Identify
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, and how many charges it has. 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.
At a Glance
Level
1st
School
Divination
Casting Time
1 minute
Range
Touch
Duration
Instantaneous
Concentration
No
How Identify Works
| Casting Time | 1 minute |
|---|---|
| Range | Touch |
| Components | V, S, M (a pearl worth 100 gp and an owl feather) |
| Duration | Instantaneous |
| Ritual | Yes — can be cast without a spell slot (adds 10 minutes) |
Available to:
BardWizard
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Thinking it reveals curses - identify doesn't reveal if an item is cursed
Common Mistake
Not accounting for the 1-minute casting time and touch requirement
Common Mistake
Forgetting it can be cast as a ritual, so the pearl isn't consumed
Common Mistake
Assuming it works at range - you must touch the item throughout the casting
DM Tips
DM Tip
This spell speeds up magic item identification but doesn't reveal curses (use that for drama)
DM Tip
Consider whether a short rest would allow identification anyway (DMG rules)
DM Tip
Some items might have hidden properties that even identify doesn't reveal
DM Tip
The ritual tag means players will almost always cast this as a ritual to save slots
Sources & Further Reading
- Identify — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Identify — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Identify — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference