UK Driving License accepted in Orlando?

[GillR]

Hi, i'm visiting Orlando in 2 weeks and will need ID at some bars, clubs, etc. Will a UK Photo Driving License be accepted? Thanks!

[slimjim]

Probably not, but presumably you will have your passport, so use that. Or are you worried about losing it on a night out?

[Dave Potts]

The official line I think is that it has to be state-recognised ID (e.g. Florida driving license, military ID etc). In most places any photo-ID will PROBABLY be OK but at the end of the day it's up to the establishment in question. I remember having a particularly colourful exchange with a supermarket checkout girl in Poway because she wouldn't accept my UK passport as ID. I guess my "If it's good enough for YOUR US Customs Service it should be good enough for this ****hole" could have been phrased a little more diplomatically, as could my "Can you READ that? It says 'Without let or hindrance'!". Needless to say I got a smile that said '**** you', a "Have a Nice Day" and no beer. Serves me right. The only sensible advice I can offer you is if you plan on using your UK Photo Driving Licence or UK passport as ID make sure the photo is a RECENT one. Have a nice trip.

[rekstout]

I used mine for several years without any trouble - including post 9/11 - mostly for proving ID when paying by card (some stores ask as a matter of course irespective of whether your signature looks OK. I get carded more as I have a US bank account and cards and they are naturally a little more suspicious as I have a very British accent. I do worry about carrying my passport around with me all the time in case I lose it. I would certainly rather lose my driver's license - at least I could get back to the UK. If you wanted to you could take the driving test (very easy) or apply for a resident's ID card but they will only be valid for the period of your visa waiver or visa.

[GillR]

Thanks Everyone, I thought this would be the case. I have heard the usual stories that Americans don't recognise much outside their own world. Guess i'll either risk using my passport, or only carrying my Driving License!

[kalise25]

I had a similar incident to Dave Potts with my Irish passport in a petrol(sorry, gas)station. I was told that Ireland wasn't a country he'd ever heard of and I was probably an undercover cop trying to catch him out??!!LOL..... I have to say that I will never try to buy beer in Fresno CA again. Even the multi-tattooed/pierced underage crazy gangbanger types were getting served, but it just wasn't going to be Miller time for me! In general though, I found that a passport was necessary - my UK photo drivers licence just didn't cut the mustard. Photocopy your passport before you go and bring the copies with you in case the worst happens and you lose it. Have a super time though (hope the weather improves...)!

[gboyle8]

I have lived in the UK and Orlando. Trust me the UK licence will be taken with no problems. It is the people behinde the counter you will have to worry about, if they can speak english or not.