We, the govt, will tell you who you are. We issue you your first real identity at birth. Your birth certificate. In exchange for entering you in the system we grant you certain rights, including the right to apply for further real identification such as a passport and driver's license. We expect you to also let our other departments tell you who you are by applying for a SSN or other number so that you may work, legally.

In exchange for issuing you your real identification we will also incentivize your parents to do so by way of bribes. No it's not socialism that we pay them grants or baby bonuses. Not at all.

We will also issue you a real identity exit upon death, that way we know your out of the system and your heirs may legitimately collect their money and property left behind.

If you don't take our real identity, you will be known as John Doe. You will have no rights. You will be tracked down. Your heirs will be left with nothing for we will take it. You may not work. You may not have a bank acct. You may not buy a house or land. You may not drive. You may not vote, attend school, marry, or go to a hospital.

You, however, may be imprisoned. Huh. That's funny. So, make sure you get your Real™ Identity. Or else.