sundaymorningstaple wrote:The US is still big on cheques to pay for things but most commercial businesses want to see some form of photo identification.
I'm imagining you mean a photo id to write a cheque? I remember something like that on my first UK bank account. It was a bankcard with my name and signature on it, and it simply confirmed my name/signature, it had no other function (and didn't have a photo on, that technology didn't exist back then

)
I recall being surprised at the use and complexity of 'checks' in the US. Particularly like re: cashing cheques across a state border and so on. I expect there is some parallel in the EU of writing a euro cheque in France, and seeking to deposit it in Spain or similar (though I think the payer would do this by bank transfer in the EU)
sundaymorningstaple wrote:Therefore the Driver's license or the ID card issued by the local Dept of Motor Vehicles upon request (and payment for) is deemed a valid ID. So, most who don't drive carry a card from the State's department of motor vehicles as that form of identification.
This reminded me of something from the UK. What if the postman tries to deliver a 'registered' item of mail to you and you're out? Well it goes back to the Post Office and he drops you a card advising you where/when to collect it.
To collect it you need to prove your id. This is done in quite a clever way that caters for everyone. The delivery card has two lists of documents, A and B [I've looked but can't find these on the PO website*], and you need to bring one from each. A and B have about 6-8 options in each, including passport, driving license, bank statement, credit card statement, unemployment benefits card, utility bill, and so on. It's pretty comprehensive, but what it means is you don't need to have a passport or driving license, there will always be some combination the rightful recipient can provide as proof of id. I suppose the logic is each piece of id that is acceptable has required verified proof of id. So the PO check is based on 2* that.
* But here is an example of the same methodology from another organisation:
http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/ ... roups.aspx