Saint Louis University students with false identification beware: 21 does mean 21. And anyone caught trying to use a fake ID will face a stiff punishment.

With technology devising new and creative ways to obtain a fake ID, the number of students getting their hands on one seems to be higher than ever. Either by a self-made fake ID using the latest in laser printing or by ordering your own personal identification over the Internet, there seem to be never-ending options when it comes to adding a year or two to your age.

One student, who has been using a fake ID for the past two years, says he could not imagine college life without it. “As soon as I got to college, I got a fake ID. Life at SLU would be way too boring if I couldn’t get into the bars.”

While he would not say how he obtained his fake ID, he did state that it was not a hard task and that he has never been questioned about it. “I paid a few bucks for it, but it’s been worth it. Not only have I never been turned down, I’ve never really even had someone look twice at it.”

That may be true in some cases. However, not all students are so lucky. Many bars and bouncers pride themselves on being able to spot a phony ID. Some bar managers display in their offices the fake IDs they have collected. However, most of the time, losing the fake ID is the only penalty. This is one of the things Bob Kraiberg, St. Louis’ liquor commissioner, wants to improve.

“When a fake identification card is spotted, then the minor is arrested,” Kraiberg told the St. Louis Post Dispatch. “If the kids get caught, they are written a summons to appear in court. If they don’t appear in court, a bench warrant will be issued for their arrest. If they’re found guilty, it could affect their driving privileges. They could be fined up to $500 or [be required to] do community service.”

Being caught on campus by a DPS officer with a fake ID can bring the same kind of punishment. Connie Tillman of DPS stresses the severity of the punishment getting caught with a fake ID can bring when she speaks at the SLU 101 seminars.

“Sometimes it can be resolved through an internal trial,” Tillman said. “Or it can be turned over to the St. Louis Police and [charges will be filed]. It depends on the person’s actions.”

It is the threat of punishment that can keep some students from using a fake ID. A female junior at SLU has owned a fake ID for the past four months, but has not yet used it out of fear of being caught. “I don’t even know why I keep it with me,” she said staring at the phony driver’s license. “I know I’m not going to use it because I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”

The threat of consequences’ and the increased effort to curb underage drinking don’t convince many owners of fake IDs.

“My best friend got his fake taken away from him, and another friend was refused at a bar, but they didn’t even take his away,” said a SLU sophomore.

“I really doubt that even if I get caught with mine I’ll end up having to go to court for it,”he added.