Do we need both a driver's license and passport?

I've never been asked for my driver's license in Italy unless I was renting a car, and the passport is all you'll need at the airport, too.

But often if you go to a place where you rent an audio tour, they'll want you to leave something of value to assure that you'll bring their equipment back. I'd be a lot more comfortable leaving a driver's license than a passport!

No, if you're not renting a car. And if you were, you'd need an International Driving Permit as well.

But, as Patrick says, drivers licenses can be handy.

I also used my license when I went to an internet cafe in Rome. If I lost my license I would still be able to get home without great convenience - not so with the passport. I'd take it just to have it, not because you need it but because, like other repliers have said, it can be handy.

Agree with the others. I carry my driver's license even though I never rent a car. I figure the extra ID can't hurt (particularly when I'm going through the airports in the U.S.) and it lets me avoid using my passport as ID in certain cases.

Mary Jo,

I always take my Driver's license, even if I don't plan on renting a car. At least it provides the option to rent if required.

Also, as someone else mentioned if you're going to be renting Audioguides, some form of I.D. is usually left as "security". This is returned when you bring the Audioguide back. I'm a bit nervous about leaving my Passport, so a Driver's license is a good option.

Cheers!

I always pack it in a separate location from all my other money and cards, with a back up credit card, just in case.

I also always get the international driver's license. For just a few dollars, it gives you the freedom to change your trip if you wish. :)

I always used my driver's license for ID, mainly to secure an audio guide and to check backpack/luggage at the museums/train stations. I would much rather hand over the license than my passport, just in case it gets lost or forgotten, I am not left stranded and it is a whole lot cheaper and easier to replace.

It was also convenient to have the passport locked in a safe or tucked away in a money belt, and be able to pull out the license from a pocket as needed.

Your only "real" identification is your passport. You need your driver's license to drive to the US airport and back. Your plane tickets should be in your passport name. Once you get to the airport you won't "need" your drivers license.

Some people have used their driver's license as a "deposit" for towels, museum audio guides and things like that. Your license doesn't take up much room so it might be good to bring for that.

If you want the option of renting a car, bring your license and pick up an international driving permit at a AAA office before your trip.

We also use our driver's licenses for audio guides. Just not something i want to leave a passport for. We usually end up with a car rental for part of our stay though, especially out in Tuscany, so we need them for that as well. If you don't expect to rent audio guides, you can probably leave the DL at home.

Two years ago when we flew out of Wichita, they asked for ID along with our passports; security compared both of them before letting us through. I was glad I brought my drivers license with me.

Just a reminder. If you are renting a car in Italy, you need to have an International Driver's License. Can be easily obtained from your local AAA chapter.

I assume you are talking about "once you get to Italy", since you will likely need it to board the planes. I was asked for both driver's license and passport before boarding.
Once in Italy, I took my driver's license and passport with me everywhere, just in case.

Lived in Italy for a year... didn't show my driver's license once.