In Wyoming, acceptable forms of identification depend on the context (voting, driving, or accessing government services). Commonly accepted forms of ID include:
Wyoming Driver’s License (issued by the Wyoming Department of Transportation).
Wyoming State ID Card.
U.S. Passport
Military ID Card.
Tribal ID Card (issued by a federally recognized tribe).
Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
For specific purposes like voting, Wyoming does not require photo identification, but proof of identity may be required when registering to vote.
As of now, Wyoming has not implemented digital driver’s licenses or identification cards. Legislation has been introduced to allow for the possibility of digital driver’s licenses in the future, but they are not currently available to residents.
What requirements are needed to acquire acceptable ID’ and Acceptable Digital ID’s
No, Wyoming does not allow undocumented individuals to obtain a state ID or driver’s license. The state requires applicants to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States, such as a Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, or valid visa.
What privacy protections are in place for Digital Id’s in this state?
Since Wyoming has not implemented digital IDs, specific privacy protections related to them are not established.
Can Digital IDs be legally used for law enforcement verification?
No, digital IDs are not currently recognized for law enforcement verification in Wyoming. Individuals must present a physical driver’s license, state ID, or other acceptable form of identification when required by law enforcement.
Under the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, states must set the minimum age for purchasing and publicly possessing alcohol at 21 years old. States can implement specific exceptions (for religious purposes or private consumption).
Wyoming State Law:
In Wyoming, individuals must be 21 years old to enter bars or other establishments where alcohol is primarily sold and consumed.
Minors under 21 years old may enter certain venues that serve alcohol (restaurants) if they are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 21 years old.
Wyoming does not have a specific consumable limit for alcohol. The law does not regulate the amount of alcohol an individual can consume but rather focuses on behavior, such as public intoxication or operating a vehicle under the influence.
Wyoming does not impose specific purchase limits on the amount of alcohol an individual can buy at one time. Businesses may set their own policies regarding limits on alcohol sales.
What is the legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) limit in this state?
Yes, Wyoming law allows for certain exceptions where minors under 21 may legally consume alcohol:
Parental Supervision: Minors may consume alcohol in a private residence if it is provided by their parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 21 years old.
Religious Ceremonies: Minors may consume alcohol as part of a religious ceremony (communion).
What are the penalties for providing alcohol to minors at a private residence?
Providing alcohol to a minor (under 21 years old) in Wyoming is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by:
Fines: Up to $750 for a first offense.
Jail Time: Up to 6 months in county jail.
If the minor becomes seriously injured or dies as a result of consuming the alcohol, the penalties may increase significantly, including potential felony charges.
Exception: Parents or guardians providing alcohol to their own minor child in a private residence are exempt from prosecution under state law.
Tobacco
Age permitted to access Tobacco Retailers and Venues (How old do you have to be to enter a cigar shop, smoke shop, or smoking lounge? Include Federal Law and State Law)
Under the Tobacco Control Act, as amended by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDA), individuals must be 21 years old to purchase tobacco products in the United States.
Federal law also prohibits individuals under 21 years old from entering certain tobacco-related venues, such as cigar shops, smoke shops, or smoking lounges, unless accompanied by an adult.
Wyoming State Law:
Wyoming mirrors federal law in requiring individuals to be 21 years old to access tobacco retailers or venues like cigar shops, smoke shops, or lounges.
Minors under 21 may not enter these establishments unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Wyoming law does not explicitly set a minimum age for using tobacco products, but federal regulations effectively prohibit individuals under 21 years old from legally purchasing or possessing tobacco products.
Minors under 21 caught in possession of tobacco products may face penalties, including fines or mandatory education programs.
Under both federal and Wyoming state law, the legal age to purchase tobacco products is 21 years old.
This includes traditional tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco) as well as vaping products.
What is the consumable limit (if any)
Wyoming law does not impose a specific consumable limit on tobacco use.
Public smoking and vaping may be restricted in certain areas, such as government buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities, under local ordinances.
Federal law prohibits the sale of closed-system devices (pods, cartridges) containing flavored e-liquid other than tobacco or menthol.
This restriction applies to devices like JUUL and other pre-filled cartridge systems.
