Copy driving licence
 

Good Evening

I have a legalized (Notary certified) copy of my passport accepted by Carrefour (a good test) Police Town Hall etc. As I am sure most of you do.

Does anyone know if the same applies to driving licences--mine's a UK one.

Another thought---has anyone flashed their legalized copy passport at Check-in at the airport ?:D

Thanks

Re: Copy driving licence
 

I don`t know anyone that has a copy pp, and everywhere I have been they only accept the originals.
Flashing a copy at the border crossing would probably give you an exciting trip to the interrogation room. :rofl:

Re: Copy driving licence
 

The only copies of any document which are legally acceptable in Spain are those certified by the authority which the originals were issued by.

This mean a Spanish D/L Tráfico, a British Passport, The British Passport office or a British Consulate etc.

I know we have all had copies certified by town halls, notaries and by various other places accepted, we have been lucky.

The reason why the authority who issued the original is the only authority which can authorise a copy is because only that authority can say for certain that the original, from which the copy was made, was a genuine document.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Thank you for your replies.

That's odd. Is Benalmadena an out of touch backwater?:D

I'm on the Costa Blanca and I am pretty sure everyone I know has their Passport safely stored and carries a Notarized copy . I have for about 6 years with no problem at all --and not just here on the coast.

So it seems unlikely you will know about the acceptability of copy driving licences.:)

Re: Copy driving licence
 

On the Costa del Sol there aren't many who know they are supposed to carry their passport (copy or otherwise). Those that do know don't see why they should, so don't. :ohmy:

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Pulsar, If your reply was in response to my post, it was as I expected. That was why I said, I know we have all had copies certified by town halls, notaries and by various other places accepted, we have been lucky.

I carry an out-of-date Residence Card, a copy of my P/P reduced to credit card size, my original Spanish D/L and a copy of the new A4 Resident Cert. With the exception of the police station and a notary, so far, I have not had a problem using the copies, but as I said, I too have been lucky,

I have also been in touch with the British Ambassador in Madrid. He agrees we are obliged to carry our original PP (not a copy) if we do not have a valid plastic Residence Card.

If you wish to carry a copy of your UK D/L which will be legal, then have it authenticated by the DVLA, or do as have done, make a credit card size copy and plasticise it. It will probably be accepted in many places, but not all.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Johncar61

I am not quite sure we are on the same track here.

I did have a reduced colour copy of my Passport laminated in plastic for about a year and had a few difficulties. Muppets on the tills in Carrefour are a good test.

If I recall correctly the Administrator of the community suggested a Notorized copy.

I have not had a problem since. And round here they are very popular. But then again so is pocket picking and handbag snatching.

Unlike a shrunken copy made in a Prensa the notorized thing certainly looks the part being on Notary numbered and watermarked paper and festooned with seals and stamps and statements about the original.

I wonder if a Notorized copy of my driving licence would prove to be as efficacious as well as allowing me to store my original DL safely away.:)

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Please note that Carrefour, the Local police and the Guardia Civil are very different entities in Spain. Please try and flash your photocopies at the latter tow and see what happens.
I would rather carry originals it saves any hustle.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Thanks.

Johncar61 seems to have more faith in a shrunken copy made in a paper shop and Santo Estevo refers to flashing my "photo copy".

And this after I have carefully explained how "legal" and "official" a Notorized copy is.
I haven't got a lot of time for some Notaries but I did not know their efforts were so disrespected.

I think I will drop this now without an answer because I am getting confused.

Thanks

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Pulsar, totally disregard what I say.

To find the answer you want, I suggest you keep asking people until they say what you want. Then stop asking and stick with that.

But as has been said, don't try showing those 'pieces of worthless paper' to people like the Guardia Civil, airport officials etc, just stick with the experts at Carrefour and the like.

Have a really great day.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

:rofl::rofl::rofl: He might get away with it if he tells them Tina at the till said it was kosher.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Thank you.
Nice to see the thread degenerating into insults as usual.
I asked a perfectly polite question to see if anyone had experience of using a Notorized copy of a driving licence--I thought it would be as useful as the Notorized Copy Passports huge numbers of people round here use.

What happens. Someone who is hard of thinking who has obviously never heard of a Notorized Passport copy and can't understand my description of such a thing calls it a worthless piece of paper. This from someone who recommends a shrunken laminated copy from a paper shop as better.:rofl:

JC on a bike.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Simple, the only legal ones are the original ones, take your piece of paper into the Social Security Office and tell them you want to sign on the health service.
Or even simpler go onto a Blanca site and ask there, as you say everyone does it there so you will get the answer you want. :rofl:
The Foreign Office advise every UK citizen when abroad to always carry their PASSPORT, it is also an offence to drive in Spain without carrying your DRIVING LICENCE.
It can`t be that hard for you to understand surely ?

