Is it a law in the us,that you must always have i.d. in your possesion?

Question

and what is the penilty 4 not having it on you?

Answer 1

YES

Answer 2

No.  

I think some people are confusing this with driving.  The only time you are legally required to have a gov't issued ID in your possession is when you are driving and automobile an those licenses are issued by the states.

Answer 3

Yes it is law ! But as far as getting charged for it is another thing. If you do not have your ID with you, officers can run your full name and date of birth to get the info. The bad thing about this is, if you give the officers false info you than can be arrested. So if you are ask, better tell them the truth!

Answer 4

I don't know if it's actually against the law, but it's definitely a good idea to carry it with you all the time. If you can't or don't, memorize the ID # so that you can at least prove who you are if you get caught up with the police or something.

I got into a car accident back in 2000 and I had left my driver license at home by accident (in a different pair of pants). When the cops showed up, I told them I didn't have it on me (or any other picture ID) and I gave them my license #. They ran it and everything was cool cuz the description and information matched. After that, I got a State ID card as well and now Im never without at least one of them. If anything should ever happen to me, I don't wanna go out as a Jane Doe!

Answer 5

No

Answer 6

It is a good idea.  If they detain you and you don't have it they will run the name you give them, DOB and social.  It'd better be you.

Answer 7

No.  You must always have your DL with you when driving, but not an ID.  The police can detain you until they can ID you, but they need a lawful reason to do so.

Answer 8

No such law in any free country.

It is a good idea to have it though. It saves me a lot of trouble in verifying your identity and gets you on your way a lot sooner if I happen to find you in a suspicious situation.  

Answer 9

If you are driving, yes.

If you are just walking around, probably not. However, if an officer does have a legal reason to approach you, and you don't have an ID, he can detain you until he is satisfied you have been properly identified.  

Answer 10

yes. by law you have to have an ID with you but the police cannot make you produce it without a reason. The penalty is that the police can detain you until they know who you are. Example, if you witness a crime, the police will hold you until they know who you are.