Any reason for my teens to take drivers' licenses?

Sherrie, at 16 & 21 I see no reason that they shouldn't carry their own ID and be able to positively identify themselves should an official request it. Get them money belts too, it'll be good for them to learn and to be responsible for themselves. Having photocopies independently is a good idea.

As for passport replacement, I can tell you from experience that the U.S. Embassy in Paris will be able to help you, though it may take several hours. I got there before opening and was out in about three.

Have a great trip!

edit: of course, they'll need their licenses on exit and entry from/to the U.S. And yes, I still think of our 20 year old as a teenager too ;-)

Since they will have passports, I don't see a need to bring the driving licenses for non-drivers. Just in case, see also Losing it all....

The above answers assume the teens will not be driving.

I think that the OP would know to bring the drivers licenses if the teens are going to be drivers of the rental car.

To replace a lost passport while overseas, you don't need your SS number or birth certificate. A copy of your passport and a passport picture plus some completed forms are all you really need. See http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/emergencies/lost-or-stolen-passports-abroad.html. Don't copy all the stuff that you mention -- a good copy of your passport proves everything you need. I've been through this before and it took about 3 hours. If you really want to be super prepared, copy the license as well. I keep my copy saved in e-mail and on my laptop's desktop so I can print copies if needed. And by the way, if you have nothing from the list, the consulate will still help you. It will just take longer.

Question: What would be scarier than driving in (some places) in Europe?
Answer: Having your teens drive you in Europe.

I like to rent audio guides at museums.. at both Orsay and Louvre to do so you have to leave some collateral.. they ask for passports. I would rather not leave my passport ( especially at Louvre where it looks like they just chuck them in a box) so I use my DL.

If I lose my DL it will cost me about 25 dollars to replace.. and it will in no way affect my holiday. If I lose my passport.. it will cost way more, waste my time, and cause me stress.

Since your youngest child is under 18 he needs to bring id to prove age to get free admission for most museums. Would you rather he lose his DL or his passport?

I leave passports in room safe.

Thanks y'all. Those are things I hadn't thought of that I was hoping for! And I can't think of anything scarier than having my 16 YO drive me in Europe either!

Just bring the passport for the kids. For entrances, we have never had to prove our teens were teens. But for the 21 year old, you might want to bring a student ID for reduced admittances.

Eff in most places student discounts are only given to EU citizens ( 18-26 yrs old)

A Driving Licence is not legally ID, only a passport is (or a national ID card from an EU/Schengen country). If you are asked for official ID, for example from a policeman, it has to be a passport. Private organisations (museums etc.) are free to accept or reject whatever they like as ID.

I see no need to bring Driver's Licences for people who are not going to drive, just another thing to forget. I wouldn't worry about losing your passport, the chances of that happening are very small.
The minimum legal age to drive a car in France, and most of Europe, is 18. No way a 16-year-old could legally drive a car.

Don't forget, if you are driving in France you need an International Driving Permit in addition to your licence. This is a certified translation of your licence.

NO European rental company will allow a 16 year old to drive and if a 21 year old drives get ready for a sky high excess that cannot be reduced. Leave the licenses at home.

The 16 YO driving was a joke....
Thanks for all the advice.

Put copies of passports and drivers licenses up onto the cloud so you can access if needed from anywhere.

I feel naked without my DL so I always carry it. Sometimes people insist on seeing TWO forms of ID for some reason.

My state will issue a "non-drivers license" as a form of ID, in addition to a drivers license. Less trouble if you lose it.

I like Pat's advice since I have used a driver's licence as security for audio guides too. They seem to want picture ID. Otherwise I carry a photocopy of my passport; the original stays with other valuables in the hotel safe. I don't have to prove my age anymore (which means I am too old to have to prove it, and too old to go to those clubs where the young travellers may need to show ID. ) A few times in Europe I have been asked for a passport when making a fairly large purchase by credit card. I just shrug and they give in.

Your profile indicates that you are from the US and going to France.

Please be aware that all drivers, in addition to their home drivers licences in France require the IDP - International Driver Permit - which in the US is issued by AAA.