Can I use my under 21 ID when I turn 21 in Vegas?
The Short Answer
Yes, you can absolutely use your vertical, under 21 license or ID card to drink and gamble in Las Vegas on your 21st birthday! As long as the ID shows your date of birth indicating you are now 21, it will be accepted everywhere.
It‘s All About The Birthdate
Nevada state law requires you to be 21 years old to drink alcohol and gamble. On your 21st, as long as your current ID clearly shows you meet that requirement, the format or orientation doesn‘t matter.
Bartenders and bouncers simply care that your ID proves you are legally allowed to be there. They are very used to looking past the vertical format or prominent under 21 markings and just checking the date.
Celebrating Milestone Birthdays in Vegas is Common
Interestingly, over 200,000 people visit Vegas every year celebrating their 21st birthday. So club, casino and bar employees totally expect to see vertical IDs from enthusiastic soon-to-be 21 year olds!
In fact, Vegas is one of the top destinations for milestone birthdays like 21st and even bachelor and bachelorette parties. The thrilling nightlife and opportunities to indulge draw visitors from around the world.
Most Common Places Revelers Visit on Their 21st Birthday in Vegas
| Attraction | Percentage Visiting |
|---|---|
| Nightclubs/Pool Parties | 78% |
| Casinos | 68% |
| Shows | 62% |
| Bars/Lounges | 55% |
Vegas Security Takes Underage Drinking Seriously
With raging nightlife and ample alcohol, you better believe Vegas takes underage drinking and gambling extremely seriously. Most major resorts and casinos utilize advanced ID scanning technology to instantly verify authenticity and age.
Plus, they hire dedicated security teams to patrol venues checking IDs. Getting caught with a fake ID in Vegas leads to hefty fines, jail time, and permanent bans from hotels.
So while the under 21 marks might be frustrating, your valid license proves you are allowed to enjoy some adult fun responsibly on your big day!
Other Tips for Navigating Vegas For The First Time
Here are some other pointers to ensure you maximize the Vegas 21st birthday experience responsibly:
- Stay Hydrated! – The arid desert climate and alcohol dehydrate you faster.
- Book Tables & Show Tickets In Advance – Don‘t rely on free entry, the hottest places book up!
- Pace Drinks Over Time – You rarely get comped endless alcohol for an entire night out.
- Have Back-Up Plans – Lines are long and club capacity fills up, especially on weekends.
- Stick Together – It‘s easy to lose friends in huge crowds. Pick a meeting spot if you separate.
The Legendary Las Vegas Strip Turns Everyone Into High Rollers
There‘s just something electric about the Vegas Strip that brings out wild sides of us usually kept hidden in our normal lives. And milestone birthdays like 21 take that inner-rebel up 10 notches!
From lazy days indulging in casino games, to adrenaline-pumping nights dancing in legendary clubs, Las Vegas provides the perfect backdrop for a 21st birthday bash.
The unique blend of exquisite luxury and casual spontaneity gives visitors permission to let loose. And the joyful mood that permeates everything allows revelers to make unforgettable memories together.
So come ready to celebrate this momentous rite of passage until the early morning hours! Just don‘t forget to give your under 21 ID one last glance and cheers before tucking it away forever.
Then let Sin City work its magic transforming you from youth to legal-aged adult in the most fabulous way possible!
