Checking into hotel question
 

Okay, so i'm not flying, but this seems to still be a good community to ask this question.

I'm a college student, with no state ID, or license. I've tried to deal with the DMV in acquiring one, but have been turned away multiple times for many ridiculous reasons.

I have a hotel booked for this friday, however the only ID I have is my college ID, which has my name and photo on it. Could I use that as ID to check into my hotel? I have the card used to book the hotel too, on top of a printed copy of my hotel registration, etc, etc.

I'm just worried about not being able to check in.

Thanks!

Call the hotel and ask. Without knowing what hotel it is, it's impossible for anyone here to answer this question.

With that said, my assumption would be that this should not be a problem. Plenty of people don't have drivers' licenses. A photo ID and the credit card (assuming it's in your name) ought to be plenty.

Yup, both are in my name. I'm assuming it should be okay, I'll probably give the hotel a call sometime today or tomorrow and clarify.

Just something that got me nervous. :P

One of two things will happen. Either:

A. The hotel will accept your ID.

or,

B. The hotel will not accept your ID.

Call them and find out.

Such as?

I'll bet for not bring the right documents.

My driver's license is only shown for it's intended purpose when I am operating a motor vehicle.

Last week was the first time in a while I was asked for a DL when checking in, but just because the front desk asks for something doesn't mean they'll automatically get it. More on that particular instance here.

Without knowing more details such as the hotel or where it is, I would have the OP call the property and speak to the GM to get an assurance there would be no issues checking in without a DL. I wouldn't mention anything about a college ID, in fact I would present myself as a business traveler.

"Hi, I'll be in town visiting a client this Friday. I've booked my room, but at the present time I don't have a DL. I just want to make sure that won't be an issue with your front desk staff when I check in. No problem, okay thanks. What was your name? Thanks again, Bill!"

:D^

Just be sure to get the GM's full name in case the front desk clerk decides to make an issue of it.

"I don't understand - I spoke to Bill Smith the GM here on the 18th, and he assured me there would not any problem."

Maybe they do have a policy of requiring a DL, but you've shown that you've spoken to their boss, so that leaves them off the hook personally for making an exception.

You dont have a Passport??

No need to go off the charts officiousness with the GM. Good way to wind up in that room next to the ice machine or your reservation conveniently "lost."

Just call and ask whether your college ID will be enough. If it's not, look elsewhere.

Nobody can help you further than the stack of posts above advising you to call the property. So, call the property.

I actually disagree with most of the other advice. If you call the property, they will likely say no. They do not want to be blamed if another staff member or the manager on duty when you check in, whoever that may be, decides that your ID isn't acceptable. They will always err on the side of caution. But if you just show up and nonchalantly hand them a credit card and college ID, and you look like a decent person, they will probably let it slide.

NB If you can't get a state ID due to lack of legal status in the US, then you can use your foreign passport. No hotel is going to check for visas.

That's a recipe for success right there.

You don't not have a passport?

(Both questions are of equal merit)

If you are of normal college student age, you also need to ask if the hotel has an age requirement. If they do and you meet that, you may need to prove it which your college ID may or may not do depending if it has a birthdate on it or not.

strongly recommend dealing with mgmt level only
(this can incl front desk/office mgr)

state ID would be good

but seem to recall discussion of people not showing IDs in various situations, and not being required to, and with hotels it possibly varying by local law whether it can be required or not, dont recall exactly

Just a bit confused by having to show ID to use a hotel room. I've never had to do it here in NZ, Australia or Europe or for a few visits to the US.

Hi,

Certainly in Las Vegas you have to show ID ( to show that you are over 21). In some other hotels other people have been asked for ID but my hotel status card usually covers it.

In Europe (and parts of Asia) it depends on the loca laws as mentioned above

Regards

TBS