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Pulsar. What I have said is confirmed by the British Ambassador, in Madrid, and the Secretariat (Chief Inspector) to the Commissario at the National Police Station.

As I said if you want to believe something else its your choice. No big deal.

PS. I did not say a reduced plasticised PP was legal. I said I too have been 'getting away with it'. BUT IT IS NOT LEGAL.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Every time I leave having read this Forum my anger levels are always raised.
I mean, what happened to common decency eh.

I'd like to think that people wouldn't 'talk' to each other like this, it is just that know one has actually done a course on Email-Etiquette.

Yes, there is such a course available.
The phrase I would use to all the 'sniping' would be....

"I don't beleive you meant to speak to me in that tone of ink?"

Laters;
DSB.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

You may well be right, but there's no need to be antagonistic like that, especially to a new poster so please think before you post. I would normally tell you this by pm, but you have disabled that facility

Re: Copy driving licence
 

OK Point taken, however, the poster had NINE replies from myself and others. all which basically said the same, but he/she continued to say we were wrong.

I really did not feel that by repeating what I and others had said in answer to the question which he/she had asked, was being antagonistic. If so I guess were all were.

I really don't know how one is exacted to answer a question, which gives a legally definite answer, other than by saying what the the laws says.

In my replies I did suggest that if my answer was not acceptable then it should be ignored.

I should be grateful if anyone would indicate where and in what way, I was 'antagonistic' so that I may repent and not do so again.

But whatever.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

You don't know? :confused:

And I ask again, please dont talk about moderation on the form. As an ex Policeman you should understand how it works:D, I ask you to do something and hopefully you are kind enough to do it. To talk further you must pm, which means you will have to enable that facility.

Lets stay on subject from hereon then please :)

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Please drop the sarcasm of 'please anyone indicate where etc etc'.
Whatever the weather you were coming across as bad.
Accept it, and deal with it.

Next Thread please :thumbsup:
DSB.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Can't stand the truth so you take the `little Hitler' way out. Delete the post so other can't see how nonsensical your comment was.

If you are going to say I am wrong, then at least have the curtsey to explanation how.

But no problem I know you will just you will just delete this too.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

If you cared to check your emails then you would see that I have had the courtesy to explain to you where you are going wrong
I dont intend to get into an arguement with you over this, especially as it is YOU that are in the wrong. Please, do not carry on this discussion here. I have asked you several times now! Sarcasm will not go down on this forum well.

Everyone else, please dont contribute, lets return to topic

Re: Copy driving licence
 

I too have certified copies of my passport etc, plus miniaturised copies of the same, but use the originals at airports or when stopped by trafico.

Looking at the miniature copies, even with a magnifying glass, I can’t tell the difference, but the shop I used has the absolute latest laser copier. If not driving or at the airport, I only carry copies of everything, like everyone else.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

I guess you are saying the same as JDR and me, that the copies are not legal, only useful in non official circumstances.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

I never carry my passport unless I'm using an airport
I have a UK photo driving licence that is used and accepted as ID everywhere I've ever been
I have a photocopy (not certified) of my NIE and passport

I've been stopped by the traffico (once fined for speeding so in the system) and Civil many times at spot checks and not once have I been thrown in the cells for having illegal paperwork.

Not saying that it's legal but I think things do get blown up out of proportion sometimes!

Re: Copy driving licence
 

I don't get it! You are only legaly required by law to show official documentation when requested to do so in an official situation which means only your "official" document is of any use......so why carry anything else which is of no use in any other time than an official one?

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Nice to see you too agree with JDR, HBG and me, but it seems we maybe in the minority.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

What I'm saying is why would anyone walk around with an official and an unoffical copy at the same time? Also why take an official copy to some places and an unofficial copy to other places? The unique legal document we have now is the passport which we are required by law to have upon us at all times.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Perhaps I could clarify it here, rather than elsewhere on this thread. I never carry originals and copies at the same time.

Living in a built-up area, I drive perhaps three or four times a week and carry my original driving licence. I use the airport perhaps twice a year and carry my original passport.

For most of my time in Spain, I carry certified copies or duplicates, which are readily accepted by everyone. I carry copies in case of loss or theft, to replace the loss of an original driving licence or passport is a horrendous inconvenience, and why bother carrying them when on the beach or shopping?

Or leading a happy life for most of the time without worrying about continuous silliness. (Not from you, Madrid.)

