Can Police Ask for Your ID Without Reason? | Lawyer Talk Q&A

Here's a question from listener Andy: “Do I have to show police my ID if they randomly ask me in public?”

I talk about what the law actually says, why some states have specific rules, and how the Supreme Court has weighed in on the whole situation.

You’ll get the scoop on what “reasonable suspicion” really means, whether the cops can just stop you for no reason, and what you should know if you ever find yourself in this spot.

If you’ve ever wondered where your rights begin and end during a police encounter, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Police Need Reasonable Suspicion: Officers can’t randomly demand ID from anyone on the street—they must have a “reasonable suspicion” that some criminal activity is occurring.
• State Laws Vary: Many states, including Ohio, have “stop and identify” statutes. Even so, these laws typically still require a valid reason for the stop; it can’t be completely arbitrary.
• Emergency Exceptions Are Limited: While there are some situations (like an active crime scene or search for a suspect) where police have broader authority to request identification, these exceptions are carefully scrutinized by courts.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com