Non Americans - Requirement To Show Passport When Purchasing Alcohol

[ButterflyEffect]

We have never been ID'd at Disney yet, but, now that the dining plan is going to be including alcohol we will be drinking more. That is going to be a royal pain if we have to be carrying our passports around. Like most of the pp we feel much safer with our passport in the safe for the length of our trip.

 

[DaisyJ]

Much different, IMO. A photo of a passport would still have the identifying marks. What makes it not different in yours?



Not true. Lots of places do not accept out of state ID, only out of state DL. I've been at many college events and sports events that do not accept out of state ID.



Everyone should have a passport, IMO. Do not wait until you think you may need to leave the country. At some point you may have to leave quickly.



People who have had their passports stolen have been able to get access to the embassy and get what they need. It's tricky, and involves contact from home, but it works. We have digital photos of our passports so we can pull them up - but I would keep my passport with me at all times - on my body, not in a purse, though. I like the crossbody pouch.

A state ID is equal to a DL. They are literally the same thing, except one gives you permission to drive.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

A state ID is equal to a DL. They are literally the same thing, except one gives you permission to drive.

Thank you dh and I can't drive due to our disability and when we where in CA they had no problem accepting dh fl state id so he can try a beer he was eyeing

 

[Arctophilist]

Granted, none of these things impact me at all, I am from the US and I don't know anyone from outside the US that would ever come to the parks with me.

Hi Angi,

technically that is not true ...

Remember me - Gabi from Germany ? (the one on the far left)

I've had the pleasure of meeting you and your family on May 31 at the AK-meeting during the DIS 20th Anniversary.
Unfortunately I missed you during the Epcot-Party - carried the promised Gummibears for your lovely DGD with me the whole night ...

But to add to the discussion - I would never risk carrying my passport around - especially not in the parks - it stays safely at the hotel.
Which means no alcolhol for me - but luckily I don't drink any - so no problem here ...

But sometimes I need an ID - i.e. when paying with a card - and my "antique" drivers license is not helping me with that -
because it's similar in Germany to what was mentioned earlier here

Not sure if DLs expires in the US, but where I live (France) and many countries I know in Europe, they are issued once in a lifetime.
Here, DLs are not valid forms of ID for that reason (they're a fun way to check how everyone was dressed in their 20s, though).

Guess the picture on my DL would prevent me from ever getting any alcohol at all - well, DL was issued in 1978

After years of being afraid losing my passport dragging it around for ID-purposes, I decided to rely on my german "identity card" - which is similar in size and look to a DL -
and is in fact in Germany considered more "valuable" , because unless the passport it has your address on it.

Usually it workes like a charm - but for aforementioned reasons I never put it to the test at WDW ...

 

[AngiTN]

Wow, learn something new all the time. Had no clue some foreign DL never expired. So once you learn to drive, you are good forever. No renewing? Heck, when I lived in HI we had to take the drivers test again every so many renewals. Been too long now I can't remember how many it was. Written had to be redone sometimes too. Could have changed by now.

Anyway, Gabi, I do remember meeting you! Had forgotten you lived in Germany though. It was hard to find everyone at the Epcot party. I missed seeing so many folks there. Thought we've have all the time we needed and it went by so fast.

 

[LucyBC80]

I carry my driver's license plus a photocopy of my passport information and visa in a card format. Till today, over 10 trips, I never once was require to show my passport.

 

[WEDWDW]

Here is a picture from one of the Festival of the Arts Booths.

 

[Barbanellie]

I know opinions on whether to carry your passport or not differ greatly. Personally, I feel it is safer when I have it with me, because I can constantly check that I still have it, at all times. If it's in a hotel safe, then I don't know.

I'm Canadian. Our Passport Office and Ministry of Global Affairs both state that a passport should not be used for identification purposes beyond passport controls while travelling and to not carry a passport on your person unless required to by local law

Interesting, I'm Canadian too, and I never heard that. I actually tried to find some info, and all I got from travel.gc.ca was this line "Keep your passport safe Never leave your passport unattended when you are travelling. Keep it with you in an inside pocket or a hidden security wallet." I guess "safe" is whatever feels safest for you. I would not feel comfortable leaving my passport in a hotel room safe, and I feel safer carrying it with me.

 

[bumbershoot]

I mean, I don't blame the foreign guests, I wouldn't dare carry my passport around either.

See, when I'm in a foreign country I have my passport WITH me.

I'm asking why FL has the law they do.

Because they are nutty? or maybe I've read too much Carl Hiaasen and Dave Barry.

EDIT 2: Also it's in the Amazing Race rules, and if that's not a guide to live by I don't know what is.

I can't argue with that.

OK, using this example helps me make more sense of the policy/law. My husband used to work as port agent for some of the cruise lines that would come in here, and PLENTY times guests got stranded (or had medical emergencies during their port visit) and faced immense difficulty to get them to the next port (or back home) because their passports/travel documents were left on the ship and Immigration would give them a hard time.

