Edited on 4/23 to ensure accuracy.

Fake IDs are still a regular part of college nightlife in Bowling Green, but local police and bar staff say students often underestimate how seriously they are treated.

Bowling Green saw 44 cases of identity theft in 2025, which comes with the possibility of license suspension and fines. However, Bowling Green Deputy Police Chief Officer Adam Skaff said most charges result in fines or license suspension, and that jail time is “highly unlikely in almost all circumstances.”

In a town filled with college students, Skaff said fake identification cases are usually tied to underage drinking.

“Fake IDs are fairly common due to the nature and makeup of the community,” Skaff said. He said officers most often see them when people are “attempting to gain entry into liquor establishments or purchase alcohol.”

Skaff added that fake IDs are not only used by college students, but also by people who are “trying to hide their own identity due to potential legal issues,” such as not having a valid license or having a warrant for arrest.

Even though fake ID charges are misdemeanors, Skaff said they are not brushed aside.

“Serious is a relative term,” he said. “While they are not ignored, they can lead to someone being arrested or given a criminal citation.”

The exact charge depends on how the ID is being used.

“Depending on whether it is just in someone’s possession or whether they attempt to use it to gain entry or purchase alcohol or another reason can change the crime that would be charged,” Skaff said.

Technology has also made fake IDs easier to get and harder to spot.

Skaff said they are “much easier to obtain or purchase due to the advancement in technology and the internet” and are also “much cheaper to purchase and better quality than they ever have been in the past.”

While most cases are connected to underage drinking, he said fake IDs can raise bigger safety concerns if they are used to access restricted areas or hide someone’s identity.

Police and bar staff agree that fake IDs may seem like a normal part of college culture, but they carry real risks. As fake IDs become easier to buy and better made enforcement and training continue to play a big role in keeping Bowling Green’s nightlife safe.