In some states, the use of a fake drivers license penalty has been made into a felony. A felony is more serious than a misdemeanor. In the short term, it means more jail time, higher fines, and years-long suspension of driving privileges. In the long term, a felony means you now have a criminal record. That will make it much harder for you to find a job, it can mean difficulties getting into school, and you may never be allowed to own a gun or vote. So a fake drivers license penalty is serious.
Perhaps the consequences are meaningless if you can’t get caught. There’s certainly no way to know how many get caught, but don’t doubt for a second that it happens. Bar owners and employees get very good at spotting fake IDs. They have to. Their business depends on it and that is why they have a fake drivers license penalty. The same applies to stores selling tobacco. They might just chase you out, but they may post your fake for public consumption, and they may even turn it over to the police. Police confiscate the things on a regular basis, and once they have it, prosecution is sure to follow. You could be looking at months in jail, and hundreds of dollars in fines, especially for a repeat offense. You might think the police have other things to worry about, and in some places that may be true. However, in areas with large amounts of underage drinking, like near college campuses, underage drinking and ID laws is often a focus of law enforcement.
Also be aware the having the fake ID is just one offense because of the fake drivers license penalty. You open yourself to other charges like possession of alcohol and providing alcohol to other minors. Going to jail could set back your schooling and cost you your job (what do you expect when you can’t get to class or to work?). Losing your license may mean court costs when you get your license reinstated, plus the suspension on your driving record will drive up your insurance costs for years to come. This is on top of fines.
