Filling Out Identification Card Personal Information (Page 7 of 7) in pdf

September 2014

FAQ: I

& P

DENTIFICATION

OCUMENTS

OLICE

UESTIONING

What form of identification document will be accepted by government officials will depend on

 What identification document is acceptable?

the situation and why the identification is being requested. For example, identification

documents could be used just to establish somebody’s name, age, or address. Other times,

identification documents could be used to prove someone is licensed to drive. Yet other times,

identification is needed to prove somebody’s immigration status.

For purposes of proving one’s identity (that the person is who he or she claims to be), the

following forms of identification are often acceptable:

• Passport;

• Foreign government-issued ID;

• U.S. State driver’s license or international driver’s license;

• U.S. State non driver ID;

• Birth certificate (especially for children who may not have photo identification).

However, it is important to think about why ID is being requested and what other information

your ID will provide. For example, by showing a foreign passport or foreign government-issued

ID you may be able to prove your identity, but may also be providing the government officer

with information about your citizenship status.

 When do I have to answer questions from the police or other law enforcement

Generally, there is no duty to answer a police officer’s or other law enforcement officer’s

officers if I’m stopped on the street or while driving?

questions. Anything you say to a police officer can be used against you.

In most states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, a driver must provide his or her

name and address. In Rhode Island, a law enforcement officer may also demand a person’s

name and address any time (including if stopped on the street) where the officer has “reason to

suspect” the person is committing, has committed, or will commit a crime. You do not have to

answer any other questions.

NOTE ON QUESTIONS ABOUT IMMIGRATION STATUS: Noncitizens 18 and older

are required to carry their immigration documents (for example, their green

cards or other proof of lawful status). If you have such documents, you should

show them to the officer if asked. If you do not have lawful immigration status,

you can say you want to remain silent.

This information is meant to provide useful basic information about the law and is not

legal advice. It is not a replacement for legal advice from a trained attorney. All

information is current as of the date it was produced.

Beginner Level

Car Stop Rights Toolkit ESOL – Teacher’s Guide

These lessons contain some basic information about U.S. law. This information is not legal advice and is not a

replacement for legal advice from a trained attorney. All information is current as of the date it was produced.

Filling Out Identification Card Personal Information Page 7

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