Hi
I recently applied for a photo driving licence, mainly as an easy to carry form of id to carry in the USA.
As part of the proceedure I was required to return my paper driving licence. I am now slightly concerned as I usually hire a car when visiting Spain, and am reading about companies requesting a paper couterpart as proof of a 'clean' licence.
Anyone clear this up or suggest what to do?
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You willl receive a paper 'counterpart' with your new photo licence, detailing any motoring offences.
However, only in the UK have I ever been asked for this paper counterpart - I think everywhere else is quite happy with the photo bit.
Edited by OldSock on 31/12/2009 at 15:26
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Thanks oldsock. I got the plastic one a couple of months ago. I have just raided my 'car stuff drawer' and found a paper counterpart that came with it.Pure luck I did not toss it with the envelope, as I had no idea it would be needed.
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UK photo driving license counts for absolutely zero as ID in America. Discovered this the hard way.
Best thing to do is visit the local DMV when you arrive with your passport. They'll issue you an ID card for about £5 which will be valid across the whole US. Otherwise you're forced to carry your passport everywhere.
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UK photo driving license counts for absolutely zero as ID in America. Discovered this the hard way.
Confused by that - wifey and I use ours all the time in the US when cashing travellers cheques.
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... Best thing to do is visit the local DMV when you arrive with your passport. They'll issue you an ID card for about £5 which will be valid across the whole US. .... >>
1. Is it really that simple? I shall be truly amazed if it were to be so.
2. I second Bill Payer's post.
Edited by jbif on 31/12/2009 at 19:25
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is it such a big deal to carry your passport with you? especialy as seeing how paranoid and xenophobic the americans are...could save a lot of hassle, i seem to remember my brother having trouble getting served beer in a bar , he didnt have any ID to prove he was over 21 even though he was in his 30,s
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when do you need ID in the States?
Immigration will only accept a passport, the hire companies take a British Photo license, when else do you need id assuming you have cash and a credit card?
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when else do you need id assuming you have cash and a credit card?
When buying alcohol - not just if you're in a bar and look under 30, some supermarkets etc ask everyone for it automatically.
Many people use travellers cheques and ID is required when using them.
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re "when do you need ID in the States?"
when you buy beer at a music festival for one, if you cannot prove your age no beer no way
one armour plated truck where you pay your money, they issue raffle tickets which can then be exchanged for beer at the beer tent, but even if you look 50 if you cannot prove youre the right age you wont be getting any beer
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how anti-social, how would one "get a round in" then? would you need to take all your drinking buddies ID,s with you when ordering at the bar?
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Exactly, it's stupid. We ended up just using one bar most of the time where they remembered us.
I was there on a visa but don't see why there should be an issue without one.
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Many people use travellers cheques
Still? In the states? when you can pay for everything on a card? or haul money out of an ATM?
Edited by Altea Ego on 01/01/2010 at 16:59
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Still? In the states? when you can pay for everything on a card? or haul money out of an ATM?
I wouldn't do it when travelling on business but on holiday I think they instill some sense of budgeting to those who need it (ie all women). Buying travellers cheques allows you to fix to a known exchange rate - you don't know what rate you're going to get on a card and most have chunky charges.
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Reading this thread got me thinking and following a rummage in a junk draw, I came across an RAC International Driving Permit that I had to have when driving in the States in 2001. Does anyone know if these are still required to drive in the USA?
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they were never required to drive in the USA.
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This recent article from The Telegraph may be of interest.
tinyurl.com/yjhlr7u
I must get round to getting one of these new fangled photo licences soon.
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The AA still mentions them on its website and all the drivers in our party of 7 were told we had to apply for one in order to hire a vehicle.
www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/index.html
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not, or never been required for the states, to drive or hire a car.
Edited by Altea Ego on 01/01/2010 at 21:08
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However very sensible to have one.....
In 1983 youngish friends driving a car hired on a (non photo) UK licence were stopped at random by a Californian police patrol driving up the coastal highway (ie not in the sticks). The police resolutely refused to accept that a UK licence with no photo was acceptable, and escorted them to the nearest motel and made them stop for the night on the pain of instant arrest if they were caught driving again. They were convinced that they were ok to drive, but not willing to put it to the test. The following morning (guessing that the original patrol car was now off duty) they went to the nearest police station where there was considerable discussion as to was correct. In the end they were allowed to continue driving, but only after a significant waste of time and money.
It may happen only rarely, but if it made you miss a flight it could be VERY expensive.
The cynic in me says the motel was owned by the BiL and times were hard, young Brits were a soft target......
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You can also do your driving test at one of these places for about £20, but it's harder than it looks. :-)
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In 1979 I got stopped by pump action shotgun wielding Nevada State Trooper. Despite looking at my green driving license with contempt (holding it between his fingertips like a piece of used toilet paper) He was convinced it was genuine and valid. I also managed to convince him to not give me a citation for "crossin the senner liyne"
I remember it now, I was driving a Crysler "Le Baron"
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