Can I use my driver's license as proof of identity

At first glance, it seems that you can show a driver's license instead of a passport. It contains all important information: name, date and place of birth, photo, signature. The document is issued by a government agency, has a series, number and validity period, by which you can check its validity. It would seem what else is needed.

However, a driver's license lacks the status of an identity card. And while this is so, they cannot replace their passport.

Why a driver's license is not an ID

Bodies and departments are guided by regulations. They regulate what exactly you can show them.

Identity documents are:

• PassportDecree of the President of the Russian Federation of 13.03.1997 N 232 RF.
• A serviceman's identity card or military ID - relevant when a person passesFederal Law of 12.06.2002 N 67-FZ military service.
• Temporary certificateResolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 8, 1997 No. N 828 personality of a citizen of the Russian Federation. It is issued while the passport is being issued.
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• CertificateFederal Law of November 15, 1997 No. N 143-FZ "On acts of civil status" about birth - for citizens under 14 years old.
• referenceFederal Law of 12.06.2002 N 67-FZ, which is issued to those released from places of deprivation of liberty before receiving a passport.
• international passportas well as diplomatic and service passports. These documents prove the identity of citizens outsideDecree of the President of the Russian Federation of December 21, 1996 No. N 1752 "On the main identity documents of a citizen of the Russian Federation outside the Russian Federation" RF. But they also work inside the country, for example, during referenda or to buy a ticket.Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation of July 19, 2012 No. N 243 On the train.

When a driver's license can be an ID

Sometimes, in discussions about the status of a driver's license, reference is made to a decisionSupreme Court of the Russian Federation Decision of November 8, 2006 No. N GKPI06-1016 The Supreme Court. It says that this document "contains all the necessary details to verify the identity of a citizen." But we are talking about a particular situation.

If an inspector stops you on the road, it is enough to show him only a driver's license. There is enough information in them to understand that they belong to you. You don't need to show your passport either.

But if you drive with a temporary driver's license, this no longer works. The inspector will require a passport and will be right - this is also in the court's decision.

Is it possible to show a driver's license to buy alcohol and cigarettes

Although a driver's license is not an identity card, you can establish age with their help. Therefore, the cashier must sell you alcohol or cigarettes if you show your ID.

If you are denied, refer to the following acts:

• OrderOrder of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation of May 12, 2014 No. N 215n Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated May 12, 2014 No. 215n. He fixes the list of documents for proof of age. The driver's license is listed there at number 13.
• OrderOrder of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation of May 31, 2017 No. № 1728 Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation dated May 31, 2017 No. 1728. Everything is the same here, right number 13.