WideAngleWandering
Nomad
Posts: 416
Registered: 3-13-2012
Location: US-Based but traveling
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Will my odd driver's license be a problem?
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.
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captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
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Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
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lic
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..
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
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Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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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.
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RnR
Senior Nomad
Posts: 839
Registered: 5-1-2010
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| 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!!!
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tiotomasbcs
Super Nomad
Posts: 1837
Registered: 7-30-2007
Location: El Pescadero
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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
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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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]
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
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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
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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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.
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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