Can someone else buy a ticket and just put my name on it online?

[fairviewroad]

You're right, but even though it's not required, I'd say carry it. After all, none of us has ever heard of Amtrak personnel making up their own rules ......

This.

All I'm saying is that if the OP has a driver's license, state-issue ID, or even a passport it really wouldn't *hurt* to bring it along.