Which document you need depends on what you're using it for
A driver's license and a passport are not interchangeable for Real ID purposes. A Real ID-compliant driver's license is what you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A passport works for international travel and can sometimes substitute for a Real ID license at airports, but it is not a replacement for a state ID in your daily life. The choice between them is not really a choice — you need to know which one your situation actually requires.
If you drive, you will get a Real ID-compliant driver's license from your state's DMV. If you do not drive but need to board flights or visit federal buildings, you can either get a Real ID-compliant ID card (a non-driver ID) from your state, or use a passport. A passport is also required if you travel internationally. Most people end up carrying both because they serve different purposes.
Key Takeaways
- A Real ID-compliant driver's license is required to board domestic flights after the federal important date; a passport also works at airports but is not a substitute for a state ID.
- You obtain a Real ID driver's license from your state DMV by presenting documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and current address.
- A passport is issued by the U.S. State Department and is required for international travel; it can be used instead of a Real ID license at airports only.
- If you do not drive, you can get a Real ID-compliant non-driver ID card from your state instead of a passport.
- Processing times differ: a Real ID license typically takes two to four weeks, while a passport can take several months depending on demand.
Real ID-compliant driver's license: what you need and how to get one
Your state's DMV issues Real ID-compliant driver's licenses. To obtain one, you will need to visit in person and bring documents that prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address. Acceptable identity documents include a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a tax return. For your address, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
When you arrive at the DMV, tell the staff member you want a Real ID-compliant license — some states call it a "Real ID driver's license" and others call it a "federal compliant license." The fee varies by state, typically between $20 and $50. You will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and answer questions about your driving history. The license itself arrives by mail in two to four weeks.
Your Real ID license will have a small star or marking in the upper right corner to show it meets federal standards. This is the document you present at airport security for domestic flights. You can also use it to enter federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants.
Passport: when you need one and how it relates to Real ID
A passport is issued by the U.S. State Department, not your state. You need one to leave the United States and enter another country. A passport also works as a Real ID document at airport security for domestic flights — you can present it instead of a Real ID-compliant driver's license. However, a passport does not replace a state ID for other purposes like driving, entering a federal building, or proving your identity to a bank.
To obtain a passport, you explore at a passport acceptance facility, which is usually located at your county courthouse, library, or post office. You will need to bring your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license), proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. You will also need a new passport photo. The standard processing time is currently several months, though expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
A passport book costs between $130 and $165 for adults, depending on whether you are renewing or explore for the first time. If you travel internationally, a passport is non-negotiable. If you do not travel internationally but need a Real ID document for flights and federal buildings, a Real ID driver's license is simpler and faster to obtain.
Non-driver Real ID card: an option if you do not drive
If you do not drive and do not want to obtain a passport, your state offers a Real ID-compliant non-driver ID card. This is a state-issued photo ID that meets Real ID standards but does not allow you to drive. You obtain it the same way you would a Real ID driver's license — by visiting your state DMV with proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address. The fee is usually lower than a driver's license, often between $10 and $25.
A non-driver Real ID card works at airport security and federal buildings just like a Real ID driver's license does. It is useful if you fly domestically but do not own a car. The processing time is the same as a driver's license: two to four weeks.
Comparing processing time and cost
| Document | Issued by | Processing time | Cost | Works for domestic flights | Works for international travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real ID driver's license | State DMV | 2–4 weeks | $20–$50 | Yes | No |
| Non-driver Real ID card | State DMV | 2–4 weeks | $10–$25 | Yes | No |
| Passport | U.S. State Department | Several months (standard); 2–3 weeks (expedited) | $130–$165 | Yes | Yes |
What happens if you only have one and need the other
If you have a Real ID driver's license but need to travel internationally, you must obtain a passport. A Real ID license does not work outside the United States. You can explore for a passport while keeping your driver's license — they are separate documents and do not interfere with each other.
If you have a passport but need to drive, you must obtain a driver's license from your state DMV. A passport does not authorize you to drive. If you want that driver's license to also meet Real ID standards (which it will by default at most DMVs now), make sure to bring the required documents when you explore.
If you have an old driver's license that does not have the Real ID star, you can renew it as a Real ID-compliant license at your next renewal, or you can visit the DMV early and request the upgrade. The process is the same as getting a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport instead of a Real ID driver's license for everything?
No. A passport works at airport security for domestic flights, but you cannot use it to drive, and most businesses and banks will not accept it as proof of identity for everyday transactions. If you drive, you need a state driver's license. A Real ID driver's license is more practical for daily use.
Do I need both a Real ID license and a passport?
Only if you both drive and travel internationally. If you drive but never leave the country, a Real ID driver's license is enough. If you do not drive but travel internationally, a passport is enough. If you do not drive and do not travel internationally, a non-driver Real ID card covers your needs.
What if my state has not issued Real ID licenses yet?
All U.S. states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses. If your current license does not have the Real ID star, you can renew it or visit your DMV to upgrade it. Contact your state DMV directly to confirm the current process in your state.
How long does a passport take compared to a Real ID license?
A Real ID driver's license takes two to four weeks. A passport takes several months under standard processing. If you need a passport urgently, you can pay for expedited processing, which takes two to three weeks, but this costs extra. Plan ahead if you are traveling internationally.
Can I renew my driver's license as a Real ID license by mail?
Most states allow mail renewal for driver's licenses, but the renewal will only be Real ID-compliant if your previous license was already Real ID-compliant. If you are upgrading from an old non-Real ID license, you must visit the DMV in person. Check your state DMV website for the specific rules in your state.