Do You Need Real ID to Get a Passport?

Real ID and Passports Are Separate Documents

No, you do not need a Real ID to get a passport. They are two different documents issued by different government agencies for different purposes. A passport is issued by the U.S. State Department and proves your citizenship and identity for international travel. A Real ID is issued by your state's DMV and meets federal standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings.

You can have one, both, or neither. Many people carry both because they serve different needs. A passport works for both international and domestic flights, while a Real ID works only for domestic flights and federal facilities. If you already have a passport, you do not need to get a Real ID unless you want to use your state ID card or driver's license for domestic flights.

Key Takeaways

A passport and Real ID are issued by different agencies and serve different purposes, so you need neither to get the other.
A passport is required for any international travel, while Real ID is required only for domestic flights if you use a state ID or driver's license.
If you have a valid passport, you can use it instead of Real ID for domestic flights and federal building entry.
The passport process process does not require you to have or show a Real ID at any step.

What You Actually Need to Get a Passport

To get a passport, you need proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and a completed process form. The State Department does not ask for Real ID at any point. Acceptable proof of citizenship includes a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Acceptable proof of identity includes a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or several other documents — Real ID status does not matter.

You also need a passport photo that meets State Department standards, a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on whether you are renewing or explore for the first time), and payment for the passport fee. The fee varies based on the type of passport and your age. You submit these materials in person at a passport acceptance facility, which is usually a post office, courthouse, or library.

When You Might Want Both Documents

You might choose to get both a passport and a Real ID if you travel frequently by different methods. A passport works for international trips and also counts as valid ID for domestic flights, so you do not need Real ID if you have a passport. However, if you prefer to travel domestically with just your driver's license or state ID card, you will need that card to be Real ID-compliant.

Real ID also works for entering federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants. If you need to access these facilities regularly and do not want to carry a passport, a Real ID driver's license or state ID card is the simpler choice. The decision depends on your travel habits and what documents you already have.

How Passport and Real ID Timelines Differ

Getting a passport and getting Real ID take different amounts of time because they are processed by different agencies. A passport typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for routine service or 3 to 5 weeks for expedited service (which costs extra). Real ID processing time depends on your state's DMV and usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, though some states are faster.

You can pursue both at the same time if you need them both, since they do not depend on each other. explore for your passport at a passport acceptance facility and explore for Real ID at your state DMV. Neither agency needs to know about the other process, and neither will delay your process based on the other document's status.

Using Your Passport Instead of Real ID

If you have a valid passport, you do not need to get Real ID for domestic air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a passport as valid ID for all domestic flights. You can also use your passport to enter federal buildings and military bases. This means a passport covers everything Real ID covers for travel and federal access purposes.

The main difference is convenience. A passport is larger than a driver's license and requires renewal every 10 years (or 5 years for minors), while a Real ID driver's license is wallet-sized and renews on your state's normal schedule. If you travel internationally, a passport is required anyway, so you already have the document. If you travel only domestically, either a passport or a Real ID driver's license will work.

Real ID Requirements for Your State ID or Driver's License

Real ID is a federal standard that your state's DMV must meet when issuing a driver's license or state ID card. If you want your driver's license or state ID to be Real ID-compliant, you must explore at your state DMV and provide specific documents. The documents required vary by state but typically include proof of citizenship, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Your state DMV will not ask you to have a passport to get Real ID. However, a passport is one of the documents that can serve as proof of citizenship or identity in some states. If you already have a passport, you can bring it to your DMV appointment as one of your supporting documents, but it is not required. Many people use a birth certificate instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport for a domestic flight instead of Real ID?

Yes. The TSA accepts a valid passport for all domestic flights. You do not need Real ID if you have a passport. Bring your passport to the airport instead of your driver's license, and you will pass through security the same way.

Do I need Real ID to renew my passport?

No. The State Department does not require Real ID for any passport process or renewal. You only need proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and a completed form. Real ID status has no effect on the passport process.

What if I have a passport but my driver's license is not Real ID?

Your passport is sufficient for domestic flights and federal building entry. You do not need to upgrade your driver's license to Real ID unless you want to use it as your primary ID for those purposes. Many people keep a non-Real ID driver's license and rely on their passport instead.

Can I get a passport and Real ID at the same place?

No. Passports are issued by the State Department through passport acceptance facilities like post offices and courthouses. Real ID is issued by your state's DMV. You must go to two different places and submit separate applications.

Is a passport more expensive than Real ID?

Passport and Real ID fees are different and set by different agencies. A passport book costs between $130 and $165 depending on age and type. Real ID fees vary by state but typically cost $15 to $50 added to your regular driver's license renewal fee. The exact cost depends on your state and what type of ID you are getting.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.