Drivers license like ID card?

I really didnt know where to ask this, and since its like a drivers license i thought id try here.. but like we have in america, you can get an ID card that looks like a license, or permit, can you do that in the uK?

Not sure what you mean, but I'll take a stab at the question.

UK driving licences have two components: a paper part and an ID card.

See http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/index.htm for more information.

There will also be ID cards as some stage, planning on 2009, I think.

http://www.ips.gov.uk/identity/index.asp

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/passports-and-immigration/id-cards/

Is this what you mean?

Not sure what you mean, but I'll take a stab at the question.

In the US, you can go to the DMV and apply for an ID card - looks just like a driver's license but obviously you can't drive on it.  Lots of folks who live in cities and don't drive have state IDs instead of licenses - they're an official photo ID that you can use at bars, banks, etc. without having to carry around a passport.

Dahmer, I'm not sure that the UK currently has an equivalent to a state ID, but you could always apply for a provisional license (learner's permit) to use as ID - costs £50 and expires in two years, but is less of a hassle than replacing a lost passport!  

Check this page for more info:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_10012514

I second the recommendation to get a provisional license and you can also get special proof of age cards to use if you're most worried about providing ID for alcohol and things like that.

For an actual ID card issued by the government, you'll have to wait until the government enacts their ID card system (foreign nationals will be the first to receive cards- I think the plan was to start issuing them next year or the year after, not sure.)

In the US, you can go to the DMV and apply for an ID card - looks just like a driver's license but obviously you can't drive on it.  Lots of folks who live in cities and don't drive have state IDs instead of licenses - they're an official photo ID that you can use at bars, banks, etc. without having to carry around a passport.

Dahmer, I'm not sure that the UK currently has an equivalent to a state ID, but you could always apply for a provisional license (learner's permit) to use as ID - costs £50 and expires in two years, but is less of a hassle than replacing a lost passport!  

Check this page for more info:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_10012514

Ah, yes, Canada also has the same where one can have provincial / territorial ID, without a driving licence. Don't think the UK has anything equivalent, so the provisional licence would be the best bet, so thirded.

There are cards available from private organizations with the backing of the government "Proof of Age Standards Scheme."  They're a relatively new idea.

http://www.citizencard.com/

thanks everyone!! i was just thinking today when i get to england, i REALLY dont want to carry around my passport.. i dont want it getting lost or stolen with my visa :\\\'(

i was just thinking today when i get to england, i REALLY dont want to carry around my passport..

I think you'll find that you rarely (if ever) need an ID on a day-to-day basis. Unless you look REALLY young and are worried about buying alcohol. Except for work/uni/volunteering I can't even recall needing to show ID for anything in the last 5 years!

I think you'll find that you rarely (if ever) need an ID on a day-to-day basis. Unless you look REALLY young and are worried about buying alcohol. Except for work/uni/volunteering I can't even recall needing to show ID for anything in the last 5 years!

I agree with Anne, the only place I ever show ID is at the bank (and that's only if I'm doing something unusual, for routine transactions my PIN or signature is usually enough). 

But I do still want to carry ID around because of the alcohol issue- I unfortunately am one of those people who looks pretty young.  But even so, I still don't get asked for ID for alcohol about 90-95% of the time...but when I am asked, it's a PITA if I don't have ID available, sigh.

You will need to show your passport for Job Hunting as employers need to copy your visa and yor will also need to show it to the bank to open an account..but other than that you can keep it safe at home.

But I do still want to carry ID around because of the alcohol issue- I unfortunately am one of those people who looks pretty young. 

ENJOY it!!   

... you could always apply for a provisional license (learner's permit) to use as ID - costs £50 and expires in two years...

My Hubby's provisional says that it's valid for 20 years, not two.

My Hubby's provisional says that it's valid for 20 years, not two.

Perhaps it's just the driving privileges that expire in two years, then - or maybe I'm thinking of a theory test pass certificate.  I distinctly remember being told that SOMETHING crucial would expire in two years if I didn't pass my practical within that time!    If the card itself is valid for twenty years, then £50 is a pretty good investment - though I wonder if photocards for provisionals need to be updated as frequently as photocards for license holders?

...I wonder if photocards for provisionals need to be updated as frequently as photocards for license holders?

Yep - it's ten years for the photocard part. I'm not sure about what expires in the two years you're thinking of as we've yet to get any lessons booked for him let alone any type of test!

also- you don't have to have your UK licence on you when driving.  if you're stopped by the police, you have a certain amount of days to show it in person at a police station.