The Trinidad and Tobago government is seeking public feedback on a proposal that would require all citizens aged 16 and older to carry valid identification while in public spaces. A Cabinet Minute dated April 2, 2026, shows the proposed legislative amendment was referred to the Finance and General Purposes Committee for consideration. The Ministry of Homeland Security has invited members of the public to submit feedback as part of its review, emphasizing that the proposal has not been approved and no final decision has been made.

The proposal has sparked debate over its potential impact on crime prevention, policing and civil liberties. Supporters say requiring citizens to carry identification could help law enforcement verify identities during investigations and strengthen public safety, while critics have questioned whether the measure is necessary, how it would be enforced and what penalties, if any, would apply to those who fail to carry valid identification. The government has not released draft legislation detailing how the requirement would operate or whether exemptions would be included.