I do hope that he, as a port agent, knew that Americans on closed loop cruises didn't have to have passports. And that the cruiselines weirdly tell people to leave them onboard.

I know opinions on whether to carry your passport or not differ greatly. Personally, I feel it is safer when I have it with me, because I can constantly check that I still have it, at all times. If it's in a hotel safe, then I don't know.

Agreed.

 

[Colleen27]

It's always been the case and even I knew it but never have understood it

Curious, because I really can't understand, why isn't a foreign DL valid as a form of ID? What about them makes them invalid but any of the 50 US states are? I realize they may be hard to read for some but heck, as US ID can be as hard for some to read too, so that is a pretty lame argument, if that's the reason given

I don't know about FL, but when I worked slinging beers here in MI I had to go through a training session on spotting phony IDs that talked about the common features of all 50 states' official IDs (state ID or DL). We were also allowed to accept Canadian DLs and those were covered in training as well, but residents of other countries had to have a passport to purchase alcohol. I think it would be impossible to train on all the different standards of which nations' licenses are and are not valid proof of age.

None of the 50 states have the same ID's, either. And you don't need a drivers license to be able to buy alcool-you only need a state ID that shows your birthdate. So Disney's policy is non sensical.

Not true. Lots of places do not accept out of state ID, only out of state DL. I've been at many college events and sports events that do not accept out of state ID.

I've never heard of a state ID not being sufficient. They're exactly the same as a DL, in terms of format, security features, and required verifications of age and residency to obtain one, and they come from the same issuing agency (Sec. of State/DMV). The only difference is they don't grant driving privileges. I have several friends who don't drive for medical reasons and none has ever mentioned not being able to order a beer because they have a state ID rather than a license. That's the whole reason state IDs exist - so that people who do not or cannot drive for whatever reason still have a legally adequate proof of identity and age.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I don't know about FL, but when I worked slinging beers here in MI I had to go through a training session on spotting phony IDs that talked about the common features of all 50 states' official IDs (state ID or DL). We were also allowed to accept Canadian DLs and those were covered in training as well, but residents of other countries had to have a passport to purchase alcohol. I think it would be impossible to train on all the different standards of which nations' licenses are and are not valid proof of age.





I've never heard of a state ID not being sufficient. They're exactly the same as a DL, in terms of format, security features, and required verifications of age and residency to obtain one, and they come from the same issuing agency (Sec. of State/DMV). The only difference is they don't grant driving privileges. I have several friends who don't drive for medical reasons and none has ever mentioned not being able to order a beer because they have a state ID rather than a license. That's the whole reason state IDs exist - so that people who do not or cannot drive for whatever reason still have a legally adequate proof of identity and age.

I would almost view it as discrimination if those who chose to drink could not do so outside there home state just because they don't drive

 

[mousefan73]

It's always been the case and even I knew it but never have understood it

Curious, because I really can't understand, why isn't a foreign DL valid as a form of ID? What about them makes them invalid but any of the 50 US states are? I realize they may be hard to read for some but heck, as US ID can be as hard for some to read too, so that is a pretty lame argument, if that's the reason given
I mean, I don't blame the foreign guests, I wouldn't dare carry my passport around either. Lucky for them Disney accepts a copy. Do other businesses in FL accept copies? Can they get a copy made at the resort, if they come unprepared?
Granted, none of these things impact me at all, I am from the US and I don't know anyone from outside the US that would ever come to the parks with me. I'm just being nosy because it amazes me this is so difficult for foreign guests.

Because US alcohol laws are simply anal.

 

[mousefan73]

It's always been the case and even I knew it but never have understood it

Curious, because I really can't understand, why isn't a foreign DL valid as a form of ID? What about them makes them invalid but any of the 50 US states are? I realize they may be hard to read for some but heck, as US ID can be as hard for some to read too, so that is a pretty lame argument, if that's the reason given
I mean, I don't blame the foreign guests, I wouldn't dare carry my passport around either. Lucky for them Disney accepts a copy. Do other businesses in FL accept copies? Can they get a copy made at the resort, if they come unprepared?
Granted, none of these things impact me at all, I am from the US and I don't know anyone from outside the US that would ever come to the parks with me. I'm just being nosy because it amazes me this is so difficult for foreign guests. Delete double

 

[DisneyOma]

I do not know anyone in another country. I'm 54 and never had to leave the country urgently. I don't believe that is in my future. I'll be ok. But thank you

No one in your family travels out of the country? What if someone you loved was in another country and they needed you to go there? It would suck to have to wait for a passport, even an expediated one.

A state ID is equal to a DL. They are literally the same thing, except one gives you permission to drive.

Not in MA, not if it is from another state.

Thank you dh and I can't drive due to our disability and when we where in CA they had no problem accepting dh fl state id so he can try a beer he was eyeing

Just an FYI - they are not readily accepted in MA, especially in bars/restaurants in college towns and near any college campus in Boston.

