What Texas Law Really Says About Police Asking For ID

(KNUE-FM) There seems to be lots of videos online of people wanting to control the conversation when they have an encounter with a police officer, for example not wanting to hand over their identification. But is that legal here in Texas?

To be honest, I’ve always found that doing what an officer asks you to do is always best and I’ve never refused a request from any police officer. But let’s discuss the laws in the Lone Star State.

After looking around online, I found that according to Texas View, Texas is not a “stop and identify” state, meaning officers cannot require you to show identification for no reason. But there are certain situations in which you would be required to show identification.

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Situations Where You are Required to Show Identification in Texas

A few reasons in which you would be required to identify yourself to Texas law enforcement include any situation in which you would be arrested. You would also be forced to identify yourself if you were found driving a vehicle in Texas or if you were found carrying a handgun.

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How Much Trouble Could You Get Into for Not Identifying Yourself?

If you refuse to identify yourself after being arrested in Texas that would be a Class C Misdemeanor, if you give false identification that would be a Class B Misdemeanor. Not having your license when you’re driving could result in a ticket, or a visit to the county jail or both. Not identifying yourself while carrying a handgun is a Class C Misdemeanor.

If you’re found in a vehicle and the driver is arrested, you’re not required to identify yourself. Although if you do identify yourself with false information, that could result in you being arrested. If you have a handgun with you, you’re always required to show identification when asked by law enforcement.

I hope that gives you some insight into when you’re required to show identification to law enforcement in Texas.