Identify

A
Utility

Identify is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

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 spell that reveals an item’s secrets or active magic on a creature, giving you the key
information

Identify is a Information spell. Information spells provide ways to transmit, perceive, detect, or reveal hidden or unknown information.

See all Information spells →
 you need to use it.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level divination
Casting Time
1 minute or Ritual
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a pearl worth 100+ GP)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Wizard

You touch an object throughout the spell's casting. If the object is a magic item or some other magical object, you learn its properties and how to use them, whether it requires Attunement, and how many charges it has, if any. You learn whether any ongoing spells are affecting the item and what they are. If the item was created by a spell, you learn that spell's name.

If you instead touch a creature throughout the casting, you learn which ongoing spells, if any, are currently affecting it.

2014 Rules
Level & School
1st-level divination
Casting Time
1 minute
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a pearl worth at least 100 gp and an owl feather)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Wizard

You choose one object that you must touch throughout the casting of the spell. If it is a magic item or some other magic-imbued object, you learn its properties and how to use them, whether it requires attunement to use, and how many charges it has, if any. You learn whether any spells are affecting the item and what they are. If the item was created by a spell, you learn which spell created it.

If you instead touch a creature throughout the casting, you learn what spells, if any, are currently affecting it.

Identify 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Identify gained the Ritual tag in 2024, so it can now be cast as a ritual.

Identify popularity

Identify is a commonly chosen level 1 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Identify

  • Detect Magic 1st-level divination

    Both are first‑level divination rituals that let casters gather information about magical auras and objects in a noncombat way.

  • Comprehend Languages 1st-level divination

    Like Identify, this is a low‑level ritual divination that gives usable information to the caster and is frequently chosen for out‑of‑combat problem solving.

  • Dispel Magic 3rd-level abjuration

    Although it operates at a higher level, it likewise inspects and interacts with ongoing magical effects on objects or creatures, making it a natural companion to Identify.

  • Arcane Eye 4th-level divination

    This is a divination that provides remote information gathering over time, similar to how Identify is used for focused magical reconnaissance.

  • Augury 2nd-level divination

    Both are divination rituals used for gaining specific kinds of information to guide decisions rather than producing direct combat effects.