Is the European driving license valid as ID in Europe?
I'm an Italian citizen, and I possess a driving license in the standard European format:
Can I use it for identification purposes, i.e. boarding a plane, when in Europe?
I understand from Wikipedia that there are exceptions, but what is the general rule? Am I safe if I carry it instead of my ID card?
Best Answer
According to the Dutch (link in Dutch) authorities it is has some value as a form of identification. However since a drivers license does not contain information about your citizenship nor you visa/resident permit status, it is in general not accepted as an official form of documentation.
Having said that I have crossed borders with a license only (e.g. UK-France), but I always had other forms of identification with me. I would not risk traveling with a license only.
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Can I use an EU driving licence in Spain?
All valid EU (European Union) Community and EEA (European Economic Area) driving licences are valid in Spain provided that the holder meets the minimum driving age in Spain. EU licences can only be renewed in the holder's country of residence.What drivers license do you need in Europe?
Whether you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for the cop to write out a ticket).Can you drive with a foreign license in Europe?
In most European Countries you will just need your passport and driver's license. But some require an International Drivers Permit . An International Drivers Permit (IDP) needs to be used with a valid United States license in order to be valid.Is my European driving licence valid in US?
People who drive in the U.S. must have a valid driver's license. If you're a foreign visitor, some states require you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid license from your own country.Smart ID Engine - EU Driver's License Automatic Scan and Recognition | Smart Engines
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Answer 2
Freedom of movement is guaranteed; while longer stays explicitly mentions a valid ID card or passport, shorter stays which are less than three months only require:
For stays of less than three months, the only requirement on Union citizens is that they possess a valid identity document or passport
EDIT: As other pointed out, an EU license, is not usable because it does not mention your country of origin, contrary to my former opinion presented here. I simply screwed up on this one.
Answer 3
Even in Italy they are "tolerated" as identification document. The fact is that it's just a driving license, demonstrating that you are entitled to drive a car or a truck.
They are not accepted abroad as id document. But there could be exceptions.
As italian I always have with me my ID card when I travel in Europe.
Answer 4
It is sometimes "tolerated" but in general, no, it is not a replacement for an ID card or a passport which are considered "equal in strength" as identification documents.
In Croatia, no. Carry your ID or passport.
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