Can You Fly Ryanair Using Your Driving Licence? A Complete Guide for the Savvy Traveller
Introduction
You’ve just found a flash sale on Ryanair and your heart skips a beat. You punch in the dates, pick a seat, and reach the final step of the booking: “What ID will you present at the gate?” If you own a driving licence, you might wonder whether that piece of plastic will be enough to board a Ryanair flight. The short answer is yes – in most cases, a valid EU/UK driving licence is accepted as a primary form of identification.
But the devil is in the details. Ryanair’s policies, national regulations, and the ever‑changing landscape of post‑Brexit travel mean that you need a clear roadmap before you stroll to the gate. This post walks you through everything you need to know: from the legal framework to practical tips, from the “when it works” checklist to a handy FAQ. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be able to book, pack, and board with confidence—driving licence in hand.
1. Why Ryanair’s ID Rules Matter
Ryanair, like all airlines operating within the European Union, is bound by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (passenger rights) and the EU Passenger Name Record (PNR) Verification rules. These regulations require carriers to verify the identity of every passenger before boarding. Failure to do so can lead to:
| Consequence | Impact on You |
|---|---|
| Denial of boarding | Missed flight, possible re‑booking fees |
| Fines for the airline | May result in stricter ID checks for all passengers |
| Security delays | Longer queues, missed connections |
| Potential legal complications | Especially if you’re travelling to non‑EU destinations |
Understanding Ryanair’s accepted IDs helps you avoid these pitfalls and keeps your travel experience smooth.
2. The Official List of Accepted IDs (Ryanair 2025)
Ryanair publishes a concise list of acceptable identification documents. Below is an updated table that reflects the airline’s policy as of September 2025:
| Document Type | Valid For | Geographical Scope | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/UK Driving Licence | Domestic & International flights (EU, UK, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland) | EU member states, UK, EEA | Must be a full (not provisional) licence, with a clear photograph, and not expired |
| National Identity Card | All Ryanair flights | EU & EEA | Must be current; does not apply to UK post‑Brexit unless accepted under UK‑EU reciprocal agreements |
| Passport (EU/UK) | All Ryanair flights worldwide | Global | Must be a valid passport (no expired pages) |
| EU/UK Residence Permit | All Ryanair flights | EU & UK | Must contain a photo and be valid |
| Airline‑issued Travel Document | Only if issued by Ryanair | N/A | Rare – only for special cases (e.g., humanitarian travel) |
| Other government‑issued photo ID | Limited cases | Varies | Usually not accepted for international flights; check with Ryanair support |
Bottom line: If you hold a standard, non‑provisional EU or UK driving licence, you can use it for all Ryanair flights that depart from or arrive in the EU/UK. For routes outside that area (e.g., to the US, the Middle East, or North Africa), a passport becomes mandatory.
3. When a Driving Licence Is NOT Enough
Even though a driving licence is widely accepted, there are specific scenarios where you’ll need an alternative document:
- Non‑EU Destinations – Ryanair’s flights to the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and many African countries require a passport.
- Provisional or Learner Licences – These lack a permanent photograph and are not considered valid ID for air travel.
- Expired Licences – An expired licence is as good as no ID at all.
- Name Mismatch – If the name on your booking differs from the name on your licence (e.g., due to marriage), Ryanair may reject it.
- Traveling with Minors – Children under 12 do not need ID when traveling with an adult, but the adult’s ID must still be valid.
Quick Checklist – Is Your Licence Good to Go?
| ✔️ | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Full (non‑provisional) licence |
| 2 | Valid (not expired) |
| 3 | Photo is clear, not altered |
| 4 | Name matches the booking exactly |
| 5 | Flight is within the EU/UK/EEA |
| 6 | No additional documents required by the destination country |
If you tick all the boxes, you’re ready to fly.
4. How to Prepare Your Driving Licence for the Airport
Even the most straightforward document can become a snag if you don’t handle it properly. Follow this step‑by‑step pre‑flight routine:
- Verify Expiry Date – Open your licence and confirm the validity extends at least until the day after your return flight.
- Check Photo Quality – Ensure the picture isn’t obscured by glare, stickers, or a worn‑out surface.
- Match Names – Compare the spelling (including hyphens and middle names) with your Ryanair reservation. If there’s any discrepancy, log into the Ryanair website and amend the passenger name before check‑in.
- Print or Save the Boarding Pass – Ryanair’s mobile boarding pass is accepted, but make sure the QR code is clear. If you prefer a paper copy, print it on a plain sheet of A4.
