An identification device measures a potential difference signal between two contact electrodes contacted by a driver out of a plurality of electrodes installed in a handling unit or a potential difference signal between one contact electrode installed in the handling unit and a contact electrode different from the electrodes installed in the handling unit. The device identifies a contact electrode contacted by driver's hand out of the plurality of electrodes installed in the handling unit. The device determines whether the driver's hand in contact with the identified contact electrode is the right hand or the left hand on the basis of a rotational state of the handling unit and a position of the contact electrode in the handling unit. The device identifies the heart beat from the potential difference signal amplified by an amplification factor determined on the basis of a result of determination.