Disposable e-cigarettes and open-system devices (refillable tanks) are not subject to the same flavor restrictions under federal law.
Wyoming State Law:
Wyoming has not enacted additional restrictions on flavored vapes or disposable e-cigarettes.
Retailers in Wyoming must comply with federal regulations regarding flavored vaping products.
Cannabis
Age permitted to access Cannabis Retailers and Venues (How old do you have to be to enter a dispensary or smoke shop? Include Federal Law and State Law)
Wyoming does not have a medical cannabis program, meaning minors cannot legally obtain medical cannabis even with a prescription or recommendation from a physician.
The state does, however, allow limited use of CBD oil (containing less than 0.3% THC) for the treatment of intractable epilepsy, but this is not considered medical cannabis.
To qualify for CBD oil use, minors must receive a recommendation from a neurologist and register with the state.
There is no federal law specifically setting a minimum age to access adult content online. Federal laws prohibit the distribution of obscene materials to minors, requiring individuals to be 18 years old to legally access adult content online. Websites hosting adult content are required to restrict access to minors.
Wyoming State Law:
Wyoming does not have specific state laws addressing the minimum age to access adult content online. The state follows federal guidelines, which generally require individuals to be 18 years old to legally access adult content.
Age permitted to access Adult Retailers and Venues (Sex shops, Strip Clubs, burlesque)
In Wyoming, individuals must be at least 18 years old to enter adult retailers (sex shops).
For venues such as strip clubs or burlesque shows, the minimum age is typically 21 years old, as many of these establishments serve alcohol and are regulated by liquor licensing laws.
Are websites required to verify age for accessing adult content?
Federal law does not explicitly require websites to verify the age of users accessing adult content.
Websites hosting sexually explicit material are expected to restrict access to minors under 18 years old. Many websites comply by requiring users to confirm their age or using third-party age verification systems.
Wyoming State Law:
Wyoming does not have additional laws requiring websites to verify the age of users accessing adult content. The state follows federal guidelines.
What penalties exist for providing minors access to adult material online?
Federal Law: Under Title 18, U.S. Code § 1470, it is illegal to knowingly transfer or distribute obscene materials to minors under the age of 18. Penalties for violating this law include:
Fines: Up to $250,000 for individuals.
Imprisonment: Up to 10 years in federal prison.
Wyoming State Law:
Wyoming law follows federal guidelines and does not have additional state-specific penalties for providing minors access to adult material online.
What is the minimum age to work in the adult entertainment industry?
Under federal law, individuals must be at least 18 years old to legally work in the adult entertainment industry, whether as a performer, content creator, or in other roles directly involving sexually explicit material.
Wyoming State Law:
Wyoming does not have specific laws addressing employment in the adult entertainment industry. The state adheres to federal law, which sets the minimum age at 18 years old.
Are there restrictions on employment terms for adult content creators?
Federal Law: Under Title 18, U.S. Code § 2257, federal law mandates that producers of sexually explicit content must:
Maintain detailed age verification records for all performers, ensuring they are at least 18 years old.
Retain records of the performer’s legal name, date of birth, and government-issued identification.
Make these records available for inspection by federal authorities.
Wyoming State Law: Wyoming does not have additional state-specific restrictions on employment terms for adult content creators. The state follows federal law.
Under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), states must allow individuals to register to vote if they meet the age requirements for voting.
Federal law requires that individuals be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day to vote. States may allow pre-registration for individuals younger than 18 if they will turn 18 by Election Day.
Wyoming State Law:
In Wyoming, individuals can register to vote if they are:
At least 18 years old on or before Election Day.
Wyoming does not allow pre-registration for individuals younger than 18.
If a voter cannot provide acceptable photo identification at the polling place, they may cast a provisional ballot.
The voter must provide the required photo identification to the county clerk’s office by the close of business on the day after the election for their provisional ballot to be counted.
Voter Restrictions/ Requirements in place federally and within the state.
Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA): Establishes minimum standards for voting systems, including provisional ballots and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Felony Disenfranchisement: Federal law allows states to determine whether individuals with felony convictions can vote.
Wyoming State Restrictions and Requirements:
Residency Requirement: Voters must be residents of Wyoming and the precinct in which they intend to vote for at least 14 days prior to the election.
