<p>“I’ve heard that it’s worse to use someone else’s ID (that is, pretend you are John Smith who really is 21, and use his ID) than to have a fake ID that is really fake (that is, make up an imaginary Bill Jones and use that ID). Any lawyers want to weigh in?”</p>
<p>Using someone else’s ID could expose one to a charge of identity theft. It sounds far fetched, but some jurisdictions are comming down really hard on this because of credit card fraud and illegal immigration. Law Enforcement cannot have a policy of charging illegal immigrants with identity theft for using someone else’s social security card, but look the other way when white, college kids use someone else’s id. You have to be very aware of what the policies of the local police are. I would imigine the police look the other way in most college towns, but I would be very careful in some jurisdictions.</p>