Can You Use Your Driving Licence to Fly in the UK?
You’ve booked a short‑haul flight, checked your bag, and now you’re wondering whether the little plastic card you flash at the motorway will get you through airport security. In the UK, the answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no” – it depends on where you’re travelling, which airline you’re flying with, and what kind of licence you hold.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from the legal requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to practical tips that will keep you moving smoothly through the terminal.
1. What the UK Aviation Rules Say About Identification
The CAA’s Passenger Identity Verification (PIV) Regulations require airlines to confirm the identity of every passenger before they board a commercial flight. The regulations specify a “list of acceptable documents” – not a single universal rule.
| Flight type | Acceptable ID (Domestic UK) | Acceptable ID (EU/EEA) | Acceptable ID (Non‑EU/International) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic (e.g., London‑Manchester) | • Photocard driving licence • Passport (any) • National ID (if from a recognised country) | — | — |
| EU/EEA (e.g., London‑Paris) | • Photocard driving licence plus proof of nationality (e.g., birth certificate) • Passport (any) • National ID (if from an EU/EEA state) | • Passport (any) • National ID (if issued by an EU/EEA state) | — |
| International (Non‑EU) (e.g., London‑New York) | — | — | • Passport (must be valid for the destination country) • Visa (if required) |
Key take‑aways
- Only the photocard version of the UK driving licence is accepted – the old paper licence is not a valid form of photo ID for aviation purposes.
- For domestic flights, a photocard driving licence is sufficient on its own.
- For EU/EEA flights, you need the licence plus a separate document that proves your British nationality (e.g., a birth certificate or a passport).
2. When Your Driving Licence Is Enough
Domestic Flights (UK‑to‑UK)
- Airlines – British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, Flybe, and most low‑cost carriers accept a photocard driving licence for domestic routes.
- Security checkpoints – The UK’s own security regime (the Department for Transport’s Security Service) treats the licence like any other government‑issued photo ID.
- Check‑in – You can use the licence at self‑service kiosks, at the airline desk, or when you present a boarding pass on your smartphone.
EU/EEA Flights (Post‑Brexit)
- What you need – Your photocard licence plus another document that proves you are a British citizen. Most travellers simply bring their passport as this satisfies both requirements.
- Airlines – Most carriers will still accept the licence + proof of nationality, but be prepared for the occasional “we prefer a passport” request, especially on budget airlines that automate verification.
3. When You Can’t Rely on a Driving Licence
| Situation | Why the licence isn’t enough | What you must bring |
|---|---|---|
| International flight outside the EU/EEA (e.g., London‑Tokyo) | Immigration authorities at both ends require a passport that meets the destination’s entry requirements. | A valid passport (usually with at least six months’ validity) and any required visas. |
| Flying from the UK to a non‑EU country that also accepts national ID cards (e.g., UK‑to‑Switzerland) | Some countries accept a national ID but not a UK driving licence as proof of identity. | Passport or the relevant national ID. |
| Your licence is a paper version | No photo, no secure chip – not an acceptable document under PIV. | Photocard driving licence, passport, or other acceptable ID. |
| Your licence is expired or damaged | The CAA requires a valid and legible document. | Renew your licence before travelling, or use a passport. |
4. Checklist – How to Travel with a Driving Licence
- Confirm the flight type – Is it domestic, EU/EEA, or international?
- Verify your licence version – It must be the photocard (the plastic card with a photo).
- Check the expiry date – The licence must be valid for the date of travel.
- Gather additional proof of nationality (if needed) – A passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate.
- Print or download your boarding pass – Some airlines require you to scan your ID at the gate.
- Arrive early – Give yourself an extra 15–20 minutes for ID verification, especially on busy routes.
- Keep the licence handy – Store it in a secure but accessible place (e.g., a front‑pocket travel wallet).
5. Pros and Cons of Using a Driving Licence for Flights
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Convenient – You already carry it daily, no need to dig out a passport for short trips. | Limited scope – Only works for domestic flights; you’ll still need a passport for most overseas journeys. |
| Speedier check‑in – Self‑service kiosks often accept the licence instantly. | Potential for confusion – Some staff may mistakenly ask for a passport, leading to delays. |
| No extra paperwork – No need to apply for a new travel document if you already have a valid licence. | Risk of loss – If you misplace your licence, you’ll need a backup ID or to obtain a replacement quickly. |
| Cost‑effective – No renewal fees for a travel document if your licence is already up‑to‑date. | Security concerns – A stolen licence can be used for identity fraud; keep it protected. |
6. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Showing a paper licence | Double‑check you have the plastic photocard before you head to the airport. |
| Using an expired licence | Set a calendar reminder to renew your licence at least three months before your travel date. |
| Assuming a UK licence works for every EU flight | Verify the airline’s policy and the destination country’s entry requirements; carry a passport as a fallback. |
| Leaving the licence in checked luggage | Keep it in your carry‑on bag or personal item where you can present it quickly. |
| Not having a backup ID | Carry a secondary form of ID (e.g., a student ID, passport, or a second driver’s licence) in case the primary one is damaged. |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use my paper UK driving licence for any flight?
No. Only the photocard licence (the plastic card with a photo) is recognised under the CAA’s identity verification rules.
Q2: After Brexit, do EU carriers still accept a UK driving licence?
Only for EU/EEA flights when it’s accompanied by another document that proves British nationality (e.g., a passport or birth certificate). Many travellers simply use a passport to avoid any ambiguity.
Q3: What if my licence is damaged (e.g., the photo is smudged)?
If the photo or any details are illegible, the airline may refuse it. Renew the licence or bring an alternative ID.
Q4: Can I travel from the UK to the US with just a driving licence?
No. International flights outside the EU/EEA require a valid passport (and possibly a visa) for both security screening and immigration checks.
Q5: Do low‑cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet accept a driving licence for domestic flights?
Yes, both carriers accept a photocard UK driving licence for domestic routes, provided the licence is valid and the photo is clear.
Q6: I’m a UK citizen living abroad; can I use my foreign‑issued driving licence to fly domestically in the UK?
Only a UK‑issued photocard licence is accepted. A foreign licence, even if it contains a photo, does not meet the CAA’s criteria.
Q7: What if I lose my licence at the airport?
Report the loss to airline staff immediately. If you have a passport or another form of ID, you can often still board after additional verification; otherwise, you may need to purchase a new ticket.
8. Bottom Line – Should You Pack Your Driving Licence?
If your journey is purely domestic, a valid UK photocard driving licence is a perfectly acceptable, hassle‑free way to prove your identity. For EU/EEA trips, it can work, but you’ll need an extra piece of proof of nationality – in practice, most travellers simply bring a passport.
For any international flight outside the EU/EEA, a passport is non‑negotiable.
Quick decision guide
| Flight type | Is a driving licence enough? |
|---|---|
| Domestic (UK‑to‑UK) | ✅ Yes (photocard only) |
| EU/EEA (post‑Brexit) | ⚠️ Yes with proof of nationality |
| International (non‑EU) | ❌ No – passport required |
Final tip
Even when a driving licence is accepted, keep a passport in your bag as a safety net. A passport satisfies every requirement, and you’ll never be caught off‑guard by a sudden policy change or a misinformed check‑in agent.
Now that you know the rules, you can pack confidently, breeze through security, and focus on what really matters: enjoying your flight. Safe travels!