american id cards

[hooper8678]

do american citizens have to carry identity cards?

[kev100]

No hooper they dont

[Pinotage]

On the other hand they have to carry their driving licence with them, so since most Americans drive, they have effective ID with them at all times. Plus they have to show this ID when buying alcohol, even sometimes when entering places where alcohol is available. And some places demand ID no matter what your age (cos someone complained it was insulting not to be asked because they looked old)

[depressedmgl]

I had to show my id in a bar in Chicago airport, I was 50 - can't tell you have wonderful it made me feel!!

[iamkk]

yes, being an american, it is required that you carry either a drivers license, or an id card. all stores are supposed to ask for id for the sale of alchohol because they are trying to stop under age purchases/drinking of booze. you are not required to have some form of id on you at all times?? i might want to live there!!

[littleoldme]

It's not required here at the moment, iamkk, but before you rush to book your flight, you should know that the government is planning on bringing in a law to make carrying ID compulsory, so I don't think it will be long in coming.

[iamkk]

interesting, thanks for the info littleoldme....how do they prove any body is who they are? really fascinating.

[littleoldme]

Well, that remains to be seen! It is widely feared that the proposed form of ID card could be open to forgery, and I'm not sure the government have got a proper solution to this. With identity theft being "Crime of the Moment" right now, this could just as easily make things worse as make them better if the whole thing isn't handled properly.

BTW, this isn't actually the first time an ID card idea has been brought up in peacetime. The Conservatives (who now of course, being in opposition, are against the idea) came up with a very similar scheme during Margaret Thatcher's time in office, but on that occasion nothing came of it.

[iamkk]

i just got your response, it took that long. fascinating..anyhow thanks for that info