Driving Licences

[Ware Bears]

We have the pink paper driving licences. Would it be a good idea to change them to the new photo ones? Can they be used as ID or is it best to carry our passports around with us?

 

[Penny12]

Yes, they can be used for ID - infact, I just changed my paper license to the new photo one for that very reason.

I always used to carry my passport around with me and didn't worry too much about losing it - however the fact remains, that <i>if</i> you did lose it, it's a LOT more of hassle dealing with it than if you lost your Driving License over there.

 

[Sue & Co.]

We took our old pink paper licenses and used them as ID even when it stated photo ID was required and this was never questioned. They seemed to accept that UK driving licenses don't have a photo, perhaps we were just very lucky.

Mind you if we had been challenged my husband always had alternative photo id with him but never needed it.

Sue

 

[Mike Jones]

..anyone remember how much it is to change to new type, and how long it takes?

Mike

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

Mike - just checked the DVLA website and they say £18 to change it. I seem to remember it took about two/three weeks when we moved house!

Personally I've used both types for ID and only been refused the paper one once but I 'think' that was in California rather than Orlando. they seem to be more geared up to Brits in Orlando!

I do prefer having the photocard one though - it's eaier to carry around for onr thing - just fits in your wallet with you credit cards etc, and can be used if you need ID for buying drinks etc too. I've never carried my passport around with me - firstly because it's too bulky - we travel LIGHT when we're in the parks - and secondly, as Penny said, I didn't fancy having to waste precious theme park time trying to sort out a replacement etc so we could get home!!!

 

[Hilary]

Don't forget that for driver identification (not just general ID), for example when you collect your rental car, they need to see both the 'credit card' part and the paper part of the newer style photo licence.

 

[amf]

Originally posted by Tiggernut_jadie
Mike - just checked the DVLA website and they say £18 to change it.

A couple of other points;-

1. It only costs £17 if you are replacing a lost licence.

2. If you have changed address and need a licence showing your new address, the photo licence is free

My wife and I changed ours to photo licence just to provide photo ID for our holiday in Sept/Oct and, as luck would have it, we weren't asked for photo ID

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
Just a bit of a side issue but if anyone is planning to go on a Disney cruise they require Photo ID every time you leave and re-board the ship.They also keep your passports during the cruise so a Photo style driving licence is ideal.
Stangely I have rented vehicles from Dollar several times and have never been asked for the paper part of the licence once.

Mick.

 

[Penny12]

Mick, the very reason you give about the Cruise is the primary reason I got my license changed!

I've done two cruises without photo-ID. It's just going to be a <i>lot</i> easier now

 

[Ware Bears]

Thanks for all your replies.

I think we'll get them changed, although it's going to cost us £39 it's easier to carry around than passports and as you said, Penny, it's a lot less hassle to lose driving licences than passports.

I was in Index last year validating my new Index account card and showed my pink driving licence as ID, the guy behind the counter refused to accept it at first, insisting that all driving licences had photos!!! Luckily his manageress was older than him(and more knowledgable!) but it made me feel ancient, I'm ONLY 42 but he made me feel like his great grandmother!!! so it will probably be handy to have a photo D/L for home as well!!!

Elaine