Drivers license--could be 'bad' for an ID ??

The new regulation was a shock to me because I've worn glasses for 64 of my 69 years, and consider them as much a part of me as my naturally curly hair. I've already had store salespeople question the dr. lic. as my ID because the new photo doesn't look like me. I hadn't thought about simply taking the glasses off, as I never do that when I'm awake. I'll try that. :)

If this is a big issue for you, the rest of Europe could be a real challenge. If someone questions it, just take off the classes for a few seconds. I have worn glasses all my life and I don't think they change my looks that much. However, I know that when I am use to seeing someone in glasses they do look a bit different without. You will be fine

And what about the possibility you put on 20 pounds, or stop dying your hair, or shave off your beard, or change your hair color to blonde???!!!! Your passport photo is fine and I chose to remove my glasses for my photo wasn't ask to.

I wouldn't fret. I have always used my passport as my overseas identification preference and never have I encountered a problem. If anyone ever questions your drivers license photo, just take your glasses off and you will look the same as in the photo. Your DL does state you wear corrective lenses, right?

Passport should work for everything related to ID (unless you're driving, in which case your should have an IDP and your home state license). It may be useful to also have your drivers license simply because some sites may require you to leave something like a license as a 'deposit" when renting an audioguide or other item they don't want stolen. Having your license (which is an official form of ID) would probably be helpful in the event you lost your passport and needed an emergency replacement while traveling. Probably a few other ways it could come in handy. Your drivers license doesn't weigh much. I bring mine.

Margaret, I'm not sure that would be much of a problem. If someone in Europe wants to verify your identity as shown on your Driver's License, simply remove your eyeglasses for a few seconds. I'm not sure why this would be an issue? As I recall, it's compulsory to remove eyeglasses for Passport photos here, and they only accept "neutral expressions" (ie: no smiling). Cheers!

Ths is not an issue at all. In fact, it makes sense given that states now take photos so that they are compatible with facial recognition software (they no longer allow you to smile now in DMV photos in the state of Virginia). If it makes you feel better, I wear glasses but NEVER have worn them in a DMV or passport photo or employer badge photo. I get new frames every year or two and who wants to be seen with those out-of-style frames from 10 years ago ... it is bad enough to have the out-of-style haircut :)

I work at a place where we take passport pics (in Canada) - no glasses allowed - if there is even any hint of a glare off the lenses, it 'won't scan properly' and will be rejected. If the pic taker is really good and can get the photo with no glare from the lens showing in the photo, you are good to go - and I only ever had that happen one time out of 100's taken.

"Facial recognition software", bah. Somebody has invented a bells-and-whistles computer program and has apparently sold the world on it. Once again, we 'regular' folks get to payone way or anotherfor the evils of the few who choose to cause problems. Yes, it's 'an issue' for me because I've been told to leave part of my facepart of myselfby the side of the road. My thanks to those of you who understood that. And choosing to remove your glasses isn't in this at all. That's a CHOICE, not a NEW RULE. Big difference. I'll stick my dr. lic. in whatever I carry, just in case.
Maybe if I need to scare away thieves, this new photo will do the trick.

Sorry Margaret, I misunderstood your concern; I didn't intend to be insensitive. I thought you were concerned that your Driver's License would not be acceptable as a second ID. I didn't realize the issue was with taking your glasses off for a photo. Right now the U.S. still allows a passport photo to be taken with regular glasses as long as there is no glare. Below are the guidelines. travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotoreq/pptphotoreq_5333.html

1. Your passport is always definitive ID. Your drivers license is accepted in most places, but it is not universally accepted. For example, in banks in Sweden, your drivers license is about as much proof of your identity as your library card.
2. You can wear glasses in your passport photo presuming they do not obstruct your eyes and presuming that you customarily wear glasses.

British passports now require removal of glasses as well.

Yon can still wear glasses on photographs for British passports, but there must be no glare and the frames must not obscure any part of the eye. Removing them is however recommended. http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@travel/documents/digitalasset/dg_174925.pdf