Are there any actual laws that say you must have an id yes or no?

Question

Are there any actual laws that say you must have an id yes or no, if not why are you required to have id's for things

we were discussing this in my politcal science class and nobody knew the answer

we were talking about how you there is no law that says you must have one, but you are required to have them to enter federal buildings

why are there laws stating that you must have an id to enter a government building but its not law that you must have the id thats stupid

Answer 1

Yes -- there are several.

For example, federal law requires presenting a valid ID when entering a federal courthouse, or some other federal buildings.

Certain state laws require the same in state courts and state govt buildings.

There are drivers license requirements (those are laws). Library card requirements (city/county ordinances, which are laws). Passport requirements on entry into the US. Many states have enacted ID requirements for voting.

And most jurisdictions grant police the right to demand to see your identification based on reasonable suspicion of a crime -- though if you actually did not have one at all, I don't know if that is punishable.

Answer 2

No. Although, you need one to get a job to prove who you are on the I-9 form. Also it's used for proof when buying age restricted items. But there is no law requiring you to have one. You already have a social security card and birth certificate. The only thing else you would even need would be some sort of picture id.

Answer 3

There are some laws concerning ID's, such as to drive a car, or to purchase something age restricted such as cigarettes or alcohol.

There are also ID requirements... this is not a law you would be charged for, but they could restrict your movements, such as refusing to let you board an airplane, or your example of refusing to let you into a federal building.

As far as a law to carry one just walking down the street, I never heard of one.

There is a difference between law and business policy. If a store has a policy to ask ID to cash a check, that is permissable. If a buisness want to require you to display an ID badge, the can do so.

Answer 4

There are several.

For example, almost all states have similar wording to the following (which is an excerpt from Florida State Law):
" ... Florida law requires identification, proof of date of birth and social security number (if issued) from all customers before a driver license or identification card can be issued...."

Anyone who is in the US under one of several versions of visa status must have identification available for perusal upon request. This is part of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 8 (8 CFR). This includes the actual visa (including "green cards") AND a valid passport or other acceptable document identifying the visa holder's nationality. Failure to do so is an illegal act under Immigration Law (Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952).

Other "requests" for identification are to basically remove responsibility for certain potential outcomes from the one seeking identification and transferring responsibility to the individual supplying the identification (A prime example would be providing proof of age to purchase cigaettes or alcohol).

Answer 5

whether or not there are laws re id I don't know all I know is yu can't usea bank, buy liquor or cigarettes, rent a hotel room, get credit anywhere, cash a check, get a meal at a soupline or a bed in ahomeless shelter without one ... I'll check this out with the lawyer community and get back to yu

feel free to emal me on this one --this is how it works in Canada I.d makes it easier for police to do their work, so htey have a policy of asking people for id but

" ...Since the onus of proof (beyond a reasonable doubt) of identify lies with the Crown (and the police acting as their
agent), the accused is not legally required to produce any particular form of identification. ..."

Answer 6

I don't think there is a law that states u must have an I.D. but I know for sure if u don't and u get stopped by the cops u can be in trouble for not being able to prove your identity and actually get arrested for it.

Answer 7

did it ensue in 2000? i think of no longer. nor did it the subsequent 3 hundred and sixty 5 days in 2001. Now we are fairly each of ways in 2009. all and sundry become going loopy at then end of 1999 stocking up for hiding and despite the fact that they theory they have been doing because of the fact the worldwide become coming to an end. the only way the worldwide is going to end is as quickly as we finally destroy our o zone and worldwide warming hits us finished blown and there is not any the place else for us to place land fils and definite it is going to ensue, yet there is not any thank you to have a series time for it. we will in all probability comprehend while it rather is approximately to ensue, because of the fact by ability of the time that occurs the worldwide will in all probability start to be unliveable.

Answer 8

In New York City you must have photo identification. If you get stopped by the police, presumably for reasonable cause, and don't have ID they will run you in a heartbeat. Unless youre white of course. However if you happen to be a young black male and just standing out on your corner hanging out, you will be questioned for no reason, and when you don't have an ID (Many many people who grow up in NYC never get a drivers license because of the great public transportion system) you will def. get run and spend the night in jail.

Answer 9

Outside of the draft laws, which required you carrying a draft card, I am not aware of any laws requiring you to have identification, or face punishment merely for not having one.

Of course, you can be required to show identification or proof of age to purchase some goods (e.g. alcohol) to get government benefits (e.g. welfare), to take advantage of the courts or justice system (e.g. get a marriage license, gain entry to a courthouse), or to take part in certain licensed activities (e.g. driving). You won't get fined or imprisoned for not having identification, you just can't do any of those things.

Answer 10

Government bureaucracy has more rules than we have laws. I think the Real ID act will require it.