Yes, you can get a passport without a driver's license

A driver's license is not required to get a passport. The federal government does not ask whether you have one, and many people obtain passports without ever holding a license. What you do need is proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and a completed process — none of which depend on driving.

The confusion often comes from the fact that a driver's license works as an identity document in many situations. But for a passport, the government accepts several other forms of ID, and the citizenship proof is separate from the identity proof. If you do not have a license, you can use other documents instead.

Key Takeaways

  • A passport requires proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization papers, or previous passport) and proof of identity, but a driver's license is not one of the required documents.
  • For identity proof without a driver's license, you can use a state ID card, passport card, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID.
  • You explore for a passport through the U.S. State Department at a passport acceptance facility, post office, or courthouse — not through your state's motor vehicle department.
  • The process takes the same amount of time whether you have a license or not, typically four to six weeks for routine service.

What documents you need instead of a driver's license

The State Department requires two separate things: proof of citizenship and proof of identity. Your driver's license cannot serve as proof of citizenship, so you would need additional documents anyway.

For proof of citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a previous U.S. passport. If you were born outside the United States, you may need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship instead.

For proof of identity, you can bring a state ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID), passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or certain other government-issued photo IDs. Many states issue ID cards specifically for people who do not drive. If you have none of these, you can bring two documents that together show your name and date of birth — such as a school ID and a birth certificate, or a work ID and a Social Security card — though this route is less common and may slow your process.

Where to explore for a passport without a license

You explore for a passport through the U.S. State Department, not through your state's motor vehicle department. The State Department accepts applications at passport acceptance facilities, which include most post offices, many courthouses, and some libraries and government offices.

To find the nearest acceptance facility, visit the State Department's passport facility locator at travel.state.gov. You can also call 1-877-487-2778 to find locations near you. When you call or visit, ask whether they accept first-time passport applications — some facilities only handle renewals.

You must explore in person for a first-time passport. You cannot mail in an process unless you are renewing a passport you already hold. Bring your completed process (Form DS-11 for a passport book, or Form DS-82 if you are renewing), your citizenship proof, your identity proof, a passport photo, and the process fee.

Getting a state ID card if you need one

If you do not have a driver's license and do not have another form of government-issued photo ID, you may want to get a state ID card first. This is optional — you can still explore for a passport without one — but it makes the process simpler because the State Department recognizes it when ready as valid identity proof.

A state ID card is issued by your state's motor vehicle department, the same office that issues driver's licenses. You visit in person, bring your birth certificate and proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease), pay a small fee, and receive a card that looks like a driver's license but says "ID" instead of "Driver License." The process usually takes a few weeks.

Whether you get a state ID card or use another form of identity proof, the passport process itself works the same way and takes the same amount of time.

Timeline and fees for your first passport

Processing time does not change based on whether you have a driver's license. A first-time passport book typically takes four to six weeks with routine service, or two to three weeks with expedited service. You pay an additional fee for expedited processing.

As of 2024, the process fee for a passport book is $130 for adults, plus a $35 execution fee paid at the acceptance facility. Expedited processing adds $60. These fees are set by the federal government and do not vary by state or by whether you have a license. Bring a check, money order, or credit card to pay at the acceptance facility.

What happens if you do not have a birth certificate

If you do not have your original birth certificate or a certified copy, you can request one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30, depending on the state.

If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, the State Department may accept other citizenship documents, such as a naturalization certificate, a previous passport, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Contact your nearest passport acceptance facility or call 1-877-487-2778 to ask what documents they can accept in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my school ID or work ID instead of a driver's license?

A school or work ID alone is not enough. The State Department requires a government-issued photo ID. However, if you bring two documents together — such as a school ID plus your birth certificate — that may work. Call ahead to confirm your specific documents will be accepted.

Do I need a passport card or a passport book?

A passport book is the standard document for international travel by air. A passport card is smaller and works for travel by car or boat to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel. For your first passport, most people get a book. You can request a card instead, or get both at the same time.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You will need proof of citizenship, which may be a birth certificate issued by the U.S. consulate where you were born (a Consular Report of Birth Abroad), a naturalization certificate, or a previous U.S. passport. Bring the original or a certified copy. The acceptance facility can tell you if your document is acceptable.

Can I get a passport if I have never had a driver's license?

Yes. Having a driver's license is not a requirement for a passport. You just need the citizenship and identity documents listed above. Many people get passports without ever obtaining a license.

How much does a passport cost if I do not have a driver's license?

The cost is the same: $130 for the process fee plus $35 execution fee for a passport book. Whether you have a license does not change the price. Expedited processing adds $60 if you need it faster than four to six weeks.