Identity documents in the United States (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Alien registration cards must be carried by aliens aged 18 or over. Arriving nonimmigrants, including EU and British citizens, must present a passport; a national ID card is not enough.

RuleWhat applies
Duty to carry or show IDIdentity documents⚠ Not yet verified
National ID card compulsory for citizensIdentity documents⚠ Not yet verified
ID duty for foreign visitorsIdentity documentsEvery alien aged 18 or over must at all times carry any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to them. Failure to do so is a misdemeanour, punishable by a fine of up to USD 100, up to 30 days in prison, or both. [1]
EU citizens may enter with a national ID cardIdentity documentsNo [2]
Document for British citizensIdentity documentsBritish citizens arriving as nonimmigrants must present an unexpired passport, and a visa unless exempt. Under the Visa Waiver Program the passport must be issued by a designated country and the traveller must also obtain ESTA travel authorisation. [2]

Notes

  • Federal law sets no general duty to carry ID for citizens. State laws on carrying a driver's licence or identifying to police differ and were not checked here. Under 6 CFR 37.1 and 37.5, REAL ID only governs which state-issued cards federal agencies accept for official purposes.
  • 8 CFR 212.1 requires each arriving nonimmigrant to present an unexpired passport, with exceptions for listed classes such as Canadian citizens. A national ID card issued by an EU state is not a passport.

Sources

  1. U.S. Government Publishing Office (United States Code, 2023 edition): 8 U.S.C. 1304 - Forms for registration and fingerprinting (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (U.S. National Archives and GPO): 8 CFR § 212.1 Documentary requirements for nonimmigrants (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.