traveler

I will be traveling to a New York City on vacation. In order to board a plane you are now required to present a driver’s license or other picture id. I would like to keep my license in the safe in my hotel room to keep it from getting lost of stolen. IS picture id required to enter any attractions, such as the Empire State, Statue of Liberty or Ellis island? I will have other forms of ID available.

Ann

Just take your picture license with you wherever you go. You never know when you may need it!

Liz

We needed them to get into the Empire State building last winter.

J Correa

I agree with Ann that it's best to take your DL with you just in case you need it. If you are really worried about it getting stolen, buy one of those little travel pouches that attach to your clothing and wear it inside your shirt or your pants. Put your ID in there and you wont have to worry about having it stolen.

Jen

It won't be an issue at the Statue of Liebrty -- NOBODY is allowed in right now!

traveler

Thanks for the advice-just worried that it might get lost and I wouldn't be able to get on the plane to come back home. I will carry it somewhere safe.

Owen O'Neill

When I took my first overseas trip to Central America last spring, I had similar concerns. Based on forum advice, I carried a photocopy of my license and passport and left the real ones in a safe place at the hotel. As it turned out, I ever needed them for anything but I imagine photocopies would be accepted in most places in a pinch.

amy

If...you should lose your ID most airlines that I know do make exceptions (even now), mostly on the return since they have a record of your initial flight out. Keep your first boarding pass as evidence. Obviously it is a hassel to deal with but so is touring NYC these days without ID.

xxx

Some of the taller skyscrapers (Rockefeller Center etc) require ID to get on the elevators.

NY

If you drive and park in the Metropolitan Museum parking lot(under the museum) you have to show your drivers license.
I don't think stealing drivers licenses is a big problem in NYC.

Candy

Besides my driver's license, I've also obtained a picture ID card issued by the DMV in my state (California). I leave one in the hotel room and another on me at all times. I learned the hard way when I had my wallet stollen last year! This way should I ever lose one, I have the other as a back up so I can board a plane to return home.

xxx

Candy, what a smart idea! In NYS, a non-driver ID card costs only about $10-15 (and is good for 4-8 years) and is perfectly valid for all situations where you'd need a government issued photo ID, like boarding a plane of entering an office building. It just never occurred to me to get both that and a driver's license

Spike

Troll alert, cmon folks I have carried my license with me since I was 16, and never worried about losing it or locking it up in a hotel safe. Candy if your really that worried, just tuck it in your thong.

x

xxx, "taller skyscrapers" LOL.

x

The extra ID might only cost $10-$15 but what's the wait in line cost? 10 -15 hours?

another x person

Actually, in NYC , I waited less than an hour to get my ID. You mileage may vary, though

x

Why are you so paranoid about your ID? What do you do at home?

xx

What's the big deal if someone wants to take extra ID? "At home" many people are in and out of their own car (and home and workplace), not many other places. If you drop your wallet, it's likely to be in those places. You can probably go back home and get another ID if you can't find the one. Think of trying to replace something away from home--it's a much bigger hassle.Also, when you're on vacation, you're much more likely to be walking all over the place (which many people aren't used to) and pulling things (including ID) in and out of a purse, wallet, etc--how many of us have to pull out a driver's license to get into a building "at home"? Not an unlikely scenario when you're vacationing in a place like NYC. I don't think you have to be paranoid (nobody here seems to have visions of muggers standing on every street corner in NY demanding that you hand over your driver's license) but what's the harm in having a backup?
Have a good trip, traveler

suzanne

Here's a simple solution if you're that worried about it...bring your passport too. Keep one ID in your pocket and one at the hotel.

pb

This has always been a fear of mine. How do you get a non-driver ID?