I like that approach. I wonder if there's some way to campaign for it here in the US.
It seems more likely that the lack of this system is just what you get with lowest-common-denominator governance, so there are probably ways to change it for the better. If we could think of a way to add economic incentives to implement it, then it might have a chance.
Just like snow equipment is mandatory to have in your car but nobody cared until you cause an accident or traffic jam because you didn't put chains on.
> The term "compulsory" may have different meanings and implications in different countries. Possession of a card may only become compulsory at a certain age. There may be a penalty for not carrying a card or other legally valid identification (a passport, for foreigners); in some cases a person may be detained until identity is proven. This way the police can identify fugitives
On the list are 14 out of 28 EU countries if my count is correct. And a few more European non-EU countries.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_identity_ca...
On the contrary, I suspect that is the most likely explanation. See, if there were any other explanation then the government would go out of its way to provide people without identification with the right identification.
> There has to be some way to prove your identity
There are many ways, for instance in some countries several citizens themselves in the possession of valid identification go together with you before a judge and swear on the penalty of perjury that you are who you say you are.
> and people have tried to impersonate others.
Yes, and guess what that valid ID is meant to reduce?
> Is there a way to offer that kind of system while avoiding the concerns about identity theft?
Well, given that we have fingerprinting and biometric information these days it is hard to think of what else - short of DNA - we could give up to offer 'that kind of system' but don't worry, it will still happen and probably in your lifetime.