Beer Buying With A Suspended Id: What You Need To Know

In the US, the legal drinking age is 21. To buy alcohol, you must present a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, military identification card, passport, or DMV-issued ID card. This requirement is strictly enforced, and selling alcohol to minors is a criminal offence.

However, the specific ID requirements may vary depending on the state and the retailer. For example, during the coronavirus pandemic, some states extended the expiration dates on driver's licenses due to closures of DMV offices. Additionally, some retailers may accept other forms of ID, such as a paper temporary ID or a foreign passport, as long as it includes a photo and proof of age. It is always a good idea to carry a backup ID, such as a passport, just in case. Ultimately, the decision to accept or reject an ID rests with the retailer, and they may refuse service for any reason.

Buying alcohol with an expired license during the coronavirus pandemic

During the coronavirus pandemic, buying alcohol with an expired license is not normally allowed. However, there have been some exceptions to this rule.

In Oregon, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) has said they are temporarily accepting expired licenses for alcohol and marijuana sales in the state. This exception will only remain in place while the governor's executive order is in place, and only applies to IDs issued by the state of Oregon.

In Kentucky and Indiana, governors extended expiration dates on licenses when offices closed, so if your license expired during this time, you should be fine. Total Wine & More has said they are accepting expired IDs, as long as they fall within the 90-day extension period.

Using a passport as a valid form of ID

A passport is a federally issued picture ID that displays your birth date. While most states allow passports to be used as ID when purchasing alcohol, this is not always the case. For example, in Maryland, state law does not require counties to accept passports, and different counties have different policies. Even in areas where passports are deemed acceptable, individual stores may not accept them. This is because passports are harder to get than driver's licenses, and so clerks are less familiar with what they look like, making it more difficult for them to spot fake IDs.

Some places will accept a full passport book but not a passport card. If you are travelling out-of-state and plan to drink, it may be a good idea to bring your passport as a backup ID, as some establishments won't accept out-of-state licenses. For example, some New Mexico restaurants refuse to accept out-of-state driver's licenses, and Boston's TD Garden arena only accepts out-of-state licenses from patrons older than 25.

If your passport is refused, you can ask to speak to the manager, but remember that in most states, stores are free to make their own policies that can be more strict than state law. Check your passport expiration date, as expired passports may not be accepted.

Temporary paper IDs as a valid form of ID

A temporary paper ID is a valid form of identification in some states, such as Idaho, Oregon, and Kansas. In these states, temporary paper IDs are accepted as proof of identity and age when purchasing alcohol or tobacco. However, other states, such as Texas, do not accept temporary paper IDs as a valid form of identification. In Texas, a temporary paper ID must be accompanied by the old plastic ID with a corner cut off to be considered valid.

It is important to note that the acceptance of temporary paper IDs as a valid form of identification can vary not only between states but also between different establishments within the same state. For example, in Texas, while some gas stations may require both the temporary paper ID and the old plastic ID, other establishments may accept only the temporary paper ID.

When it comes to air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has stated that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, they do accept other forms of identification, such as state-issued driver's licenses, passports, and certain tribal IDs. It is always recommended to check with the specific state's department of motor vehicles and the TSA for the most up-to-date information on acceptable forms of identification.

Age limit for buying alcohol

The age limit for buying alcohol varies across the world. The legal drinking age is the minimum age at which a person can legally consume alcoholic beverages. While the minimum age to consume alcohol is often the same as the minimum age to purchase it, this is not always the case.

In most countries, the minimum legal drinking age is 18. However, this can vary between 16 and 25 depending on the region and the type of alcohol. For example, in the United States, the minimum legal drinking age is 21, while in Canada, most provinces have a minimum age of 19, with a few setting it at 18. In Europe, the minimum age is typically 18, but there are some countries, like Austria, Belgium, and Germany, where the minimum age is lower.

In some countries, the minimum age to buy alcohol is different from the age at which one can consume it. For example, in the United Arab Emirates, the legal drinking age is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but 21 in Dubai and most Northern Emirates. In Thailand, the drinking age is 20, but private drinking is not regulated, so minors can drink in private locations.

Some countries have different age limits for different types of alcohol. For instance, in the United States, the minimum age to buy beer and wine is 18, while for spirits, it's 21. In the UK, the minimum age to buy fermented alcohol (like beer, wine, or cider) is 16, but for distilled alcohol (like spirits), it's 18.

It's important to note that laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors can change and may have exceptions, so it's always a good idea to check the specific regulations in your area.

Getting a license renewed

If your license has been suspended, it is possible to get it reinstated. The process will depend on the reason for the suspension and the state in which you live. Here are the general steps to renew a suspended license:

Take an Approved Class

If your license was suspended due to a DUI, reckless driving, or an accumulation of points, you will likely need to take an approved class to qualify for reinstatement. These include:

• DUI programs: These are typically run by nonprofit organizations that provide drug and alcohol education to offenders. The length of the course depends on the number of offenses and is usually several hours long. There is also a fee associated with taking the course.
• Defensive driving programs: Your state may require you to complete a defensive driving course or driver improvement class to relearn driving basics and safety measures. Depending on your state, you may be able to take some of these classes online.

Pay Fines and Fees

When you apply for your license to be reinstated, you will typically have to pay fees. The cost varies depending on the state and the reason for suspension. Across the United States, the cost can range from $5 in Wyoming to $1,200 in Massachusetts.

Get SR-22/FR-44 Insurance

Your state may require you to obtain an SR-22 form (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) before you can legally drive again. This form shows that you meet the state's auto liability requirements and must be carried in addition to your proof of insurance. Not all insurers offer this form, so you may need to purchase it from another provider. In Florida and Virginia, this form is known as FR-44.

Be Patient

The penalties for driving with a suspended license can be severe, including hefty fines and even jail time. So, try to be patient while waiting for your license to be reinstated, and do not drive until you receive official notification from the DMV.

Frequently asked questions