“Do You Have ID?” (Or… Not Today Apparently)

It’s a question most of us don’t think twice about.

“Do you have ID?”

Usually, it’s automatic. You reach for your purse, your licence, your passport. Whatever you’ve got on you, and that’s that.

Except sometimes, it doesn’t quite go how you expect.

A recent experience

The other day, I was at the self-checkout in Asda, ID already in my hand.

Prepared. Organised. Ready to be a fully responsible adult.

The lady came over, stood right next to me, had a look at my face, paused for a fraction too long, and then very deliberately pressed the “do not challenge” button.

Firmly.

Confidently.

Without even glancing at the ID I was literally holding out.

And just like that, decision made.

Apparently, I am very obviously over 25.

I’m 33. A married parent of two. So… fair enough?

I mean, she’s not wrong.

But also, she didn’t even check.

I’d like to say I was offended. Or flattered. Or something in between.

But mostly, I just stood there thinking,

“Wow. Okay. That was… decisive.”

It got me thinking…

Because as much as that moment was funny and slightly humbling, it also reminded me how much we assume about ID.

We treat it like:

everyone has it
everyone carries it
everyone can just produce it when asked

But that’s not always the case.

For some, it’s not that simple

Not everyone has easy access to ID.

Whether it’s:

the cost
lost documents
life getting in the way

That simple question, “Do you have ID?”, can actually be a bit of a barrier.

And sometimes… it’s just a bit random

Because on one day, you’re ready with ID in hand…

…and on another, someone just takes one look at you, from about a foot away, and goes,

“Nope. You’re fine.”

A little reminder

So whether you’re:

being asked for ID
not being asked for ID
or standing there holding it while someone ignores it completely

it’s worth remembering that these little interactions aren’t always as straightforward as they seem.

Hello,

We are TTT

The Tiptree Times is a small, independent local new site with a slightly unusual newsroom.

Inspired by Tiptree’s long-standing connection to jam-making, our fruit-inspired characters were created as a playful nod to the place we call home. Each one brings their own perspective — from on-the-ground reporting and weather updates to sports analysis and carefully considered reviews.

We love to cover news and events from Tiptree and the surrounding areas, alongside stories a little further afield when they matter to our community. Whether it’s a council update, a local event, or something unexpected, we aim to keep people informed, engaged, and occasionally entertained.

Behind the characters, there are real people — writers, creators, and locals — who care about telling these stories and sharing what’s happening around us.