Clever tactics to get around the law don't earn brownie points if the offender is caught and the law is enforced. Nonetheless, a little credit can be given to shrewd minors who have recently found a loophole in the online identification process of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles Web site.

Groups of teens have been able to purchase replacement driver's licenses for only $15 by entering minimal information about an older friend or family member. While others can pay at least $100 for a fraudulent license, these resourceful teens were getting a raw deal for their government-authorized pass to freedom.

Also, a hearing in December 2006 noted that New York state IDs are currently the weakest in the nation, said Joan Christensen, a New York state assemblywoman for Syracuse.

New York state is presently introducing a counterfeit-proof, redesigned drivers license to increase the strength of the license.

States are moving away from easy-to-manipulate plastic lamination, and focusing on new designs, ultra-violet protection, optical devices and a more efficient barcode. With all of the new attention and education focused towards fraudulent identification, it is now a waste of money, and anyone who is trained can tell its legitimacy right off the bat, warned Edward Weber, sergeant in investigations at Syracuse University's Public Safety.

"Senator Liz Krueger has introduced a bill to increase the penalties for using fake IDs, but so far there is no new assembly bill that we should find listed that is the same as the senate," Christensen said.

To further combat the identity crisis in the United States, there have been propositions for a national driver's license instead of individual state licenses, and further modernization towards "smart" ID cards. Smart IDs would contain encrypted chips in each card providing data and other useful functions.

Interim Public Safety Chief Tony Callisto acknowledged "there are a lot of things that are on the cutting edge right now."

The smart card is currently on a trial run in Texas, but these modern ideas are wildly negated because some people feel it would be a waste of effort and, ironically, a loss of identity.

Since 9/11, part of the Department of Homeland Security's improved law enforcement training includes courses in identifying fraudulent licenses, passports, birth certificates, license plates and other identification documents.

"The biggest issue here at Syracuse University is students getting fake IDs so they can drink," said Lt. Vernon Thompson of Public Safety.

What students don't realize is that this conduct is a Class E felony, which can lead to arrest, Thompson said. With a felony on record, student's perspective careers are put at stake.

Public Safety has also had issues with student drivers who, when pulled over for speeding, use their fake ID to avoid getting fined, as well as people found with multiple identification cards in their wallets.

They make one bad decision and compound it with another bad decision, Weber said.

"Have your fun after you're 21," Callisto said with a chuckle. He explained that he advises his own children not to do or say anything they wouldn't want on a polygraph exam and extends his fatherly advice to students here as well.

A recent crackdown in New York City bars and clubs poses many new frustrations for teens.

"I called everyone, and I have no idea where you can get one now," said Kiel Guba, undecided freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Guba, a New York City resident, believes that New York City social life is both unsafe and almost impossible without a fake ID. She believes that obtaining fake identification to get into clubs in New York City is actually a safer alternative than drinking in a park, where teens are more vulnerable to lurking predators.

However, with recent problems at entertainment spots like Guest House, there has been a major movement to maintain the integrity of clubs and bars, implying more caution on the part of identification manufacturers and clubs alike. This crackdown is now rapidly extending, even to Syracuse.

Local bars and clubs gave a minimal response to the possible new legislative initiative concerning fake identification.

The owner of Ambrosia, a vibrant restaurant and nightclub in downtown Syracuse said the restaurant doesn't find fake IDs much of a problem. Nonetheless, they have a machine to scan any identification in question.

As the technological world is rapidly revolutionizing, it is hard for law enforcement to keep up with the continuous innovations that lead to authentic looking IDs. While many students don't realize the immediate risk involved with false identification, accidents involving minors at clubs can occur, Guba said.