Do you have to give police your name?
Most of the time you do not have to give police your name. But in some situations you must give it. Refusing then is a crime.
- Most of the time there is no law that makes you give police your name and address.
- An officer can ask for your name.
- You can also say no.
- Being stopped and asked questions is not the same as being arrested.
- If a uniformed officer believes you have been anti-social they can require your name and address.
- In that situation you must give it.
- Refusing to give your name in that situation is a crime.
- Giving a false name is also a crime.
- If you are driving you must give your details when required.
- At a port or border you must give any information the officer asks for.
- This includes identity documents.
- You can ask an officer what power they are using if they say you must give your name.
This is the short and simple version.
The full page has more detail. It also shows the law each point comes from.
Checked 2026-08-26. This is information, not legal advice.