You Don't Need Real ID to Get a Passport — They're Separate Documents
A Real ID and a passport are two different documents that serve different purposes. You do not need one to get the other. A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards; a passport is a federal travel document issued by the U.S. State Department. You can have a passport without a Real ID, and you can have a Real ID without a passport.
The confusion often comes from the fact that both documents require similar identification to obtain — things like a birth certificate, proof of residency, and a Social Security number. But the agencies that issue them are different, the documents themselves look different, and the situations where you need each one are different.
If you're planning international travel, you need a passport. If you're flying domestically or entering a federal building, you need either a Real ID or a passport (or another federally accepted ID). You don't need to get one before the other.
Key Takeaways
- A passport and a Real ID are separate federal and state documents; you do not need Real ID to obtain a passport.
- A passport is issued by the U.S. State Department and is required for international travel; a Real ID is issued by your state and is required for domestic flights and federal building entry as of May 2025.
- Both documents require similar supporting documents like a birth certificate and proof of residency, but you explore for them through different agencies.
- You can hold both documents at the same time, or just one, depending on your travel and identification needs.
What a Passport Is and Who Issues It
A passport is a booklet issued by the U.S. State Department that proves your citizenship and identity to other countries. It is the primary document you need to travel outside the United States, and many countries require it for entry. You explore for a passport through your local passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, courthouse, or county clerk's office — or directly through the State Department.
A passport process requires your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID (which could be a driver's license, Real ID or not), proof of residency, and a passport photo. Processing times vary: routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service costs extra but is faster. A passport is valid for 10 years if you're an adult, or 5 years if you're under 16.
You need a passport for any international travel — to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, or anywhere outside U.S. borders. Some countries also require a visa in addition to your passport, but the passport itself is the starting point.
What a Real ID Is and Who Issues It
A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Your state's DMV or equivalent agency issues it. As of May 7, 2025, a Real ID is required to board a domestic flight within the United States or to enter certain federal buildings.
To get a Real ID, you visit your state's DMV in person with your birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and a completed process. Some states charge a small fee for Real ID; others include it with a standard driver's license renewal. The process usually takes a few minutes to an hour, depending on how busy your local DMV is.
A Real ID looks like a standard driver's license but has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner. If you already have a regular driver's license, you can upgrade it to Real ID at your next renewal, or you can request the upgrade when ready by visiting the DMV.
When You Need Each Document
You need a passport if you are traveling outside the United States by any means — flying, driving, or taking a cruise. You also need a passport if you are re-entering the United States from another country. A passport is the only document that proves citizenship to a foreign government.
You need a Real ID if you are flying domestically within the United States on a commercial airline, or if you are entering a federal building that requires it (such as certain government offices or military installations). A Real ID is not required for driving within the U.S., but it is the standard form of identification that most states now issue with their driver's licenses.
If you have a passport, you can use it in place of a Real ID for domestic flights and federal building entry. This is one reason some people get a passport even if they don't travel internationally — it serves as a backup form of federal ID. However, a Real ID cannot be used for international travel; only a passport can.
The Documents You Need to explore for Each
| Document | Issued By | Required Documents | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | U.S. State Department | Birth certificate, proof of citizenship, government photo ID, proof of residency, passport photo | Several weeks (routine); 1–2 weeks (expedited) |
| Real ID | Your state's DMV | Birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency, completed process | Minutes to a few hours (in-person at DMV) |
Both documents require a birth certificate and proof of residency, which is why people sometimes think one is a prerequisite for the other. But the agencies are different, the forms are different, and you submit them to different places. You can get them in any order, or get just one.
Can You Use a Passport Instead of Real ID
Yes. A passport is a federally issued document that satisfies the Real ID requirement for domestic flights and federal building entry. If you have a valid passport, you do not need to get a Real ID — you can use your passport at the airport instead.
However, a passport is more expensive and takes longer to obtain than a Real ID. A passport costs roughly $130 for an adult (plus expediting fees if you need it faster), while a Real ID upgrade at your state DMV usually costs $10 to $30. If you don't plan to travel internationally, getting a Real ID is the faster and cheaper option for domestic air travel.
Some people choose to get both: a Real ID for everyday use and domestic flights, and a passport for international travel. Others get only a passport if they travel internationally and want a single federal ID. The choice depends on your travel plans and how soon you need the document.
What Happens If You Don't Have Either Document
If you don't have a Real ID or a passport, you cannot board a domestic flight as of May 2025. You will be turned away at the airport security checkpoint. You also cannot enter federal buildings that require Real ID.
If you need to fly domestically soon, the fastest path is to get a Real ID at your state DMV — you can often walk in and get it the same day or within a few days. If you need to travel internationally, you must get a passport, which takes longer. If you need both, explore for the passport first (since it takes longer) and upgrade to Real ID while you wait for the passport to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport to fly domestically?
Yes. A passport satisfies the federal ID requirement for domestic flights. You can use it at airport security instead of a Real ID. However, if you don't travel internationally, a Real ID is faster and cheaper to obtain.
Do I need a Real ID to get a passport?
No. A Real ID and a passport are separate documents issued by different agencies. You do not need one to get the other. You can explore for a passport without having a Real ID, and vice versa.
What if I have a passport but no Real ID — can I still drive?
Yes. A passport is not required for driving. You need a state-issued driver's license to drive, which may or may not be a Real ID depending on your state and when you last renewed it. A Real ID is only required for domestic flights and federal building entry, not for driving.
How long does it take to get a Real ID compared to a passport?
A Real ID is much faster. You can usually get it at your state DMV in person within minutes to a few hours. A passport takes several weeks with routine service, or 1–2 weeks with expedited service (which costs extra).
Can I get a Real ID and a passport at the same place?
No. You get a Real ID at your state's DMV or equivalent agency. You get a passport at a passport acceptance facility, which is usually a post office, library, courthouse, or county clerk's office. They are two separate applications at two separate locations.