I think I've raised a form of this issue before in another thread. My general experience is that the front desk, be it at airport check-in, hotel check-in, etc., is perfectly fine with seeing my ID through the window in my wallet. And I have no issue removing it for closer inspection. But at a hotel I will not let it out of my hand. My most recent experience is that a lower end hotel in VA wanted to make a copy of it. "Why?" "Because the government needs to know you are here." "Where can I verify that?" He dropped it, but then went on to say that my address didn't match my profile (I use a PO Box), and wasn't sure what to do. I don't have a common name. "What's the chance of another NAME checking in for a confirmed reservation?" He dropped that also.

I recently stopped in a newish liquor store near me and picked up a couple bottles of wine. It is obvious that I am over 21, but I have no issue showing my ID. In this case, the cashier wanted to scan it. "Why?" "Because our home office requires it." "OK, thank you; I'll shop elsewhere."

I made a mental note to get a passport card and this thread serves as a good reminder.