Why College Students Love Novelty IDs (Real Stories Inside)

College life is full of unforgettable memories, hilarious pranks, and inside jokes that last a lifetime. And if there’s one trend that perfectly captures that spirit in 2025, it’s the rise of the novelty ID card order. From dorm room laughs to epic party themes, college students are embracing custom novelty IDs like never before—and not for the reasons you might think.

These aren't fake IDs blogs used to get into clubs. These are humorous, customized, and completely legal novelty IDs made purely for fun. Think titles like "CEO of Late Assignments" or "Certified Netflix Binger," paired with awkward student photos and made-up universities. Let’s explore why these funny little cards are sweeping campuses—and hear from some students who are making them part of their college identity.

 A Tool for Self-Expression and Humor

For many students, college is the first time they truly get to express themselves freely, and what better way to do it than with a fake license that labels you “Dean of Snacks” or “Chief Meme Officer”? Novelty IDs are an outlet for creativity and self-irony, letting students poke fun at themselves and their lifestyles in a fun, visual way.

These quirky cards give students a chance to showcase their sense of humor and individuality in a way that stands out. Whether it's used during a party, pinned to a dorm door, or just carried in a wallet for spontaneous laughs, novelty IDs let students broadcast their brand of humor to the world without saying a word.

Students love that they can design these IDs online, choosing everything from ridiculous job titles to fictional institutions (like “The University of Procrastination”). It’s a cheap and hilarious way to make dorm life or roommate gifts extra memorable.

Perfect for Parties and Social Life

Theme parties are a staple of college culture, and novelty ID cards fit in perfectly. At “Frat Night,” “Retro Rager,” or “Fake Convention” parties, students wear their novelty IDs on lanyards, flashing credentials like “Official Party Animal” or “Dance Floor Inspector.” It makes for fantastic icebreakers and tons of content for social media.

One student at NYU shared:

 "We had a party where everyone made IDs from fake states and made up professions—mine said ‘Emotional Support Human.’ It was so stupid and funny, and now it's pinned on my dorm wall."

Another from UCLA added:

 "We made novelty IDs for our Dungeons & Dragons club and used them at our meetup. Mine says 'Licensed Wizard Since 2012.' Everyone loved it."

Social Media and Dorm Room Decor

Novelty IDs aren’t just for laughs in person—they’re highly photogenic. Students love snapping pictures of their IDs next to their textbooks, laptops, or Red Bull cans. These cards offer the perfect mix of color, humor, and customization, making them ideal for Instagram posts or Snapchat stories. Whether it's a staged "study break" shot or a "day-in-the-life" TikTok skit, novelty IDs have become a go-to prop for lighthearted student content.

With platforms like TikTok and Instagram dominating college life, these cards have become mini content creators of their own. Students often incorporate them into trends, memes, and challenge videos. A funny fake ID titled “Certified Caffeine Addict” or “Group Project Survivor” fits perfectly into the digital culture that thrives on authenticity and humor. They're not just cards—they're tools for boosting engagement and sparking online conversations.

And once the party is over or the joke has landed, many students hang their novelty IDs on walls, bulletin boards, or door signs. They add a playful, personal touch to dorm décor and serve as fun conversation starters when friends visit. Some students even build small collections over time, especially those who love themed events or belong to multiple campus clubs.

It becomes a part of their personal college history, just like an embarrassing yearbook photo or a favorite hoodie. Over time, that silly ID becomes a nostalgic keepsake, reminding them of the laughter, chaos, and creativity that defined their college experience. In a world full of digital noise, it’s these small, tangible mementos that students end up cherishing most.

 Real Stories from Real Students

Here are a few more snippets from students across the country:

Jayden – Georgia State University:

 “My ID says ‘Director of Napping & Mental Recovery.’ I keep it in my wallet and show it to people when I’m stressed out. It always gets a laugh.”

Maya – University of Michigan:

 “I made one for my roommate that says 'Overachiever in Denial.' I gave it to her before finals week. She still has it taped to her desk lamp.”

Carlos – University of Texas:

 “Our entire friend group made IDs with the same fake school and dumb degrees. Mine says ‘BS in Pizza Studies.’ It’s stupid, but now we use them in every group photo.”

Where Are They Getting These?

Students are turning to online platforms like IDPapa, which offer easy-to-use editors where they can upload a photo, write their joke credentials, and get a high-quality, printed novelty ID shipped directly to their dorm. Many sites offer bulk discounts—perfect for clubs, teams, or party groups—and even digital versions for social media or profile photos.

Final Thoughts

College is a time to learn, explore, and—most importantly—laugh. Novelty ID cards have become a hilarious way for students to express themselves, bond with friends, and create lasting memories. They're cheap, easy to make, and always good for a laugh.

So, whether it’s a themed party, a gift for your roommate, or just a personal reminder not to take life too seriously, a novelty ID might be the funniest piece of plastic you've ever carried.