I don't know about FL, but when I worked slinging beers here in MI I had to go through a training session on spotting phony IDs that talked about the common features of all 50 states' official IDs (state ID or DL). We were also allowed to accept Canadian DLs and those were covered in training as well, but residents of other countries had to have a passport to purchase alcohol. I think it would be impossible to train on all the different standards of which nations' licenses are and are not valid proof of age.





I've never heard of a state ID not being sufficient. They're exactly the same as a DL, in terms of format, security features, and required verifications of age and residency to obtain one, and they come from the same issuing agency (Sec. of State/DMV). The only difference is they don't grant driving privileges. I have several friends who don't drive for medical reasons and none has ever mentioned not being able to order a beer because they have a state ID rather than a license. That's the whole reason state IDs exist - so that people who do not or cannot drive for whatever reason still have a legally adequate proof of identity and age.

MA is really picky about it - lots of colleges, lots of kids from out of state. I'm guessing if you look really old, they might accept it, but anyone close to college age in appearance, nope.

 

[mousefan73]

I have never understood the "leave my passport in the hotel safe" mentality. I find it to be much more secure on my person than in some safe with who knows how many keys or access codes. I have been all over the world and always carry my passport with me.

Believe me travel for example to Spain, notorious for pickt pockers and bag grabbers.. your passport is VERY much safer in a Hotel safe or just sitting in the room.

 

[EdmondD]

Do not wait until you think you may need to leave the country. At some point you may have to leave quickly.

Just me, or did anyone else read this in a Liam Neeson/Taken voice?

 

[Disnsyncey]

Believe me travel for example to Spain, notorious for pickt pockers and bag grabbers.. your passport is VERY much safer in a Hotel safe or just sitting in the room.

I think that's the problem, you are thinking its being held in a purse or bag, it should be in a money belt or something not reachable by pickpockets or purse snatchers under your clothes....and I get the Canadian thing if the countries have a treaty, but for other international travel, many countries say you need to have valid ID on you at all times (which usually means passport). Many people go around without it, but in many places, its technically illegal.

 

[AngiTN]

No one in your family travels out of the country? What if someone you loved was in another country and they needed you to go there? It would suck to have to wait for a passport, even an expediated one.

Nope, my parents are in their late 70's. They can no longer travel the 2 hours it takes to get to my house, much less out of the country. At my age I think I've figured out if I'll need one or not. I know by this point in my life I'm in the not category.

Believe me travel for example to Spain, notorious for pickt pockers and bag grabbers.. your passport is VERY much safer in a Hotel safe or just sitting in the room.

This is what I was thinking. Even pockets are picked, not just purses/bags. So on your body isn't even immune. Anyway, everyone gets to do what they are comfortable with. Seeing how I'm comfortable sitting at home in the US it's something I'll never have to worry about.

 

[BadPinkTink]

Im from Ireland and when I travel to USA I always have my passport with me. I feel safer with it, not only for proving my age for alcohol but just in general. It has my next of kin contact details and some important medical information listed in the back. So say if I was in attacked or in run over or other emergency, having a passport gives the emergency services and police access to important information about me. Having a passport in my possession also gives me access to the Irish Embassy if I should need their services. For example when I was stranded in New York during 9/11 as I had my passport in my bag I was able to walk in off the street and get help and advice from the Irish Embassy.

Oh and about alcohol. On my recent visit to California I bought alcohol in Target and was asked for ID. The cashier had to call for a Manager as I had a passport. In Target they scan the bar-code on USA Drivers Licences. The Manager had to override the scanning process for my passport. I'm assuming that Target will only accept USA drivers licence and not international drivers licences due to the scanning procedure.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

No one in your family travels out of the country? What if someone you loved was in another country and they needed you to go there? It would suck to have to wait for a passport, even an expediated one.



Not in MA, not if it is from another state.



Just an FYI - they are not readily accepted in MA, especially in bars/restaurants in college towns and near any college campus in Boston.



MA is really picky about it - lots of colleges, lots of kids from out of state. I'm guessing if you look really old, they might accept it, but anyone close to college age in appearance, nope.

As far as I could find the out of state ID is related to alcohol only. So it's still a valid form of ID for all other things-rental car, driving, form of ID for other reasons like matching with your CC, etc). It appears it's related to underage alcohol consumption that prompted MA to make rules on this.

Plus I found that it's actually not an across the state hard rule. From what I could find it's restaurants and bars stuff like that and they actually can choose to take out of state IDs as well as other forms of ID. If they choose to accept out of state IDs,however, then they are then not legally protected if they sell to minors and if they accept out of state IDs as well as other forms of ID (just not the forms of ID MA allows) then they have to take on the responsibility of making sure the IDs are valid. So it's not that a person cannot under no circumstances use their out of state ID to purchase alcohol in MA--it's that they may be denied based on how the decision the establishment has made. I'm sure the # of establishments willing to take on the liability are not in high numbers though.

*To the point about guessing if you look really old--from what I could find establishments if they choose to not take out of state IDs they cannot period no matter what you look like; so a 50 yr old would be treated the same as someone who is 30 years old and as someone who appear to be right around the drinking age*