TCU police report surge in fake ID cases at the Carter

By Fabian Alvidrez, Staff Writer

Published Oct 6, 2025

A warning sign is posted outside of King’s Liquor on West Berry St. stating persons under 21 are not permitted in the store. Oct 3, 2025.

Fake IDs are among the most frequently reported crimes at TCU. While possession of a fake ID is a misdemeanor, using one for fraudulent purposes can elevate the charge to a third-degree felony.

Amon G. Carter Stadium Football Stadium The Carter Handrail (Heesoo Yang/Staff Photographer)

During the game against Southern Methodist University, 39 incidents of “possession of fictitious license” were reported, according to the TCU Police Daily Crime and Fire Log.

Only five days earlier, police received seven additional incidents of fake IDs at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

While TCU police are cracking down on fake IDs during football games, most other incidents on campus also involve alcohol.

Since Aug. 18, 2025, TCU police have reported 54 counts of “possession of fictitious license” and “possession of fictitious ID”.

For those insistent on using their fake IDs off campus, consequences can vary. “If we catch it and you want to tell us it’s still real we’ll give it to the cops and they’ll check or run the ID,” Owen Mole, a senior movement science major and bouncer with over three years of experience, said.

Though it is nearly impossible to prevent, some bouncers have developed ways to spot fake, stolen and otherwise fraudulent IDs.

“If someone is going to use someone else’s ID that they might look like, then checking the height on it is usually a giveaway too,” Mole said. This is just one of many ways bouncers and police officers can spot fake identification or fraudulent use of identification.

A young adult’s criminal record might suffer from a fake ID charge, but fake IDs can also impact local businesses.

“If TABC comes in, we can get tickets and if it becomes prevalent enough, they can shut us down,” Mole said.

TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) is the primary enforcement agency that enforces rules and regulations related to alcohol.

Although there might be a symbiotic relationship between liquor stores and universities, underage drinking is detrimental for businesses and young adults and teens.

International students should check local laws and regulations to avoid buying liquor underage by mistake, as this is also a common issue for liquor stores.