Visiting San Fran, do i/should i carry ID with me everywhere
Oct 21st 2009, 12:10 pm
#16
MODERATOR
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Hong Kong, mostly.
Posts: 5,214
Re: Visiting San Fran, do i/should i carry ID with me everywhere
You should carry something, not because it is a legal requirement but because it's a good policy should something bad happen. Hit by a car, mugged, sent to a hospital, arrested, etc. There are plenty of examples of times when your identity needs to be known or proven in circumstances when you might not be able to convey that information. I wouldn't carry a passport necessarily but a xerox copy of the main page is not a bad idea.
The only legal thing I can mention is that in many places in the states buying alcohol is based on how old you can LEGALLY PROVE yourself to be, not on how old you look or 'are'. I've seen 50 year old geezers in some places be stamped 'no alcohol' because they didn't have legal proof of their age. Like many things about the US, it's a state-by-state thing, but sometimes you'll come across a bar that has been raided for underage drinking as enacts, on their own, a policy of no proof no alcohol just to make sure they don't get caught again. Generally this will require a government issued photo id to qualify.
The only legal thing I can mention is that in many places in the states buying alcohol is based on how old you can LEGALLY PROVE yourself to be, not on how old you look or 'are'. I've seen 50 year old geezers in some places be stamped 'no alcohol' because they didn't have legal proof of their age. Like many things about the US, it's a state-by-state thing, but sometimes you'll come across a bar that has been raided for underage drinking as enacts, on their own, a policy of no proof no alcohol just to make sure they don't get caught again. Generally this will require a government issued photo id to qualify.
Oct 21st 2009, 2:50 pm
#17
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Indiana, USA
Posts: 381
Re: Visiting San Fran, do i/should i carry ID with me everywhere
Like others have said it all really depends on if you want to easily get served with alcohol.
When I first visited the USA it was a pain having to argue the toss each time I went to a liquor store. I was around 30 but each time it was a drama trying to get served without ID. I was getting served but ended up carrying my passport around with me to avoid the hassle.
Some bars/clubs simply say 'no ID - no entry'. Doesn't matter how old you are.
When I got back to the UK I got myself sorted with a photo driving license - made life a lot easier for the next time I went back to the USA.
When I first visited the USA it was a pain having to argue the toss each time I went to a liquor store. I was around 30 but each time it was a drama trying to get served without ID. I was getting served but ended up carrying my passport around with me to avoid the hassle.
Some bars/clubs simply say 'no ID - no entry'. Doesn't matter how old you are.
When I got back to the UK I got myself sorted with a photo driving license - made life a lot easier for the next time I went back to the USA.
Oct 22nd 2009, 1:15 am
#18
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 13,158
Re: Visiting San Fran, do i/should i carry ID with me everywhere
Thanks everyone for your replies,
Rete your posts come across as being catty and rude, bad day, someone pee on your cornflakes? Or just time of the month??
FYI im 29, can afford a car but live in a city with poor parking and prefer public transport, and the road rage comment was just weird. I only have my UK passport for ID and my work ID, I live in Australia.
Rete your posts come across as being catty and rude, bad day, someone pee on your cornflakes? Or just time of the month??
FYI im 29, can afford a car but live in a city with poor parking and prefer public transport, and the road rage comment was just weird. I only have my UK passport for ID and my work ID, I live in Australia.
Oct 22nd 2009, 1:27 am
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: Visiting San Fran, do i/should i carry ID with me everywhere
But I agree, it is worth getting one.
I recall that it was quite expensive to obtain my Aussie (Victorian) drivers license, nothing like the cheapo California one I'm in the middle of obtaining.
