When You Must Identify
Va. Code 19.2-82.1 — a false identity to an officer, after a lawful detention
In Virginia, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to falsely identify oneself to a law-enforcement officer with intent to deceive the officer about one's real identity, after having been lawfully detained and asked by the officer to identify oneself.
The section makes a false identity the offense. It does not say that declining to give a name is one. A driver has the separate duty to exhibit a license and registration card on request, and to write their name if required.
Sources for this section (2)
- Va. Code 19.2-82.1 — Giving false identity to law-enforcement officer; penalty
- Va. Code 46.2-104 — Possession of registration cards; exhibiting registration card and licenses
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.