You can get a passport without a Real ID, but the documents you need are different

A passport and a Real ID are two separate things. Real ID is a security standard for state driver's licenses and ID cards. A passport is a federal travel document issued by the U.S. State Department. You do not need one to get the other — they serve different purposes and have different process paths.

If you want to travel internationally or by air domestically after May 7, 2025, you will need either a passport or a Real ID-compliant driver's license. But you can absolutely get a passport right now without ever getting a Real ID. The State Department does not care whether your driver's license meets Real ID standards.

The catch is that passport applications require specific documents to prove your identity and citizenship. Those documents are not the same as what Real ID requires. This guide walks you through what you actually need.

Key Takeaways

  • A passport is issued by the federal government and proves citizenship; a Real ID is a state driver's license standard and proves identity for domestic purposes.
  • You can get a passport without a Real ID-compliant license, but you must provide a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, or a naturalization document instead.
  • Passport applications go to the State Department (or a passport acceptance facility), not your state's DMV.
  • A passport costs between $130 and $165 for an adult book passport, depending on processing speed, and takes 6 to 13 weeks or longer if you need it fast.
  • If you have a passport, you do not need a Real ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings until your state ID expires.

What documents you need to explore for a passport without a Real ID

The State Department requires proof of citizenship and proof of identity. If you do not have a Real ID driver's license, you will use other documents instead.

For proof of citizenship, you need one of these: an original or certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A photocopy does not work — it must be an official document with a raised seal or certified by the issuing office.

For proof of identity, you can use a non-Real ID state driver's license, a state ID card, a passport card, a military ID, or a school or work ID with a photo. You do not need a Real ID-compliant license. A regular driver's license works fine. If you have none of these, you can use a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a credit card, or a voter registration card plus a utility bill.

You will also need a completed passport process (Form DS-11 if you are explore in person, or Form DS-82 if you are renewing by mail), a photo that meets State Department standards (2x2 inches, color, taken within the last six months), and a fee.

Where to explore for a passport

Passports are issued by the State Department, but you do not explore directly to them. Instead, you go to a passport acceptance facility in your area. These are usually located at post offices, libraries, county clerk offices, or courthouse buildings. Some cities also have dedicated passport agencies.

To find the nearest facility, visit the State Department's passport acceptance facility locator at travel.state.gov. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment — many facilities now require one, especially after the pandemic.

If you need your passport urgently, you can explore in person at a passport agency in a major city (there are about 30 nationwide). Passport agencies handle expedited requests and can sometimes issue a passport the same day or within a few days, but you will pay extra fees and must have an appointment.

How long it takes and what it costs

Standard passport processing takes 6 to 13 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs an extra $60. Execution fees (the cost to process your process) are $130 for a book passport if you are an adult explore for the first time, plus a $35 acceptance agent fee at the facility where you explore. If you want expedited service, add $60.

If you need a passport in days rather than weeks, you can explore at a passport agency in person. Same-day or next-day service is possible but costs $60 extra on top of the execution and acceptance fees, and you must have an appointment.

Passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean) costs $65 for adults, plus the $35 acceptance fee. A passport book is larger and works for all international travel, including by air.

Why you might want both a passport and a Real ID

A passport works for all forms of travel — domestic flights, international travel, and entering federal buildings. A Real ID-compliant driver's license works for domestic flights and federal buildings but not for international travel. They are not interchangeable.

If you travel internationally even once a year, a passport is worth getting. If you fly domestically and want to use your driver's license instead, you need a Real ID. You do not need both, but many people get both because they serve different purposes and one is not always convenient to carry.

After May 7, 2025, you will need either a passport or a Real ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. If you have a passport, you are covered for all of these purposes. If you only have a regular (non-Real ID) driver's license, you will need to upgrade it or get a passport.

The difference between a passport book and a passport card

A passport book is the standard passport. It is a booklet about the size of a small notebook. It works for all international travel — by air, sea, or land — to any country. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.

A passport card is a wallet-sized card, like a driver's license. It works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It does not work for air travel to other countries. It is also valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.

Most people get a passport book because it is more versatile. A passport card is useful if you live near the Canadian or Mexican border and travel there frequently by car or boat. You can get both at the same time if you want — you pay for each separately.

What happens if you lose your passport or it expires

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. You cannot renew it by mail. Bring a police report if you have one, along with the same documents you would need for a new passport (birth certificate, proof of identity, and a new photo).

If your passport has expired but was not lost, you can renew it by mail using Form DS-82 if you meet certain conditions: your passport must have been issued when you were 16 or older, it must not be damaged, and you must still have it. Mail renewal is cheaper (no acceptance agent fee) and takes 6 to 13 weeks. If you need it faster, you can explore in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Real ID to get a passport?

No. The State Department does not require a Real ID. You need a birth certificate and proof of identity, which can be a regular driver's license, a state ID card, a military ID, or other documents. A Real ID-compliant license is not required.

Can I use a passport instead of a Real ID for flying domestically?

Yes. A passport works for domestic flights, federal building entry, and all international travel. If you have a passport, you do not need a Real ID-compliant driver's license for these purposes. Your passport is valid as long as it has not expired.

How much does a passport cost without a Real ID?

An adult passport book costs $130 in execution fees plus $35 at the acceptance facility, totaling $165. Expedited processing adds $60. A passport card costs $65 plus $35, totaling $100. These fees are the same whether or not you have a Real ID.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. You can request a certified copy by mail or in person. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you may need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead. The State Department's website lists what documents work for each situation.

Can I get a passport if I have a criminal record?

Most criminal records do not prevent you from getting a passport. However, certain felonies — particularly drug trafficking — can result in denial. If you have concerns, contact the State Department's passport information line at 1-877-487-2778 before explore.