Do You Have to Show ID for Rated R Movies?
Yes, to watch an R-rated movie, many movie theaters, especially in Utah, will request that their employees check some form of identification (ID) that includes both your picture and your birthdate.
This practice is in place to ensure that no one under the age of 18 enters an R-rated movie. In Utah, it is mandatory for parents to accompany underage children when watching such films; they cannot simply drop them off at the theater without supervision.
Variances in Policies
The requirement to show ID can depend on the specific theater’s management. Some theaters adhere strictly to regulations, while others may allow more flexibility. For instance, my late fiancée, who was known to occasionally be asked for ID when we visited a theater in Boston, never faced such requests when we were in her native Philippines.
Ticket agents may even be lenient and not ask for ID, especially if they are confident about the buyer's age. In some cases, an underage teen may purchase a ticket for a family-friendly film like Bambi and then return to the theater with a more mature-rated movie like Bimbo and the Giant Dildo.
The Rating System: A Voluntary Measure
It's important to note that the movie rating system is not a legally enforceable law. It is a MPAA voluntary measure to guide movie theaters and distributors in placing age restrictions on films. If a theater fails to check IDs, the police are generally not involved, but the MPAA may impose sanctions on the theater, or even encourage studios to stop distributing their films there.
As an example, if a theater doesn't check IDs, it may lose the right to exhibit R-rated movies, which could be detrimental to the theater's business. Therefore, ID verification is required for individuals at least 17 years old with a photo ID that includes their birth date to purchase a ticket for an R-rated movie.
Under 17, or without a valid photo ID, the parental consent is mandatory. The parent must come to the theater to purchase the ticket on behalf of their child.
Conclusion
While the practice of checking IDs for R-rated movies may vary from theater to theater, it is a critical measure to ensure compliance with age restrictions. Always be prepared to show your ID if you plan to watch an R-rated movie, especially if you are not 17 or older.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Ratings Policy and Links provided by the MPAA.