> (…) It’s required but many people don’t do it (…) Not in general. In Germany you just have to own an ID be able to produce it when legally required. However

> (…) It’s required but many people don’t do it (…) Not in general. In Germany you just have to own an ID be able to produce it when legally required. However only under a very narrow set of circumstances it is legal to ask for an ID. The police may ask for an ID only during a "Identitätsfeststellungsverfahren", which is only legal to do if you're suspect of a crime or if you happen to be within an area of specific public vulnerability, i.e. crime hotspots designated for vetting operations. Other than that it is in fact illegal for the police to ask for your ID. But even under that circumstance it is absolutely lawful not to carry an ID with out; worst case scenario is, that the police has to escort you to whereever you have placed your ID and you be able to show to them there. Depending on circumstances this might create (major) inconveniences, but has no legal consequences. In addition to that there are certain business transactions where an ID must be produces. For example when checking into accomodation, closing a contract with a telephone company (that's new since this year, and totally ridiculous) and opening a bank account.