That article also lists a number of other EU countries where identity cards are not compulsory, but since anyone can get one it would be reasonable to require one for authentication.
In the US there is no federal ID requirement. In fact, States issue drivers' licences through their Department of Motor Vehicles. Now, in California if you don't drive you're actually required to obtain a State ID card from the California DMV. So you can assume that any Californian has either a driver's licence or a State ID card.
I don't think the same is true in the UK, though. Because of the inability to assume people had any ID, Banks had really fun (not) procedures for their customers to establishing identity and address... En un viejo país ineficiente, algo así como España entre dos guerras civiles, poseer una casa y poca hacienda y memoria ninguna. -- Gil de Biedma
British banks have traditionally hated their customers. They do the weird procedures for fun.
Then the social security card, or passport, or tax card. If you have neither, the ID card remains the only choice of identification. *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
