I.D Needed?

[MartyM]

It was about 1/2 and 1/2 last year at F&W. We are 31 and 36. We'd have been disappointed about half the time if we hadn't carried them.

 

[Tony Toon]

I can't really understand this "can't accept anything other than a passport" thing. I am given to understand that the majority of Americans don't even own a passport, never having a need for one as most Americans never travel beyond their own borders, and those that do certainly would not usually be carrying them on a night out.

Incidentally I have never been asked for ID despite looking young for my age - (howls of laughter from my family). I suppose being 65 later this year does have it's benefits.

 

[GirlDreamer]

The thing is, that they do accept other photo IDs. But there's a huge BUT. The rule is that you can only accept a foreign ID if you can understand the language on it, so you're sure you got the DOB right. It still sounds a bit weird that they wouldn't accept a British ID card though, because it is in the same language. I even managed to use my Norwegian ID in a liquor store, even if they didn't understand the DOB on it (In Norway DOB is written like this: DD/MM/YYYY while in the US it's the other way around: MM/DD/YYYY)

 

[Lisa x]

Every single year I get asked for ID. I'm 28!

I get asked in all restaurants, HRH pool area, CityWalk, Disney........everywhere and I have only ever used my photo card driving licence as ID and it has never been refused!

 

[darthtatty]

ok im disappointed now. Im 38-nearly and Ive never been asked for ID

 

[dixonsontour]

My favourite is when I get ID'd but DH doesn't (we are the same age!) Never fails to amuse.

One shop worker even insisted on ID ing me when DH was buying alcohol - in case DH was supplying a minor

 

[torsie24]

Take photo ID everywhere you go in America. I've been asked for it for card purchases, ticket collections. It's always worth having.

 

[scottishgirl87]

I can't really understand this "can't accept anything other than a passport" thing. I am given to understand that the majority of Americans don't even own a passport, never having a need for one as most Americans never travel beyond their own borders, and those that do certainly would not usually be carrying them on a night out.

I believe the reason is more to do with the fact that it's more difficult to tell if a foreign driving licence is genuine or not. If you compare our photocard driving licences with a couple of friends you'll see that they tend to change the style of them quite frequently and so I can imagine it's hard for them to keep up. My dad only transferred to a photocard licence last year (after having a driving licence for 30+ years) and his looks completely different to mine which I got in 2005. I've compared with friends who passed their test maybe a couple of months/a year after me and again a completely different style. Makes it much more difficult for them to tell and I can understand some of them not wanting to risk it incase it does turn out to be fake.

 

[disney_princess_85]

I'm a young looking 27 and I always get asked for ID over here, never mind in the US! As others have said, take your ID.

 

[strawberry blonde]

Last time we were there in 2009 I was asked for ID in Walmart because I'd bought beer and wine. I was so happy bearing in mind, I was in my 40's then. Soon came down to earth with a bang when they asked the man behind me for ID..... he was 70 at least

I carried a photocopy of my passport with me and it was fine even on the rare occassion I was asked for ID with traveller's cheques.

 

[igk]

As others said your driving licence (picture version) is good for ID so don't need to worry about carrying your passport around.
Were in our 40's and still occasionally get ID'd (not in WDW, but at Wal-Mart )

First 'adult' trip to WDW in 1987 I was a very young looking 21, and tried to get a pint of Bass (or whatever) in the Rose & Crown and was refused (no picture driving licence and passport was at hotel). I was so cross it spoilt my day - I still think about that when I walk past there

 

[kittykitty87]

My driving licence has a picture so I think that will be ok. I may do as someone else just said and take a photocopy of my passport too

 

[Tony Toon]

First 'adult' trip to WDW in 1987 I was a very young looking 21, and tried to get a pint of Bass (or whatever) in the Rose & Crown and was refused (no picture driving licence and passport was at hotel). I was so cross it spoilt my day - I still think about that when I walk past there

The penalties are so severe, immediate termination for the server, if an underage guest is served alcohol, you can't blame the establishment (or the server) for being extra cautious. The law is adhered to very strictly and Disney as an employer don't give second chances.

 

[torsie24]

First 'adult' trip to WDW in 1987 I was a very young looking 21, and tried to get a pint of Bass (or whatever) in the Rose & Crown and was refused (no picture driving licence and passport was at hotel). I was so cross it spoilt my day - I still think about that when I walk past there

Cross at yourself and not the Rose & Crown I hope.

We forgot our ID when we went to California Grill last trip. Wasn't until we ordered a bottle of wine that we remembered.

100% our fault, so we had mineral water and some delicious pear tea and carried on with a lovely evening.

 

[chmurf]

Just a quick reminder.

US Federal law requires that every visitor carry their passport with them at all times

the law says "immigration documents and passport", but it's merely the stamp they put on your passport at port of entry. a copy of the passport is not valid.

This law is seldom enforced, but it's always when you forget your passport, have one beer too many, that you happen to encounter the one and only beat cop in america who will strictly enforce that law

 

[tinks_1989]

I remember my uncle worked in the US a lot and would be IDed a lot he was 40 my friends nan bought cigarettes when they were in Florida in 2003 and was IDed!

My and DH always have ID on us we both look young and are used to be IDed here

 

[queendisney]

I have never been asked for ID I must look OLD

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

I have never been asked for ID I must look OLD

 

[starrysky]

I have been asked for id loads even here at home. i'm 32 but keep getting told I look around 24.

so id is always with me. DH gets a kick out of it because he is almost 40.

 

[zippy99]

Not in the US but the extreme stories reminded me. My sister who is 22 was buying me a bottle of wine when she was with my DD who was 13. Now DD is not the plastered with make-up type and looked her age. Amazingly they asked for ID which my sister produced and they said not for you.... For her (pointing at DD). My sister said but she is 13 she does not have ID I am buying for myself .

They did serve her, and I realise there are penalties but lets be realistic if you were buying for someone 'clearly' underage you would hardly have them stood next to you!

I think whether in the uk or abroad the problem is the lack of consistency - now my DD is 14 I don't let her come food shopping with me as it is assumed my alcohol purchases are for her!