Felony Disenfranchisement: Individuals convicted of a felony lose their right to vote in Wyoming. Voting rights can be restored for certain nonviolent felonies after completing all terms of the sentence, including parole and probation.
Mental Competency: Individuals who have been declared mentally incompetent by a court are not allowed to vote.
Voter Registration Deadline: Wyoming allows same-day voter registration at the polls on Election Day.
Legal
Laws on Presenting Identification to Law Enforcement
Under what circumstances is a person required to show ID to police?
Wyoming Statutes do not explicitly require ID in non-traffic situations.
Federal Law: Under federal law, police can stop and detain an individual if they have reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in criminal activity. During such a stop, the officer may ask for identification.
Wyoming State Law: Wyoming does not have a “Stop and Identify” law, individuals are generally not required to provide identification unless they are being lawfully detained or arrested.
During a lawful detention ( when there is reasonable suspicion of a crime), refusing to provide identification may lead to further investigation or arrest, depending on the circumstances.
Can you be detained or arrested for refusing to show ID?
In Wyoming, you cannot be arrested solely for refusing to show ID unless:
You are being lawfully detained based on reasonable suspicion of a crime (during a Terry stop).
You are driving a vehicle, in which case you must provide ID.
If you refuse to identify yourself during a lawful detention, police may arrest you if they believe your refusal obstructs their investigation.
“Stop and Identify” Laws in this state
What is this state’s specific laws regarding police stops and ID requirements?
Wyoming does not have a “Stop and Identify” law.
This means that unless you are driving or being lawfully detained based on reasonable suspicion of a crime, you are generally not required to provide ID.
Do you have the right to remain silent or refuse to provide ID in certain situations?
Under the 5th Amendment, you have the right to remain silent and not answer questions that could incriminate you. This does not always extend to refusing to provide ID in situations where identification is legally required, such as during a traffic stop.
In Wyoming, you may refuse to provide ID in non-traffic situations unless you are being lawfully detained or arrested.
Public Place ID Requirements
Are there any public areas where a person must carry ID?
There are no laws in Wyoming requiring individuals to carry ID in public places unless they are engaging in activities that require identification ( driving, purchasing alcohol).
Police cannot demand ID from individuals in public places unless they have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
Are there curfew or loitering laws requiring ID verification?
Wyoming does not have statewide curfew laws for minors or adults. Local municipalities may impose curfews for minors.
If a minor is stopped during curfew hours, police may request ID or other proof of age.
Traffic Stops and ID Requirements
Are you required to provide an ID when pulled over by law enforcement?
Yes. Wyoming law requires drivers to provide a valid driver’s license when pulled over by law enforcement. Failure to do so may result in a citation or arrest.
What are the consequences of refusing to show ID during a traffic stop?
Refusing to provide ID during a traffic stop is considered a violation of Wyoming law and may result in:
A citation for failure to comply.
Potential arrest for obstructing a law enforcement officer.
Passenger ID Requirements in Vehicles
Do passengers need to show ID if a vehicle is stopped by law enforcement?
Passengers in Wyoming are not required to show ID during a traffic stop unless the officer has reasonable suspicion that the passenger is involved in criminal activity or if the passenger is being detained or arrested.
Yes. Passengers can legally refuse to provide ID unless they are being lawfully detained based on reasonable suspicion of a crime.
Curfew Laws for Minors
Are minors required to carry ID to prove their age if stopped past curfew?
Wyoming does not have a statewide curfew law, so minors are not required to carry ID for curfew purposes. Local municipalities may impose curfew ordinances, and in such cases, police may request proof of age.
What are the penalties for violating curfew laws?
Penalties for violating curfew laws (if imposed by local ordinances) typically include:
Can police demand ID if someone is suspected of trespassing?
Yes. If police have reasonable suspicion that an individual is trespassing, they can demand identification. Refusing to provide ID in this situation may result in detention or arrest.
What are the consequences of refusing to provide identification in such situations?
Refusing to provide ID when suspected of trespassing may lead to:
Detention for further investigation.
Arrest for obstruction of justice or failure to comply with a lawful order.