Passport and drivers license?

I use my drivers license to leave with museums who request an ID be kept to use an audio guide. I also drive to the airport so need it on me for that.

no; since you are not planning to drive to and from your airport in the USA

And, in fact, I bring an expired driver's license in my purse to leave for audio guide rentals -- carry my current one in my money belt.

It's not necessary to have it if you aren't going to drive but it can be useful. I carry mine around in my pocket to use as photo ID, sometimes for audio guide rentals, sometimes for senior discounts, sometimes for verification with tickets bought online. That way I can keep my passport in a money belt or in my room. If the license gets lost or stolen, it's not a big deal. I can continue my trip and get a replacement easily when I get home. Passport loss in the middle of a trip is a real hassle. . . and expensive.

My current CA Dr Lic is on me anyway along with the passport. I don't drive in Europe.

Bring it. You never know. You might have to rent a car at the last minute. With your driver's iicense you have the option. I just put it in my moneybelt.

I also get an International Drivers Permit to give me the option in countries that requuire it.

Mary, If you are not intending to drive there is no reason to bring your driving licence.
It does not count as official ID. The hotel needs to see a passport, in some countries (including Switzerland) you are supposed to carry your passport at all times and if the police ask for ID only your passport counts. The Swiss Pass requires your passport as ID.

Possible reasons to bring your licence:
You think you may drive. In which case make sure you have an International Driving Permit if required.
Some places that require you to leave ID as a deposit may accept it (it is up to them what they accept).

Personally, I would leave your licence at home.

So, for those forks driving to/from their departure airport, handing police a passport in lieu of a drivers license will result in a second, sterner request, for your driver license. I always take my drivers license.

You never know - you might lose the passport. Having two forms of gov-issued photo ID is always a good idea. My state will issue an extra non-drivers license valid as ID, at same time as the license. Thats what I take.

Last year I left my drivers license at the ticket booth when I rented a paddle boat in the gardens of Versaille. They require some sort of ID be left with them to guarantee your return. My drivers license worked just fine and much better than leaving my very valuable passport.

Just take your DL - it's not like you're adding any inconvenience or luggage or weight...it's a thin small piece of plastic.

I always bring my license, even though I don't rent a car solo. Besides, I never know when I might need it in an emergency, etc. I, too, use it for an id when renting audio, etc. Any time I need an id, I use it when I can. Also, I keep it as an id in my purse incase I lose my purse. Also, it's a lot easier to have accessible than my passport. My passport is for leaving/entering countries or sometimes for financial transactions only. If you don't have your passport on you, what do you use for identification...particularly in case of an emergency these days?

You may have to rent a car at some point due to unforeseen things such as strikes, weather, equipment malfunctions, and etc. Having an International Drivers Permit may very well be required in order to rent when overseas.

I don't even drive at home, and I always bring my driver's license. It came in handy on my last trip, when a museum had an audioguide and needed me to leave an ID for it. That's the only thing I use it for while traveling - but that's enough, since I don't want to leave my passport.

Leaving your Dr Lic (as "hostage" so to speak) to use an audio phone in a museum is comparable to what I've seen at a hostel. At Wombat in Vienna you had to turn in a picture ID in order to get your card key for your bedroom and locker. Admittedly, i was uneasy about this the first time, just another groundless concern. The area of the "Rezeption" is staffed by two persons around the clock. The Dr Lic. is returned to you at check-out when you turn in your bed sheets and the card key.