An expired passport cannot be used as proof of citizenship for Real ID
When you explore for Real ID at your state's DMV or driver's license office, you must show an unexpired passport or another current document that proves citizenship. An expired passport does not meet this requirement, even if it was valid when you last renewed your license. The passport must be valid on the day you submit your Real ID process.
This is one of the most common reasons applications get rejected at the counter. You arrive with documents you think are sufficient, hand them over, and learn that your passport expired last year. The DMV cannot accept it, and you have to leave, renew your passport first, and come back.
The good news: renewing an expired passport is faster and cheaper than getting a new one, and you can do it by mail in most cases. Once you have the renewed passport in hand, you can return to the DMV with it and complete your Real ID process the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Your passport must be unexpired on the day you explore for Real ID; an expired one will be rejected at the DMV counter.
- You can renew an expired passport by mail through the U.S. State Department if it was issued when you were 16 or older and is not damaged.
- Passport renewal by mail takes four to six weeks and costs less than explore for a new passport.
- Once your renewed passport arrives, you can take it to the DMV along with your other Real ID documents and complete the process in one visit.
- If you need Real ID before your passport renewal arrives, you may be able to get a state ID card instead while you wait.
Why the passport must be current
Real ID is a federal security standard that requires states to verify your identity and citizenship before issuing a compliant license or ID card. The Department of Homeland Security sets the rules for what documents count as proof of citizenship. An unexpired passport is on that list. An expired one is not.
The reason is straightforward: an expired document is no longer considered valid proof of anything. The government that issued it is no longer vouching for the information inside. Even though your citizenship did not change when your passport expired, the document itself is no longer an acceptable credential for a federal purpose.
This rule applies to all fifty states. There is no state that will accept an expired passport for Real ID, and there is no exception for passports that expired recently or were valid for many years.
How to renew an expired passport by mail
If your passport expired fewer than five years ago and you were at least 16 when it was issued, you can renew it by mail without going to a passport acceptance facility. This is called a passport renewal by mail, and it is the fastest and least expensive route.
Here is the process in order:
- read Form DS-11 or DS-82 from the U.S. State Department website (travel.state.gov). Use DS-82 if you are renewing by mail; use DS-11 only if you must explore in person.
- Fill out the form completely and sign it in black or blue ink.
- Gather your expired passport, a new passport photo (4x6 inches, taken within six months), and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
- Mail the form, photo, expired passport, and payment to the address listed on the State Department website for your region.
- Wait four to six weeks for your renewed passport to arrive by mail.
The renewal fee is currently $130 for an adult passport book, though fees can change. Check travel.state.gov before you mail anything to confirm the current amount and the correct mailing address for your state.
When you cannot renew by mail
If your passport expired more than five years ago, or if it was issued when you were under 16, or if it is damaged or lost, you cannot renew by mail. You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility, which is usually a post office, library, or county clerk's office.
In-person applications take longer to process — typically six to eight weeks — and cost more. You will also need to bring additional documents, such as a birth certificate and proof of citizenship. The State Department website lists all acceptance facilities in your area and their hours.
If you are in a hurry and your passport falls into this category, consider whether you can get a state ID card instead while you wait for the passport. Many states issue ID cards that meet Real ID requirements, and you may be able to use a different citizenship document to get one.
What documents you will need at the DMV
Once your renewed passport arrives, gather these documents before you go to the DMV:
- Your renewed, unexpired passport
- Your current driver's license or state ID card
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return)
- Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
- Your birth certificate or other proof of citizenship (though the passport covers this)
Requirements vary slightly by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go. Some states ask for additional documents or accept different forms of proof. Bringing everything on the list means you are unlikely to be turned away.
Bring the originals, not copies. The DMV staff will examine them and may make copies for your file, but they need to see the real documents to verify them.
How long the whole process takes
If you renew your passport by mail and then explore for Real ID, plan for this timeline:
| Step | Time needed |
|---|---|
| Mail passport renewal process | 1 day |
| Passport processing and mail delivery | 4 to 6 weeks |
| DMV appointment or walk-in visit for Real ID | 1 day (or wait for appointment if required) |
| Real ID card production and delivery | 1 to 2 weeks (varies by state) |
The longest wait is the passport renewal. Once that arrives, the Real ID process is usually quick — many people complete it in a single DMV visit and receive their card within two weeks.
If your state requires an appointment for Real ID, book it as soon as your passport arrives. Some states have long wait times, especially in urban areas, so do not wait until the last minute.
Getting a state ID card while you wait for your passport
If you need a Real ID-compliant card before your passport renewal arrives, ask your state DMV whether you can get a state ID card instead. Many states issue ID cards that meet Real ID requirements, and some accept different citizenship documents.
For example, some states will accept a birth certificate plus a Social Security card as proof of citizenship, even if you do not have a current passport. If that is true in your state, you could get a Real ID card now and not have to wait for the passport renewal.
Call your state's DMV or check its website to ask what citizenship documents are accepted for a state ID card. This option is not available everywhere, but it is worth asking about if you are on a important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my expired passport to fly domestically while I wait for Real ID?
No. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a valid passport, or another approved federal ID to fly domestically in the United States. An expired passport does not work for either purpose. You will need either a current passport or a Real ID card.
What if my passport is damaged or torn?
A damaged passport cannot be renewed by mail, even if it is not expired. You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility and pay the full fee for a new passport, not a renewal. Bring the damaged passport with you so the State Department can see the damage.
How much does it cost to renew an expired passport?
Passport renewal by mail costs $130 for an adult book passport as of 2024, plus the cost of a new passport photo. In-person applications cost more. Check travel.state.gov for current fees, as they can change.
Do I need an appointment at the DMV for Real ID, or can I just walk in?
This depends on your state. Some states allow walk-ins for Real ID; others require appointments. Check your state's DMV website to see the policy and book an appointment if needed. Many states have long wait times, so book early.
Can I use a birth certificate instead of a passport for Real ID?
It depends on your state. Some states accept a birth certificate plus other documents (like a Social Security card) as proof of citizenship for Real ID. Others require a passport or another federal document. Check your state's DMV website or call to ask what citizenship documents are accepted.