Can a Driver's License Be Used to Check into a Hotel Room?
2 Answers
Generally, a motor vehicle driver's license cannot be used to check into a hotel. Below are specific details regarding this matter: Exceptions: However, some hotels have less strict requirements for identification documents. Since a driver's license contains a photo and an ID number, you can inquire in advance whether it is acceptable to use a driver's license for hotel check-in. Document Requirements: For Chinese citizens residing within the country, a resident ID card is required; for members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, a military ID is required; for members of the Chinese People's Armed Police, an armed police ID is required; for residents of Hong Kong and Macau, a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents is required; for Taiwanese residents, a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents is required; for foreign citizens, a passport is required. Each guest must provide a valid ID, ensuring one ID per person. For other specific document requirements, please refer to the hotel's regulations.
A driver's license is for driving, not for checking into a hotel room. As a long-time driver, I often encounter similar misunderstandings. The primary purpose of a driver's license is to prove your legal driving qualification—this little booklet issued by the government only matters on the road. Checking into a hotel requires identity verification at the front desk, and official documents like an ID card or passport are usually needed. A driver's license might occasionally serve as a secondary ID, but it’s often not accepted, especially at upscale hotels with strict policies. When traveling, I always carry my original ID card to avoid wasted trips. Additionally, a driver's license has limited functionality—it’s mainly useful for renting a car or buying insurance. Trying to use it for hotel check-ins might lead to rejection and ruin your trip. My advice: always carry the right documents to save yourself the hassle.
