen, proudly hammers her fake ID to a tree, demonstrating a rite of passage shared by many.
“Goodbye,” she said, signaling the end of her underage escapades.
The dynamics of drinking culture among college students reflect broader societal trends that illustrate the unique challenges and experiences of youth in urban college environments.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2025/06/02/chicago-fake-id-college-underage-social-drinking
