[toast0]

My American perspective is unless I'm participating in an activity that definitely requires carrying and presenting ID, I don't need to.

Driving is such an activity. Transiting national borders as well. Maybe opening a bank account, but really it should be up to the bank if they want to see my ID.

If I'm travelling but not operating the vehicle, why should I need to carry and present ID? I'm pragmatic, and it's convenient to carry and present my papers to the nice officers, but I shouldn't need to.

Demanding ID when unnecessary is a hallmark of a police state.

[monksy]

> Maybe opening a bank account, but really it should be up to the bank if they want to see my ID.

KYC rules make it require much more than showing an id.

[dboreham]

You don't need to carry ID/license to operate a vehicle. People (including I'm sure some cops) think you do but you only have to possess the license and present it to the cops if asked. Presenting can include going home to retrieve it from your dresser drawer. The US isn't (or wasn't) a "show me your papers" country.