Can I Use My Driving Licence for Check‑In on Ryanair?
An in‑depth, step‑by‑step guide for every traveller who wonders whether that plastic card in the glove compartment can double as an airline ID.
1. The Short Answer (and Why It Matters)
No – Ryanair does not accept a driving licence as a valid ID for either online check‑in or airport check‑in.
The airline follows the European Union’s Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and the ID‑Documents for Air Travel (ID‑Doc) standards that require a passport or a nationally‑issued ID card for passengers travelling within the EU/EEA. A driving licence simply does not meet those criteria.
Why should you care? Because showing the wrong document can:
| Situation | Consequence | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Attempting to board with a driving licence only | Denied boarding, forced to re‑book | €50‑€150 (re‑booking fee) + possible fare difference |
| Missing the check‑in deadline because you’re sorting ID | Missed flight | Full fare (unless covered by travel insurance) |
| Being sent back to security for additional verification | Long delay, missed connections | Time loss, stress, possible accommodation costs |
Understanding Ryanair’s ID policy before you get to the airport can save you money, time, and a lot of frustration.
2. What Ryanair Actually Accepts
Ryanair’s website (as of 2025) lists the following as acceptable travel documents for all passengers aged 12 and over:
| Document Type | When It’s Accepted | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (any nationality) | All routes, including non‑EU destinations | Must be valid for the entire travel period (some countries require 6‑month validity) |
| National ID Card (EU/EEA citizens) | All EU/EEA routes | Must be a photo ID issued by the government, not an expired or provisional version |
| Residence Permit (EU/EEA) | When travelling on the basis of residence, not citizenship | Must be valid and contain a photo |
| Other government‑issued travel documents (e.g., refugee travel document) | Specific cases, usually confirmed with Ryanair support | Must meet the same photo/validity standards |
What is not accepted?
- Driving licences (even if they contain a photo)
- Credit‑card‑type “membership” cards (e.g., airline frequent‑flyer cards)
- Student ID cards, library cards, or any document lacking a government‑issued photo and signature
3. The Reason Behind the Policy
3.1 International Standards
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets the baseline for “travel documents” used in air transport. ICAO recognises passports and national ID cards (when they meet the eIDAS electronic identity standards) as the only documents that can be reliably read by border‑control equipment.
3.2 Security & Fraud Prevention
A driving licence is primarily a driver authentication tool, not a border‑crossing credential. Its security features (holograms, UV inks, etc.) are not calibrated for the high‑throughput automated passport scanners used in airports. Accepting it would:
- Increase the risk of forged IDs – many counterfeit licences circulate on the black market.
- Slow down boarding – agents would have to manually verify each licence, leading to longer queues.
- Complicate data sharing – airlines are required to transmit passenger name record (PNR) details to governments; passports and official ID cards contain the machine‑readable zone (MRZ) necessary for that exchange.
3.3 Legal Liability
If a passenger travels with an insufficient ID and is denied boarding, Ryanair could be held liable for compensation under EU law. By clearly defining acceptable documents, the airline limits its exposure.
4. What to Do If You Only Have a Driving Licence
4.1 Get an Emergency Travel Document
If you’re a citizen of an EU country and have lost your passport, you can visit your nearest consulate or embassy to request an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This document is valid for a single journey and is accepted by Ryanair.
4.2 Use a National ID Card (If You Have One)
Many EU citizens possess a national identity card (e.g., the German Personalausweis or the Spanish DNI). This card is a perfect substitute for a passport on intra‑EU flights.
4.3 Purchase a New Passport Before Travel
If time permits, apply for a fast‑track passport. Many European governments offer a 24‑hour or 48‑hour service for an additional fee.
4.4 Contact Ryanair Customer Service
If you think your situation is unique (e.g., you hold a Special Driving Licence with biometric data that some countries recognize as a travel ID), call Ryanair at +44 871 777 1000 or use the live‑chat widget. However, be prepared: the standard policy rarely bends.