- Pack the Licence Separately – Keep it in an easy‑to‑reach pocket of your carry‑on, not buried at the bottom of a bag.
- Bring a Backup ID (Optional) – Though not required, carrying a second form of ID (e.g., a passport) can be a lifesaver if the airline staff request additional verification.
5. What to Do If You’re Turned Away at the Gate
Even with all precautions, you might encounter an unexpected question from a gate agent. Here’s a response plan:
| Situation | Immediate Action |
|---|---|
| Agent says “We need a passport” | Politely ask whether the flight is considered international under Ryanair policy. If the destination is indeed outside the EU/EEA, you’ll need a passport. |
| Name mismatch | Show the licence and boarding pass side‑by‑side. If the agent insists, request to speak with a supervisor or contact Ryanair’s customer service via phone or chat. |
| Licence appears damaged | Offer a secondary ID (if you have one). If none are available, you may need to purchase a replacement licence, which can be costly and time‑consuming. |
| Security staff “flag” the licence | Remain calm, comply with any additional screening (e.g., secondary document verification). Ask for a written explanation if you’re denied boarding. |
Pro tip: Ryanair’s customer‑service line is 24/7 (phone: +353 1 509 9200). Having the reference number of your booking handy speeds up any escalation.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are the most common queries travelers have about using a driving licence on Ryanair flights.
Q1. Can I use a foreign (non‑EU/UK) driving licence?
No. Ryanair only accepts EU or UK licences as primary ID. For any other nationality, a passport or national ID card must be presented.
Q2. I have a UK driving licence but my flight departs from Spain to Morocco. Will my licence work?
No. Morocco is outside the EU/EEA, so Ryanair requires a passport for this route.
Q3. My licence is about to expire in two weeks after my return flight. Is that okay?
Yes. The licence must be valid on the day of travel; it can expire after you have landed. However, some border controls may check the expiry date, so it’s safest to renew beforehand.
Q4. I booked a Ryanair flight for my partner using my licence as ID. Can I travel as a couple with just my licence?
No. Each passenger must present an ID that matches the name on their individual booking. Your partner will need their own licence or passport.
Q5. Does Ryanair require a photo ID for children under 12?
No. Children travelling free or at a reduced fare do not need to present ID, but the accompanying adult’s licence must be valid.
Q6. I’m travelling with a “digital driver’s licence” on my phone. Is that acceptable?
No. Ryanair currently only accepts physical documents with a printed photograph. Digital licences are not recognized for security checks.
Q7. What if I lose my licence at the airport?
Contact Ryanair’s desk immediately. They may allow you to board with another form of ID (passport, national ID) if you can present it on the spot. If no alternative is available, you may need to purchase a new ticket.
Q8. Are there any additional fees for using a driving licence instead of a passport?
No. Ryanair does not charge extra based on the type of ID you present. Fees only apply to optional services (seat selection, baggage, etc.).
7. Pros & Cons of Flying Ryanair With a Driving Licence
Pros
| ✅ | Advantage |
|---|---|
| 1 | Convenient – Most travellers already carry their licence. |
| 2 | No extra paperwork – Avoid the hassle of passport renewal. |
| 3 | Cost‑effective – No need to pay for a fast‑track passport service. |
| 4 | Quick verification – Gate agents are accustomed to scanning licences for EU flights. |
Cons
| ⚠️ | Drawback |
|---|---|
| 1 | Limited to EU/EEA routes – Not usable for intercontinental flights. |
| 2 | Provisional licences not accepted – Learner drivers must carry a passport. |
| 3 | Potential name mismatch – If you recently changed your name, the licence may be outdated. |
| 4 | Risk of damage – Physical licence can wear out, making the photo illegible. |
8. Bottom‑Line Recommendations
- Check the route – If your destination is outside the EU/EEA, book a passport.
- Validate your licence – Full, non‑provisional, unexpired, and with a clear photo.
- Synchronise names – Ensure the spelling on your Ryanair reservation mirrors the licence exactly.
- Carry a backup – A passport or national ID in the same bag never hurts.
- Arrive early – Give yourself an extra 15‑20 minutes at the gate for ID verification, especially during peak travel periods.
Following these steps will let you enjoy Ryanair’s ultra‑low fares without the anxiety of a “wrong ID” hiccup. Your driving licence can indeed be your ticket to the skies—provided you respect the boundaries of the airline’s policy and the legal framework that governs it.
Ready to Book?
Now that you’ve mastered the ID requirements, head back to Ryanair, punch in those dates, and fly confident, licence in hand. Bon voyage!