What are the benefits of having picture identification?

Having picture identification allows people to apply for a job, buy cigarettes and alcohol, and open a bank account. It is also required when applying for government assistance, including Medicaid, food stamps and welfare.

Photo identification provides government organizations and businesses a way to further verify someone’s identity. Identification with only a person’s name is limited since the proprietor has no way to tell if it belongs to that person. However, with a photo ID, the proprietor can look at the picture and compare it to the person that handed them the ID. The ID doesn’t always have to be a driver’s license; there are also photo IDs for people who don’t drive.