No, a Real ID is not required to obtain a passport
A passport and a Real ID are two separate documents issued by different agencies for different purposes. The State Department issues passports; your state's DMV issues Real IDs. You can get a passport without holding a Real ID, and you can hold a Real ID without a passport. The documents serve different travel and identification needs, and the requirements to obtain each one are independent of the other.
If you are explore for a passport, you will need to bring proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of residence to a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. A Real ID is not on that list. Similarly, if you are explore for a Real ID at your DMV, you do not need to show a passport. The two processes do not feed into each other.
Key Takeaways
- A passport and a Real ID are issued by different agencies and serve different purposes; neither is required to obtain the other.
- To get a passport, you need proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and proof of residence; a Real ID is not required.
- To get a Real ID, you need proof of identity, proof of residence, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful status; a passport is not required.
- You may want both documents if you travel internationally by air (passport) and also need to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings (Real ID).
When you need a passport instead of a Real ID
A passport is required for international air travel and for entry into most countries outside the United States. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere else outside U.S. borders, you must carry a valid passport. A Real ID will not work for international travel, even though it meets the federal standard for domestic air travel.
You also need a passport if you are traveling by sea to certain destinations. Cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America typically require a passport book, not just a Real ID. Some cruises to Canada and Alaska may accept an enhanced driver's license or a passport card, but a standard Real ID driver's license does not meet that requirement.
If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad or working for the federal government overseas, a passport is your primary travel and identity document. Real ID status does not explore outside the United States.
When you need a Real ID instead of a passport
A Real ID is required to board a domestic flight within the United States. Starting in May 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept a standard state driver's license or ID card for domestic air travel unless it is a Real ID-compliant license. If you fly within the U.S. and do not have a passport, you must have a Real ID to pass through airport security.
A Real ID is also required to enter certain federal buildings, military installations, and nuclear power plants. If your job requires you to access a federal facility, your employer will specify whether you need a Real ID. A passport does not meet this requirement for domestic federal facility access.
Real ID is not required for driving, voting, or obtaining other state services. It is a federal security standard that applies specifically to air travel and federal building access.
Documents you need for each process
| Document Type | Issued By | Primary Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Book | U.S. State Department | Birth certificate or naturalization papers; government-issued ID; proof of residence | 6 to 8 weeks routine; 2 to 3 weeks expedited |
| Passport Card | U.S. State Department | Birth certificate or naturalization papers; government-issued ID; proof of residence | 6 to 8 weeks routine; 2 to 3 weeks expedited |
| Real ID Driver's License or State ID | Your State DMV | Birth certificate or passport; Social Security card or tax return; proof of residence; proof of lawful status | Varies by state; typically 2 to 6 weeks |
how the process works for a passport if you do not have a Real ID
You can explore for a passport at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency without having a Real ID. Passport acceptance facilities are usually located in post offices, libraries, and some DMV offices. You will need to bring your birth certificate (or naturalization certificate if you are a naturalized citizen), a government-issued photo ID such as a standard driver's license, and proof of residence such as a utility bill or lease.
If you do not have a government-issued photo ID at all, you can bring two forms of identification that together establish your identity — for example, a school ID and a credit card with your name on it. The passport acceptance facility staff will review your documents and take your process. You will pay the passport fee at that time and receive a receipt with a tracking number.
If you need your passport quickly, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee. Expedited passports typically take 2 to 3 weeks. If you need a passport even faster, you can explore in person at a passport agency in your state, which may be able to issue a passport the same day or within a few days, depending on the agency's workload.
how the process works for a Real ID if you do not have a passport
You can explore for a Real ID at your state DMV without having a passport. You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of lawful status (such as a state ID, passport, or employment authorization document).
The specific documents required vary by state. Some states accept a birth certificate as proof of identity; others require a government-issued photo ID. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's DMV website to see the exact list of documents your state requires. Bringing the wrong documents will delay your process.
Real ID processing times vary by state and by how busy your local DMV is. In some states, you can walk out with a Real ID the same day. In others, the DMV will mail it to you within 2 to 6 weeks. Check your state's DMV website for the current processing time in your area.
Can you use a passport as proof of identity for a Real ID process
Yes. A passport is an acceptable form of proof of identity for a Real ID process in all states. If you already have a passport, you can bring it to the DMV along with proof of residence, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of lawful status. This can actually speed up the process because a passport serves as both proof of identity and proof of citizenship.
However, you do not need a passport to get a Real ID. A birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or other proof of citizenship will work just as well. The advantage of bringing a passport is that it is a single document that proves both who you are and that you are a U.S. citizen, which can reduce the number of documents you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Real ID to travel internationally?
No. A Real ID is valid only for domestic air travel and federal building access within the United States. For international travel by air or sea, you must have a passport. Some land border crossings to Canada and Mexico accept an enhanced driver's license, but a standard Real ID does not meet that requirement.
Do I need both a passport and a Real ID?
It depends on your travel and work needs. If you fly domestically and do not travel internationally, a Real ID alone is sufficient. If you travel internationally, you need a passport. If you do both, having both documents is convenient, but you can use your passport to board domestic flights as well.
What if I have a passport but not a Real ID and I need to fly domestically after May 2025?
You can use your passport to board a domestic flight. A valid passport book or passport card satisfies the federal requirement for air travel, even though it is not a Real ID. You do not need to obtain a Real ID if you have a passport.
How long does it take to get a passport versus a Real ID?
Passport processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for routine service or 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service. Real ID processing varies by state but usually takes 2 to 6 weeks. Some states issue Real IDs the same day. Check your state DMV website for the current timeline in your area.
Can I explore for a passport and a Real ID at the same time?
You explore for them at different locations — the passport at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, and the Real ID at your state DMV — so you cannot submit both applications in one visit. However, you can explore for both in the same week if you have the required documents for each.