V-Flyer

Hi all. My trip to San Francisco and LA is only a few weeks away now and I was wondering as I don't want to carry my passport with me when I go out Ida provisional driving license will be an acceptable form of ID?

Has anyone used one before. I don't drive at the moment (the other half does) but I have got a provisional license? Is this okay as a form of ID?

Any experiences with regards to using one?

Thanks for the info.

My DW has used her provisional for ID in the USA for 8 years with no problems at all.

in florida we carry a copy of our PP around,if you got a photo card driving licence that should be fine

Hi In my personal experience with bars and liquor stores in LA and SFO they have accepted UK government issued photo provisional licence with a clear validated hologram, date of birth and uk/eu insignia.

Have a great trip.

Cheers

does it have a photo and your DoB on it?

However, not everyone in the US would recognise a UK provisional drivers licence and it could raise more questions than answers and the possible refusal of your admission into bars etc.

I did find on trip advisor but it seems experience varies!

Hi! I live in SF, am 32 years old and every time I go to buy booze from a supermarket I take my passport (unless they know me), reason being, more and more bars and shops are being told that as far as foreigners are concerned it's passport or nothing. That said, a lot of places will accept the Driving licence but just not always.

simonallardice wrote:Hi! I live in SF, am 32 years old

you must look very young then to need to prove your age - lucky you!

I got asked in March and I am 33 and according to my better half, look older!!!

McMaddog wrote:

simonallardice wrote:Hi! I live in SF, am 32 years old

you must look very young then to need to prove your age - lucky you!

I was carded last November in NYC to get into one bar and I'm 46 !

But the next night same bar different guard I wasn't !

Yup - more and more places are becoming "passport only" (which is ridiculous when they card most people under 40!) but I wouldn't rely on a provisional license photocard...

We have found places in the US to be funny with driving license as ID also. Most are okay, however don't be surprised if the odd place won't accept it. I find it really annoying as it is suitable ID if you are stopped by a Police officer but not okay to get an alcoholic drink. I could understand it a little more if you are close to the 21 year age, but when they do it to people in their 30/40's I just find it crazy.

son in law got asked in a disney park and he is 33

I got asked for ID in a bar in TN on the same day I got my first senior citizens discount.

Edited to add (since I was facing fat finger challenges with my smartphone use this morning)...

I found the inconsistency odd. Sometimes in the cities barkeeps have looked at us as if we're slightly odd for even offering ID. I ended up rationalising it around the closer to a college, the more intense the scrutiny.

One thing to remember is that you may have to explain the date format on the dob on the licence....

Thanks all for your responses. It will be the newest version of the provisional license so should have the hologram etc.

It's depressing seeing that some places may not accept it but I really don't want to carry around my passport. Oh well I will hope that the majority do.

I have been waiting to be served at a bar in Islands of Adventure & the girl in front of me was of similar age to me (mid-30's, at the time). She attempted to buy 2 alcoholic drinks (one drink per ID rule at Universal Orlando). The barman checked her ID then asked who the other drink was for - she pointed out her silver/grey haired Mum who waved at the barman... Who then asked to see Mum's ID too... Hmm, if daughter is 35, it is safe to say Mum is over 21yrs of age!

A day or two later at the same bar I asked a different barman why they are so strict on ID. Answer was partly because Universal insist on it, but also Florida state law. If you serve someone who is underage, then you (not the manager / alcohol licence holder) get something like 28 days in jail, a big fine and a 3 year ban on working anywhere where alcohol is served (so forget a job washing dishes in a restaurant kitchen if the restaurant serves booze). Given penalties I've that, I would err on the side of caution, but not go as far as checking the ID of the grey-haired pensioner.

Back on-topic, I have never had any problems using a full driving license as ID in Florida when buying alcohol. I would have thought that a provisional driving license would be treated the same as a State ID card, i.e. government issued ID. As long as the card is in good condition & the photo is a good likeness, you should be OK.

any id with photo and dob seems to work fine in Florida. a few years ago Wal Mart went crazy and had to ID EVERYONE. even 90 year olds, it was hilarious and didnt last very long

I'm a mere 39 years old yet I haven't been carded in NY for at least 10 years. Admittedly I'm in a suit more often than not, but even so, perhaps I should be feeling insulted here!!

I'm in my early 30s and I am invariably asked for ID in NYC -- even in restaurants, and even when suited and booted. Mind you, back home I occasionally get asked for ID in Marks & Spencer... :0 It's my youthful good looks.

Americans love asking for ID. I was once with my former boss, aged almost 70, and we were asked for ID to get into an office building to meet someone. He simply said 'I don't have any' in a dismissive British accent, and no one batted an eyelid. It helped that he had a knighthood -- they loved that even more than they loved asking for ID.