Re: Copy driving licence
 

I only ever use my driving licence for ID. Never been asked for my passport other than obvious officaldom such as residence, etc and of course flying. Never bothered getting copies.
Sometimes, when I'm out without the wife I dont have my passport, which is not good of course, but even when stopped by the Police I only get asked for driving licence

Re: Copy driving licence
 

To be honest, most of the time when not driving, I don’t carry anything apart from a few Euros to pay for coffee and newspapers, just the same as back in the UK. I’m a reasonably respectable, law-abiding guy, and don’t find Spain much different to the UK.

If out on the razzle, which is getting less and less, unfortunately, I carry copy ID in case the wheel comes off.

It’s Friday night, back in London it used to be boys night out, if I could get Scotty to beam me up, I would be back on the Mile End Road, right now, to listen to some London songs. All I’ve got now is CD memories in the sun, and a Cockney girl next door who’s looking through the CDs for our songs.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Answer received today from a Lawyer. A Notarized copy of a Passport Driving Licence or any other document is acceptable anywhere in Spain equal to the original.

Obviously it must be done correctly with the official serially numbered "Sello de Legitimaciones y Legalizaciones with the seal of the Colegios Notariales.

The Notary's wafer seal is needed overstamped with the personal identity stamp of the Notary and signed by him or her. And printed on numbered and watermarked paper .

However I will ask another Lawyer --this is Spain after all and 10 lawyers can give you 15 answers to any single question. And I need something to interest me for a couple of days. But it seems I need not have asked on here about Driving Licences when I could have gone to the Lawyer in the first place. Damn.

I've found that if you don't know what you are talking about it is usually best to say nothing or you could look an idiot.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Referring to your original question and to the above, I'd be interested to hear of anyone's experience in checking in at the airport with such a document. I'm off there next week. Maybe I'll try it. It's an interesting question.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

I know what you mean, I think in big cities you are likely to be stopped more often. When we moved to Goya, Salamanca areaof Madrid we were constantly followed for weeks by plain clothed police (radios blaring away give them away) as they do like to know who's living in the area. I've been asked for ID twice in the year or so I've been here yet never once in the 3 years I was in Benidorm.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

I had three years in Benidorm too, and I was never once asked for ID. I think it does depend on your appearance and conduct, perhaps tempered by the tremendous problems the police there have with the obvious idiots, thousands of them.

A tiny story: I was in Café Benidorm one night with the entertainer Kane on stage. He was teasing people by comparing different parts of the UK, on this occasion Bradford and Leeds.

I was standing at the bar, amongst the gigolos, and the people in front were complaining that Kane was getting Leeds and Bradford mixed up. After a few San Miguels I lost my sense of perspective and when the next skinhead came up to the bar, I said, “What fxxxxxx difference does it make, they’re both shithole places.”

The skinhead gave me a funny look and went back to his friends. I heard him say, “Do you know what that man just said?”

I fled and hid behind the giant dustbins at the Hotel Orange a couple of doors away. At least a dozen of the Bradford/Leeds mob came out to look for me, but I was well hidden.

Re: Copy driving licence
 

lol, the truth hurts eh? :rofl:


Don´t know what I´m talking about.......I´m from Hull:o

Re: Copy driving licence
 

Sure, they have to justify the money they took of you :rofl::rofl:
Do us all a favour and phone up the Embassy and ask.
(SNIP)

Re: Copy driving licence
 

With due respect to your lawyer. He has a vested interest in you paying him for the copy.

I hope I am not being rude, but as a couple people have said here why go to the people you may need to accept the copy and ask, like a Notary or the Guardia or National Police, passport control at an airport etc

I have on a several occasions (over 15 years whilst I have been a voluntary translator) been present at a National Police Station when people have been told they must go back to their home/hotel to collect their original passport before they were allowed to sign a denuncia. Of course some officers are more understanding and sympathetic, especially when the person is a pretty, young female.

I accept it is not logical, particularly when a person who has lost their passport is allowed to sign the denuncia without any ID. I have given up trying to explain this logic to the police when they insist on an original.

I have also been present twice when a Notary also has refused to allow a person to sign without their original ID.


PS as I as posting this, I see JDR has said more or less the same as me.


(Please note this is intended to be constructive, not critical nor sarcastic)

Re: Copy driving licence
 

OK enough please.
This is clearly a difference of opinion between a poster that has come on here with a reasonable question, and has now seemingly received legal advice, and those that have experience of what they have seen over the years.

Seems to me that its sensible to assume that its the level you take it to ...... i.e., it might be OK in Carrefour but it probably wont get you through passport control.

Theres clearly a large gulf and neither are able to see the others point of view so I'm closing it before war breaks out.