Is it true that a person who fails to give identification to the police gets arrested?

No, a person is not under obligation in the USA to show his papers. This is not like most of Europe and other countries.

However, he or she can be detained.

In the US, one does not have to “show papers”, but, one must correctly identify oneself. Supreme Court has held up laws requiring one to answer when police ask who you are.

But there is no requirement to show identification, however, you can be detained until your identity is verified.

And if the police can’t check your identity?

There might be other issues involved that could lead to arrest, but failure to show an ID card is not in itself a crime. Now, if a guy is driving and is pulled over and doesn’t have a driver’s license on him, it could raise a red flag for the cops. Let’s say they ask to search his car and find drugs and he is then arrested on those charges or they run a check on the name you give and it comes back as having a warrant out against you, you could be arrested on that.

It is my understanding that, at least in this state, you got the license with the understanding that if a officer asks for it, and you have it, you must show it. If you don’t they can revoke it.

In the United States, no. There’s no law that you have to even possess an ID.

These days they’ll just shoot you.

It’s the law when operating a motor vehicle, to have a DL. If it’s just a stop, you could get a warning, or ticket that can be waived by showing your license in court.

You must accurately identify yourself, if questioned by a LEO. If you give the wrong name, you can be arrested immediately.

You need ID to prove you’re of age to by certain drugs, or enter certain places.

When traveling, one needs ID to cross certain borders. Or certain types of ID, like a passport…