Paper Driving License abroad

Wolfie_bill

Hi, I'm over 65 and I still have the old style (valid) paper driving license. Last year we went to Crete and I booked a car through Ryanair and arranged to pick up the car at Green Motion (BIG MISTAKE). At the time of pick up the woman behind the desk was VERY reluctant to accept the paper license as valid; stating that we could hire the car at our risk, but if we were stopped / involved in an accident, the police could arrest me (and by the way would we like to buy some additional insurance!!).
We're hoping to go the Portugal and the USA this year and hire cars in those countries. Is there anyone who has had experience of hiring a car in those countries and has the old style paper driving license?

eDicky

The old style UK paper driving licence is as valid throughout Europe and in USA as it is in the UK, its retro style familiar to car rental firms and traffic police.

However this may not be the case in Europe after the end of this year and the EU withdrawal transition period.

I used mine in various countries until last year when I turned 70 and had to obtain the modern photocard variety.

Sharon87

I was at Avis in Spain and this older couple hired their car with their paper licence with no problems. I assume you'd have to show your passport as well.

deejaybee

DVLA are not issuing the paper licence any more - I had to send mine back for medical reasons to be replaced by a 3-Year license,and i just received the photocard back.

stevie11

I haven't had a problem with my paper passport in North America, last used in Dec with Avis in Vegas.

Only problem I ever had was in Dubai, budget just didn't understand the 2015 change of rules re the counterpart licence. They denied my booking at the counter but used Hertz without a problem at the next counter.

814man

I'd agree with above on validity however just make a practical point that once you get away from the main centers in the USA you may find many rental outlets that have simply never seen a paper style UK licence and so you may need to explain it. I had this problem a few years back in a slightly remote area of Texas around Brownsville. Got away with it twice but on one occasion the desk clerk simply would not accept it and I had to find another outlet to rent from.

spiro

stevie11 said:

I haven't had a problem with my paper passport in North America, last used in Dec with Avis in Vegas.

Only problem I ever had was in Dubai, budget just didn't understand the 2015 change of rules re the counterpart licence. They denied my booking at the counter but used Hertz without a problem at the next counter.

The poster is not talking about the paper counterpart but an old fashion paper licence we had before they introduced the new credit card ones.