One Political Party is not keen on IDs to allow for voter integrety – why it’s “Jim Crow” to expect some folks to actually have a picture ID and proof of citizenship! The nerve of them!
Here’s a list of things that require IDs:
- Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor) — almost universally required if you appear under 30–40
- Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco)
- Vaping products, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches
- Cannabis / marijuana products (in legal states — age 21)
- Firearms and ammunition (from licensed dealers — federal requirement for photo ID + background check)
- Lottery tickets and scratch-offs (age 18 or 21 depending on state)
- Pseudoephedrine-containing cold medicines (e.g., Sudafed) — federal Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act limits and requires ID logging
- Mature-rated (M) video games and certain adult entertainment media
- Spray paint, certain solvents, or chemicals in some states (to prevent graffiti or misuse)
- Fireworks (in many states)
- Certain knives, blades, or crossbows (age-restricted in some jurisdictions)
- Tobacco accessories such as bongs or pipes (often treated under tobacco rules, age 21)
- Whipped cream chargers / nitrous oxide canisters (restricted in some states like New York to curb abuse)
Travel, Transportation & Lodging
- Boarding a domestic commercial flight (TSA requires photo ID for adults 18+)
- Renting a car (almost always requires driver’s license + sometimes additional photo ID)
- Checking into a hotel or motel (most require photo ID at check-in)
- Purchasing certain high-value or restricted tickets (e.g., some events or transportation)
Financial & Banking
- Opening a bank account or credit union account
- Cashing a personal check or large money order (especially over $3,000 at USPS or banks)
- Applying for a credit card or loan
- Certain high-value money transfers or wire services
Housing & Major Purchases
- Renting an apartment or signing a lease (landlords routinely require photo ID)
- Buying or financing a house / applying for a mortgage
- Buying a cell phone plan or high-end electronics on installment (many carriers require ID)
Licenses, Permits & Official Documents
- Applying for a hunting license
- Applying for a fishing license
- Getting a marriage license
- Purchasing a firearm (as noted above) or obtaining a gun permit in states that require one
- Applying for certain professional licenses or permits
Government Benefits & Services
- Applying for food stamps (SNAP), welfare, Medicaid, or Social Security benefits (photo ID often required)
- Applying for unemployment benefits in many states
- Donating blood (most blood banks require photo ID)
- Picking up certain prescription medications (especially controlled substances)
Entertainment, Recreation & Other
- Entering a casino or gambling (age verification + photo ID)
- Entering many bars, nightclubs, or age-restricted venues
- Adopting a pet from many shelters or rescue organizations
- Holding certain protests or rallies in restricted public spaces (permits sometimes require ID)
- Certain USPS services (P.O. box, high-value money orders, certified mail, change of address in some cases)
- Employment verification (Form I-9 — photo ID is one of the common List B documents to establish identity)
Additional NotesMany retailers have internal policies stricter than the law (e.g., carding anyone who looks under 40 for alcohol/tobacco). Some items like regular groceries, gas, or over-the-counter non-restricted medicines generally do not require photo ID. This list draws from common U.S. practices documented across state laws, federal regulations (ATF, FDA, TSA, etc.), and everyday requirements.