States like NY and AL require an identification to file taxes. The IRS prefers identification to help cut down on fraudulent returns. You may not need an ID to file your taxes.
The IRS does not begin accepting returns until February 12. If your state requires an ID, you could get a state issued ID.
You do not have to produce or include a form of identification to file your federal income tax return, however, you do need to verify your identity in order to e-file your federal return.
Some states, however, require driver's license information before accepting an e-filed return. See What if I dont have a Drivers License or State ID for e-file my taxes for additional information.
The IRS's e-file process requires you to provide some information as a means of ensuring that you are filing your own return, not someone else's. This usually means providing information from your prior year return (AGI) or the PIN (Personal Identification Number) you used to file previous returns.
You can file a paper return (federal) without providing information from prior year returns, but some states require you to e-file and may also require driver's license information as proof of identity.