Arizona Stop-and-Identify Laws: Do You Have to Give Your ID to the Police?
Understanding the Basics: When Does Arizona Require ID
In Arizona, whether you must provide ID when pulled over or stopped by police depends heavily on the nature of the encounter. There are two main scenarios where law enforcement may request your identity — and your obligations change based on what type of stop it is.
Traffic Stops (When You’re Driving)
If you are driving and an officer signals you to pull over (e.g., a traffic stop), then yes — under A.R.S. § 28-1595 the driver must present a valid driver’s license (or, if unlicensed, “evidence of identity”) when requested.
The “evidence of identity” must include: full name, date of birth, residence address, a brief physical description (sex, weight, height, eye/hair color), and a signature — if you’re unlicensed.
Failure or refusal to comply with this requirement is a criminal offense (a class 2 misdemeanor).
If you’re driving in Phoenix (or anywhere in Arizona) and law enforcement pulls you over, you are required by law to provide your license/ID upon request.
Pedestrians & “Stop-and-Identify” Encounters
When you are not driving — for example, walking down the street or standing in public — things are different:
In Arizona this is governed by A.R.S. § 13-2412 — the state’s “stop-and-identify” statute.
Under this law, if a police officer has reasonable suspicion that you are involved in criminal activity (or about to be), and lawfully detains you, you are required to state your true full name when asked.
However, the law does not require that you hand over additional details (like address, date of birth) or present a physical ID — only your name is mandated.
NOTE: many cities have municipal codes that may require additional information.
For example, under Gilbert City Code Section 42-180, a person must provide their true full name AND date of birth if they are lawfully detained. It is a class 1 misdemeanor if they fail to do so.
You are NOT required to answer any other questions (For example, where you’re going, what you’re doing).
In short: Based on Arizona State Law, for a pedestrian in Phoenix/Arizona, you only have to give your name, and only if you’re lawfully detained due to reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
Passengers in a Vehicle: What About Them?
The obligations for passengers during a traffic stop differ from drivers:
Generally, during a routine traffic stop (e.g., speeding, broken taillight) a passenger is not required to provide ID.
That said, if the officer develops reasonable suspicion that the passenger is involved in criminal activity (separate from the driver’s traffic violation), then the “stop-and-identify” law may apply to the passenger. In that case the passenger may be required to state their true name.
So a passenger’s duty to identify themselves depends on whether the officer has a legitimate, separate suspicion — not simply because their car was pulled over.
Consequences of Not Identifying
For drivers, refusal to provide a license or other required ID during a traffic stop can lead to a class 2 misdemeanor under A.R.S. § 28-1595.
For pedestrians or passengers lawfully detained under A.R.S. § 13-2412, refusal to state your full name (after being warned) can also result in a class 2 misdemeanor.
Penalties may include fines (up to about $750) and, in some cases, jail time, depending on the circumstances.
Providing a false name or false identifying information is a separate offense (For example, under A.R.S. § 13-2907.01) and can carry more serious penalties.
What This Means for You — Practical Advice for Phoenix & Arizona Encounters
If you live in or around Phoenix/Arizona, here’s what you should know and how to act when interacting with law enforcement:
If you are driving: always carry a valid driver’s license (or valid evidence of identity if unlicensed). Arizona law requires you to present it if pulled over.
If you are walking or out in public and an officer stops you: first determine whether you are being detained. If you are, and there is reasonable suspicion, you must provide your full name. But you are not required to answer other questions, and you do not have to surrender a physical ID if you don’t have one.
If you’re a passenger in a stopped vehicle: you typically don’t have to identify yourself, unless the officer singles you out with separate suspicion of a crime. In that case, you may be required to state your name (but not necessarily provide ID).
If at any time you believe the stop is unlawful (no reasonable suspicion, no traffic violation, no probable cause), you may politely ask: “Am I free to leave?” If the officer says you are free, you may calmly walk away.
If you comply with a lawful ID request, you still retain other rights — such as the right to remain silent and the right to refuse a warrantless search (unless there is probable cause to search).
Why Knowing These Laws Matters — Especially in the Phoenix Area and in Arizona
Arizona’s statutes (A.R.S. § 28-1595 and § 13-2412) differ from state to state. Many people assume “yes” if an officer asks, but in Arizona, the obligation is not universal; it depends on context.
For residents of Phoenix and across Maricopa County, where pedestrian stops, traffic enforcement, and investigations are common, understanding when you must identify yourself can prevent unnecessary arrests, misdemeanors, or criminal convictions.
For people who may not carry ID (i.e., unlicensed drivers, individuals experiencing homelessness, or people who prefer not to carry a physical ID), this law allows for compliance by giving name only while preserving privacy rights, but only when the stop is lawful.
If you feel a stop was unlawful or your rights were violated, whether you provided ID or not, you may have legal grounds to challenge the stop or suppress evidence in court.
Takeaway — Know Your Rights, Protect Yourself
Arizona does have a “stop-and-identify” law, but it doesn’t require you to hand over a card just because an officer asks. Whether you must provide ID (or even just your name) depends on whether the stop is lawful, and whether the officer has reasonable suspicion or a valid reason for the stop.
If you are in Phoenix or elsewhere in Arizona and find yourself stopped by police, it’s important to:
Stay calm.
Ask if you are free to leave (if you believe it's a consensual encounter).
If detained lawfully, provide your name, but do not feel compelled to answer further questions.
If driving, be prepared to show your license, registration, and proof of insurance.
Understanding the difference between a consensual encounter, a detention, and a traffic stop can make all the difference.
If you or someone you know was the subject of a police investigation or have a criminal case against you, contact Millar Law for a Free In-Depth Case Review. We have a team of former prosecutors that can protect your constitutional rights and defend your case.
