How strict are fake ID laws?

Answer 1

Fake ID laws are pretty much the same everywhere in the US. In most places, possession of a fake ID is a misdemeanor, and can be punished by a max of 1 year jail and $1,000 fine. However, most judges will give a lesser sentence if it is your first offense, such as a fine with no jail time. The bigger problem is if you are going there on vacation, you would probably have to go back later for court.

It isn't the laws themselves that matter here, so much as enforcement of those laws in the specific bars or clubs that you are seeking to commit the crime in. Regardless of how tough the law is, if the establishment does not turn you in to the police, it doesn't matter.
Using a fake ID is illegal.
Yes. The act of using a fake ID is fraud, whether you are committing identity theft or simply trying to trick some merchant into violating age laws.
If you use false identification to purchase alcohol in NY you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor conviction is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 3 years probation or a one year period of incarceration. A felony conviction is punishable by a fine of up to a $5,000 fine and/or 5 years probation or an indeterminate period of incarceration up to 2 1/3 to 7 years. In addition, if you use a New York State driver's license to illegally purchase or attempt to illegally purchase alcohol, the court will impose a 90-day suspension of your driver's license. If you do not currently have a license, you will be disqualified from applying for a driver's license for 90 days.