“It’s Rascist!”

Here is a comprehensive list of everyday (or relatively common) activities and situations in the United States where a photo ID (such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID) is typically required. Requirements can vary by state, business policy, or specific circumstances, but these are widely reported and commonly encountered in daily life.
I’ve grouped them for clarity:
Age-Restricted Purchases (Very Common Daily/Weekly Activities)
• Buying alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)
• Purchasing tobacco products (cigarettes, vapes, etc.)
• Buying certain over-the-counter medications (e.g., pseudoephedrine for cold/flu remedies, often age- and purchase-limited)
• Purchasing mature-rated video games or media (e.g., M-rated games)
Travel and Transportation
• Boarding a domestic commercial flight (especially post-REAL ID enforcement)
• Renting or picking up a rental car
• Driving a vehicle (carrying a driver’s license is required by law in all states)
Financial and Banking
• Opening a bank account
• Conducting certain bank transactions (e.g., large withdrawals, account access in person)
• Cashing checks (especially larger amounts)
Government and Benefits
• Applying for or receiving certain government benefits (e.g., food stamps/SNAP, welfare/TANF, Medicaid, Social Security in some cases, unemployment benefits)
• Picking up restricted prescription medications at a pharmacy
Housing and Accommodations
• Renting or buying a home/apartment (background/credit checks often require ID)
• Checking into a hotel room
Other Common Activities
• Visiting a casino or gambling venue
• Picking up packages from carriers like FedEx or UPS (for certain shipments)
• Adopting a pet from a shelter or agency
• Donating blood
• Getting married (applying for a marriage license)
• Applying for hunting or fishing licenses
• Purchasing a firearm or ammunition
• Buying a cell phone (especially with contract plans)
• Entering certain age-restricted venues (bars, clubs, some events)
Additional Situations (Less “Everyday” but Still Routine for Many)
• Applying for a job (especially formal employment verification)
• Certain credit card transactions or returns (some stores request ID for credit card use or high-value returns)
• Entering secure buildings or facilities (some government offices, events, or workplaces)
Note that not every instance is strictly mandatory by federal law—many are business policies, age-verification rules, or state-specific regulations—but photo ID is the standard way to comply. In daily life, people often encounter requests for ID when using credit cards at stores, during traffic stops, or for age-restricted items.
If you’re in a specific state or situation, requirements can differ slightly (e.g., some states have stricter rules for certain benefits or purchases).