I-Like-To-Bike

Maybe in Australia you can cash and write checks without ID; not often in the US.

I-Like-To-Bike

True, often that will work, but not always like a state issued ID card. Seems to be a big hassle to carry a passport around all the time vis-à-vis a state issued ID or DL that easily fits in a wallet.

Daily Commute

A passport is also good backup ID. If you lose your State ID or DL, you can use the passport to prove to that you are who you say you are.

The main downside of everyday use is that a passport is bigger than a DL and therefore more difficult to shove into a seatbag. As others have pointed out, another downside is that it doesn't include an address. Finally, it's expensive.

Roody

It seems like they always ask for ID when I want to cash my own check. But people who steal checks have no trouble cashing others' checks without ID.

I-Like-To-Bike

You sure about that?

donnamb 

And, it's got that creepy microchip now. (No tinfoil jokes, ILTB. )

AverageCommuter

Nothing. Ok, I carry a DL when I am specifically going somewhere that I am planning to write a check, which doesn't happen that often. Most of the time though, I don't carry ID. Not necessary.

AverageCommuter

There are a variety of ways that chip can be "inadvertently" destroyed.

Roody

My friend had his checkbook stolen and they cashed five checks--out of town!--before he even knew they were missing. Another friend, who's name is Phyllis, also had checks stolen. The male thief whited out the s in "Phyllis" and put in "Phyllip," and cashed two checks for purchases at Walmart.

peace_piper

I got a passport. In my state, it costs me $42 for a DL, good for three years. A passport is $90, good for ten years. Passport was cheaper, so I got one of those. I don't drive, so I'm not paying for something I'm not going to use.

The last place I worked asked for a DL as valid ID, so I gave them my expired (for 2 years) DL. They never noticed. If fortune smiles on me again and grants me another paying job, I'll use my passport this time to see what they say.

TrackGuy

Ask your DMV if they offer non-drivers ids. New York State DMV has a "non-drivers" id, which is essentially a driver's license with a "not valid for driving" restriction. People who need an id but can't/don't drive, eg legally blind people, use them in places that ask for driver's license.

gwd

Several times I've had to audit eligibility for receiving DC services and drivers license or government issued ID was NOT required to establish that the recipient had an address in DC. Like Roody said, utility bill, paycheck, or embasey letter were all acceptable. I don't know why they'd deny a library card to someone without a drivers license or government ID with address but who had a passport and some other proof of residency.

wheel

My DL expires in 2040

cerewa

In the U.S., employers are supposed to establish that you can legally work here, and that your face matches the name you give, before hiring you. A U.S. birth certificate plus a driver's license works, but a passport works by itself.

gwd

Last night I went to a dinner party and a librarian for the city was there. She confirmed that you need neither a Drivers License nor a DC Id to obtain a library card. She said you just have to show who you are and provide and address where you can be reached, the address need not be in the city. Coincidently another woman overheard my questions and said, "They gave me a library card with passport and my daughter's utility bill."

ajay677

Starting Jan. 23, 2007 a passport is required for travel by air to Canada, Mexico and a list of other countries that you previously only needed a drivers license to visit. Starting in 2008, a passport will be required for travel by air, land and sea.

Roody

You're right and I was wrong. Air this year, land and sea next year.

More security nonsense from the administration. They want a national ID card but the American public has always opposed this. Actually, since 9/11, driver licenses are national ID, for all intents and purposes.

"Ve must see your papers please."

supcom

Driver's licenses (or state issued ID cards) have been the common form of ID for many years prior to 9/11.

A_Str8

If you don't drive and don't want to, go to your DMV and get a Non-Driver's ID. Whether or not you have a passport, everyone should have a state ID.

Roody

True, but they were not national ID cards like most countries have. Technically, they were not ID cards at all, but only permits allowing one to drive on public roads. Private organizations chose to accept them as ID, but this had no force of law. And they were pretty useless as ID outside the state that issued them.

The American people have repeatedly rejected the idea of national ID cards. Naturally, the federal government would like us to have them, so they can more easily identify and control the citizenry. So the federal government has snuck ID cards in through the back door, in the form of DLs, SS cards and now passports. Since 9/11, states have been required (by the feds) to tighten standards for DLs, and also put electronic information on them that wasn't there before, like the SS number. They are now just as useful as national ID cards to federal agents of the FBI, IRS, CIA, NSA and whatever.

If a nationwide referendum were held today, voters would probably reject federal ID, but we have it any way. Do you think this is right?

kf5nd

Except if my teenager gets his license, Allstate will automatically start pumping the money out of my bank account with a gas turbine-powered pump. Better if he gets a Texas ID!