In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, and it is a federal law that prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under that age. While it may vary slightly from state to state, most states have laws that require establishments to check identification (ID) to verify the age of customers when purchasing alcohol.
Therefore, in general, yes, it is required to ask for an ID when buying alcohol in the USA if the purchaser appears to be under the age of 30 or 40 (depending on the state). This practice is commonly known as "carding" and is meant to ensure compliance with the law and prevent the sale of alcohol to minors.
Retailers, bars, restaurants, and other establishments that sell alcohol can face severe penalties and fines if they are caught selling alcohol to minors without properly checking IDs. Additionally, employees who sell alcohol to minors could face legal consequences and may even lose their jobs.
To avoid any issues and to ensure compliance with the law, many establishments have a strict policy of checking IDs for anyone who appears to be of legal drinking age but may be close to the minimum age requirement. It's a preventive measure to avoid selling alcohol to underage individuals accidentally.
Keep in mind that if you are of legal drinking age, it's essential to have a valid form of identification with you when purchasing alcohol to avoid any potential difficulties or delays in the transaction. Acceptable forms of ID typically include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID.
It's important to note that laws can change, and specific regulations may vary by state or locality, so it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the alcohol sales laws in your specific area.