Despite the risks involved, many Boston University students say they use fake identification to get into clubs and to purchase alcohol.

Students convicted of being in possession of a forged driver’s license could be fined $300, sentenced to five years in jail or have their driver’s license suspended for six months, according to BU spokesman Colin Riley. If students are caught with a fake driver’s license, the Boston University Police Department notifies the office of Judicial Affairs and could bring criminal charges against the student, which are then taken to the courts, said BUPD Det. Patrick Nuzzi.

According to Nuzzi, most students know about the penalties of fake driver’s licenses, but they still take the chance. Students convicted of making or possessing of a fake driver’s license can be charged with a felony, Nuzzi said.

Students also obtain forged versions of other forms of ID. If caught in possession of these types of fake IDs, a student wuld face misdemeanor charges, which normally result in community service hours, Nuzzi said. However, most bars and clubs will not accept those forms of ID.

Although the penalties are steep, fake IDs and licenses are easy to find, students said.

“Everybody knows somebody who can get [forged driver’s licenses],” said College of Arts Sciences junior Luke Westreick. “Either they can do it themselves or know people who can.”

Prices for fake driver’s licenses range from $10-$100, depending on quality, Westreick said. However, the cost of fake driver’s licenses “depends on how closely you are connected to the person making the IDs,” he said.

Students said fake ID use was both common and justified.

“Most people I know use other people’s IDs,” said CAS junior Jessica Shaw. “If you are over 18, you should be able to buy alcohol or get into clubs.”

However, some students said the risk is too great.

“There are other ways [to get into clubs],” said Rachel Pugh, a College of Communication freshman.

Other restrictions make fake IDs more difficult to use. Julie Farrer, a COM freshman, said many places in Boston will not even accept a New York or New Jersey license because they are so easy to forge. Farrer said that last year the Massachusetts driver’s licenses were changed so that under-21 licenses have all the information placed vertically on the card, instead of horizontally. The licenses also have the Massachusetts emblem in hologram form, which makes it impossible to forge.