5. Step‑by‑Step Checklist: From Booking to Boarding
Below is a practical, printable checklist you can keep on your phone or print out.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Book | Confirm the route and note the required document on the booking confirmation page. | Avoid surprises after you’ve paid. |
| 2. Verify ID | Check that you have a valid passport or EU ID card that matches the name in the reservation. | Name mismatches cause denied boarding. |
| 3. Prepare Copies | Print a PDF of the passport’s data page or take a clear photo on your phone. | Helpful if the original is temporarily misplaced. |
| 4. Online Check‑In (24‑48 h before departure) | Log in to Ryanair, enter your ID details exactly as they appear in your document. | Incorrect data triggers a “Verification Required” notice. |
| 5. Upload ID (if prompted) | Some routes require you to upload a scanned copy of your passport/ID. | Skipping this can lead to a boarding block. |
| 6. Print/Save Boarding Pass | Print the boarding pass or have the mobile QR code ready. | Ryanair does not accept paperless boarding passes at every gate. |
| 7. Arrive Early | For EU flights, be at the airport 2 hours before departure; for non‑EU, 3 hours. | Gives you buffer for ID checks. |
| 8. Security & Gate Check | Show passport/ID + boarding pass. | This is the final verification point. |
| 9. Board | Proceed to the gate. | If everything matches, you’re good to go! |
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I use a UK driving licence after Brexit?
A: No. Even though the UK left the EU, Ryanair still follows EU regulations for ID verification. Only a UK passport or a UK photographic ID card (which does not exist) would be accepted.
Q2. What if I’m a resident of an EU country but not a citizen?
A: You can use a valid residence permit that contains a photo and is issued by the host country. It must be in the same format as a national ID (i.e., with an MRZ).
Q3. Do children under 12 need any ID?
A: Yes. Children traveling on the same reservation must present a passport or ID card if the flight is within the EU. For non‑EU flights, a passport is mandatory for all ages.
Q4. I’m travelling with a companion who only has a driving licence—can I still board?
A: No. Both passengers must meet Ryanair’s ID requirements. The companion will be denied boarding unless they obtain a valid passport or ID card.
Q5. Can I buy a “Ryanair ID card” at the airport?
A: Ryanair does not issue any ID document. Any “Ryanair card” you see is a frequent‑flyer or membership card, which is not acceptable for security checks.
Q6. My passport expires in three months—can I still fly?
A: For EU/EEA internal flights, the passport only needs to be valid for the duration of the trip. For flights to non‑EU destinations, check the destination country’s entry requirements; many demand six months’ validity.
Q7. I have a digital driver’s licence on my phone—does that count?
A: No. Digital driver licences are currently not recognized by airline or border‑control systems for air travel.
Q8. What happens if I’m stopped at the gate and don’t have the right ID?
A: You will be refused boarding, and Ryanair will treat it as a “no‑show.” You may be re‑booked on a later flight for a fee, and you could lose the value of your original ticket.
7. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Assuming a “photo” on a licence is enough | The presence of a portrait leads people to think any photo ID works. | Remember: Only passports or national ID cards are valid. |
| Mix‑up of names (e.g., nickname vs. legal name) | Booking under a nickname while the ID shows a full legal name. | Use the exact name as it appears on your passport/ID card when booking. |
| Leaving the passport at home, thinking you’ll use a licence | “I’ll grab it later” mindset. | Pack your travel documents the night before; double‑check the packing list. |
| Relying on airline staff at the gate to “accept” the licence | Hope that a friendly agent will bend the rules. | Staff must enforce policy; you’ll only waste time. |
| Not checking expiration dates | Overlooking a soon‑to‑expire passport. | Verify the passport’s validity at least six months before any non‑EU trip. |
8. Bottom Line: Plan, Verify, Fly
- Plan ahead – Know which document you’ll need, and have it ready when you book.
- Verify – Double‑check the name and expiration date; upload a scanned copy if Ryanair asks.
- Fly with confidence – Arrive early, present the correct ID, and enjoy a smooth boarding experience.
Ryanair’s policy is clear: a driving licence alone will not get you past the gate. By following the steps above, you’ll avoid costly re‑bookings and the stress of being turned away at the last minute.
Quick Reference Card (Copy‑Paste)
Ryanair ID Checklist
--------------------
✓ Passport (any) OR EU national ID card
✓ Name matches booking exactly
✓ Document valid for whole trip (6‑month rule for non‑EU)
✓ Upload scanned ID if requested during online check‑in
✓ Print or save mobile boarding pass
✓ Arrive 2‑3 hrs before departure
Keep this on your phone or print it out, and you’ll never have to wonder “Can I use my driving licence?” again. Safe travels!