BajaNomad

Will my odd driver's license be a problem?

WideAngleWandering - 4-4-2012 at 02:40 AM

My Washington state license expired a couple months ago. In anticipation of this, I renewed by mail. However, the renewed license they sent me doesn't have a picture - just the words "VALID WITHOUT PHOTO".

I figured I could just pass off the expired one and if anybody realizes it, I could show them the renewed one w/o the photo.

However, some other travelers are warning me that I may have problems.

What do you folks think? Will I get harassed in Mexico?

Getting a license that is both current & has a photo would be a real hassle at the moment. I'm far from home and getting a license where I am would take weeks.

lic

captkw - 4-4-2012 at 04:45 AM

HOLA< dont worry about it..keep your old one in your wallet and if you get pulled over,give them the old one and be done with it.....K&T..:cool:

woody with a view - 4-4-2012 at 05:52 AM

what would the cops in washington do when they pulled you over and found you were driving with an expired license?

i would expect the same, at a minimum, in baja.

RnR - 4-4-2012 at 06:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by WideAngleWandering
However, some other travelers are warning me that I may have problems.

What do you folks think? Will I get harassed in Mexico?

Getting a license that is both current & has a photo would be a real hassle at the moment. I'm far from home and getting a license where I am would take weeks.


#1. Don't worry about it! Not EVERY driver in Mexico gets pulled over by a corrupt cop.! I'd bet that the actual percentage is extremely low. You only hear from the people that have been pulled over, not the one's that haven't.

#2. I'd play it straight and give the cop the valid license. If he notices that you gave him an expired license, and then you give him a funny looking license, that's two strikes out of three. Not to mention the fact that giving him the expired one may be an infraction in it's own right.

#3. Expect the funny looking license to be a problem. Nevada did something similiar. The standard 4-yr laminated license has an expiration date on the front. For the second 4-yr interval, DMV sent you a sticker that goes on the back with a new expiration date. It looks way worse and unofficial than something that I could have made myself. Got pulled over by a California cop. He didn't believe the "sticker on the back" story until he called it in on his radio. For four years I was worried about that funky license while in Mexico. Never got stopped and finally got a new official looking license from Nevada at the next renewal cycle.

#4. Just go for it and hope for the best!!!

tiotomasbcs - 4-4-2012 at 06:57 AM

You should also be traveling with a Passport which would have a photo! Such things as proof of insurance would prove that you are you. I've had a cop/official point out my Mexican license was expired. Travel clubs like Vagabundos or Discover Baja are helpful in making sure you're 100% legal. Then, go for it! Have fun. Tio

DENNIS - 4-4-2012 at 10:52 AM

WOW....what a potential pain, not in Mexico, but anyplace that would require a picture ID. In many cases stateside, the DL is all one could produce. What was Washington thinking?

I think you'll need a passport to get an FMM for down here so you'll be fine. [ooooops...Tio just said that]

sancho - 4-4-2012 at 11:20 AM

Some of the Authorities one happens to encounter
in Mex, are sometimes not exactly Mensa's, but that is not exclusive to Mex. They can spot an expired license.
A license without a photo may confuse them, they
think you are trying to fool them. It just may not
something they are familiar with, it MAY raise
a few questions if stopped, I wouldn't consider
not going if that is your concern

mcfez - 4-4-2012 at 12:16 PM

Just present both your passport and DL at the same time.....you be fine. Most cops in Baja are not from Mayberry R.F.D

It certainly wont be a issue coming back home at the US entrance.