Wait, what are the other options? How do they do identification without IDs in other countries? I heard that you can use driver’s license as an ID in the US, but isn’t it issued based on an actual ID? And not everyone can drive, no matter how auto-centric the US might be.
Isn't this why states offer State IDs? I lack the ability to drive, but wanted a form of ID other than my passport, especially once I turned 18, which is why I got one.
Most(?) US states have an "ID" card option you can get instead of a driver's license. It's official proof of age etc. but does not confer any driving privileges, and it's a bit less expensive. No need for the Feds to have to manage this.
Do you need to show ID if you're young to buy alcohol? What do the people who don't drive use?
In Australia, I don't drive and so don't have a drivers license, so I get a 'Photo Card' instead. I was actually able to trade in my expired learners drivers license for free to get a Photo Card (well, I could have if I didn't have an outstanding fine from... not voting)
It is very easy in the US, especially in either very urban or very rural communities. If you don't drive on public roads and are already established in life with a job or bank account, you probably don't actually need an ID for much in your day to day life. Even activities that we normally think of as requiring an ID like traveling on a plane are possible without an ID if you are willing to jump through some hoops.
Wow. Having an ID card seems so normal to me that I would never have thought that the US didn't have any. I've been to the US before and never even noticed. Thanks for the link.
Depends where you live. I had a state ID for a little while when I was a young adult because I didn’t get my driver’s license right away. I used public transit and didn’t have a car anyway.
States also offer ID cards that are not driver's licenses. Usually you apply using the same information, at the same locations and pay a lower fee than for a driver's license.
In Australia it would be a major hassle to not carry around a drivers license, not all the time but things always come up where you need ID and a drivers license usually covers that.
Fair enough. For me (in the US), I have a driver's license but don't own a car, I don't need ID often, but if I leave it in my wallet, there's a much smaller chance that I'll forget it when I do need it (e.g. picking up a prescription at the pharmacy)
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