We’ve all done it from time to time. We lose track of time and fail to renew our state identification when our birthday rolls around. Some of us don’t realize the oversight until we try to purchase cigarettes or alcohol and are denied because of our expired identification.
If you’re the type of person to say oops, sorry, I’ll take care of that and leave the alcohol or cigarettes behind, you’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to. If you’re the type of person who throws a fit and yells about how unfair it is and that since you’re old enough the store should sell to you anyway, you’re in the wrong.
The way the law works, buying cigarettes and alcohol is a privilege, not a right. The only big requirement they have in place is that you have a legal identification on you. California lawmakers feel that if you can’t follow that simple instruction, you probably don’t need whatever it is you want to buy. It’s not fair to expect cashiers to bend the rules for you. The same is true if you try to purchase some restricted over-the-counter cold medications.
Not only are you not supposed to purchase things like cigarettes and alcohol while using an expired identification, but you also aren’t allowed to find someone who does have a valid identification to purchase the items for you.
If you plan on buying cigarettes or alcohol it’s in your best interest to take a quick glance at your identification and make sure it hasn’t expired. If you look and realize that you are overdue to renew it, get yourself to the DMV as quickly as possible and rectify the situation. Renewing your identification not only means you’re able to buy alcohol and cigarettes, but that you won’t have to worry about getting a ticket for driving on an expired license or not being allowed to fly.