BeachBoi, too much "poison" already? We need to put you behind the bars :)

FainaAgain,

ROTFL!

Sam, Do you have a driver's license? If so, does it have your photo and birthdate on it? That's what passes around here for ID for most people.

Sam, Oh Sorry! I see you don't have a driver's license. Well, it was a thought....Can you get one in a weeks time? Hahaha

Hi Sam, what do people in England do for an ID if they don't have a driver's license and have never obtained a passport? I am asking because once in awhile while shopping here in the US and using a credit card I am asked for ID? Does this not happen in England? Just curious. Thanks.

I was wondering the same thing - how would a person in the UK conduct business without an ID if the person doesn't drive or have a passport?

I don't know what the statistics are, but almost everyone here has a passport. Most drive, too. It would be very, very unusual for someone not to have either passport or driving licence, and even then there are birth certificates and so on. But to be honest, we only get asked for ID when opening bank accounts etc. It's just not something you need for day-to-day stuff.

We never get asked for ID when using credit cards. Signatures used to be considered sufficient, but now hardly anyone even signs. Instead we have something called chip and pin - the cards have a built-in microchip and you just have to key in your 4-digit PIN when you buy anything.

Unless things have changed since I retired, foreign nationals in the US are required to carry documentary proof that they are in the US legally and to present that proof to any peace officer or border enforcement officer on demand.

I would thinki you would need to be able to prove you are an English national (or whatever you may be) anytime you are stopped which is much more important than whether you are carded in a club or not.

I'd suggest carrying the passport and devising a way that satisfies you it is safeguarded (moneybelt, neck pouch, etc.).

Forget you ID...bring your EGO. ;)

What form of ID do you use in the UK if you don't drive? Do you carry your passport? UK doesn't offer photo ID to people that don't drive? All I can say is WOW!!!!!!

SamInLondon - your reply about not being asked for ID for credit cards is very interesting to me. Because, 4 years ago (pre-9/11) I was in London and I swear EVERY time we used our credit card (from a dingy little pub to Harrod's) we were asked for an ID and then the clerk would actually watch our signature and compare it to the one on the back of the card. I thought this was amazing at the time, because for one, this is done so rarely in the US (even though it's required by the credit card companies) and I was just so amazed that every clerk actually followed the rules. I guess the new chip PIN thing is all it takes now. Very interesting, indeed. You learn something new everyday. LOL.

I agree with most everyone above - you'll need to carry your passport if you don't want to be disappointed and denied alcohol.

Have fun in San Francisco! I love that city!

SimoneSassett: Golly - that has not been my experience at all. I have been to London/the UK more times than I can count and used credit/debit cards hundreds of times. Except for when I've claimed VAT refunds, I don't think I have EVER been asked for an ID - not once.

(and even when claiming VAT, a few shops only want the passport number and don't bother actually looking at the passport)

Thanks for your help, everyone. Still seems strange to me that before the age of 21 (unless I'm mistaken) you can marry, have children, buy a gun etc. but not order a drink.

I'll be carrying the passport around carefully secreted on my person.

Clearly, the difference between our countries in this instance is that we want our citizens sober when they do those things.

Pis

Sam - You aren't the only one. It seems strange to a lot of us that at 18 Americans have all the rights and responsibilities of full-fledged adults, yet are banned from buying a beer for 3 more years.

Good thing you are coming to California though - the liquor laws in some other states are a lot more strict. 21 is still the legal age for drinking, but in some states you can't buy alcohol on Sundays, some counties in some states are completely dry, in some states you have to buy alcohol at special stores, etc. It is really odd.

From Sam:

Still seems strange to me that before the age of 21 (unless I'm mistaken) you can marry, have children, buy a gun etc. but not order a drink.

Also can sign legal contracts and join the military. Can rent a car too, but at a higher price.

Sorry to introject on an old topic, but apparently foreign passports (unless they clearly specify your height, weight, color of your eyes, etc.) are NOT AN ACCEPTABLE FORM OF IDENTIFICATION to purchase alcohol in California. See CA Business and Professional Code section 25660. I presume it means that all foreigners (again, unless they have a different ID or passports that specify their physical characteristics) are drinking illegally in California...

Would appreciate everybody's comments.

Kukurbitta

Kukurbitta: If soemone is otherwise legal, they are not drinking illegally because they do not have adequate ID. They may, however, be refused service or the purchase of alcohol if they do not not have ID that meets the requirements.

If they are cited for illegal consumption or possession, which they may be if they look young and cannot prove their age, presentation of proof of age at the time the cite was issued is a defense to the charge.

Sam - you said that you're 35. Do you look as if you're under 21?

I'd say, ALWAYS carry your ID and wear clean underwear, never know when one might get hit by a trolley!

>-)

get a photo copy of your passport and leave the original in the hotel safe.