Getting a Passport Without a Real ID: What You Need Instead

Yes, you can get a passport without a Real ID

A passport and a Real ID are two separate documents that serve different purposes. A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel. A passport is a travel document issued by the U.S. State Department that proves your citizenship and identity to other countries. You do not need a Real ID to get a passport, and you do not need a passport to get a Real ID. The documents are independent of each other.

When you explore for a passport at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, you will bring documents that prove your citizenship, identity, and age. These documents are different from what you would bring for a Real ID process at your state's motor vehicle department. Understanding which documents work for each process prevents confusion and unnecessary trips.

Key Takeaways

A passport and a Real ID are separate documents issued by different government bodies for different purposes.
To get a passport, you need proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport card), and proof of age.
You can use a state ID that is not Real ID-compliant to prove your identity when explore for a passport.
If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can use other documents like a Social Security card, military ID, or employee ID to prove identity.
The passport process process and Real ID requirements are handled by different agencies and do not overlap.

What documents prove citizenship for a passport

To get a passport, the State Department requires proof that you are a U.S. citizen. The most common document is an original or certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born. The birth certificate must show your name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of both parents. A photocopy or a birth certificate ordered from an online service that is not certified by the vital records office will not work.

If you were not born in the United States, you can use a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you can use a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350). Each of these documents proves citizenship without a Real ID.

What documents prove identity when you do not have a Real ID

The State Department accepts several documents to prove your identity when explore for a passport. A driver's license or state ID card works, regardless of whether it meets Real ID standards. If your state ID is not Real ID-compliant, it still proves your identity for passport purposes. You do not need to upgrade to a Real ID first.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can bring other documents. These include a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a federal employee ID, a school ID with a photo, a work ID with a photo, or a Social Security card. You can also bring a combination of documents—for example, a Social Security card plus a birth certificate plus a school ID—if no single document shows both your name and photo. The passport acceptance facility or passport agency will tell you which combination they need.

how the process works for a passport without a Real ID

Start by gathering your citizenship document (birth certificate or naturalization papers), your identity document (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or other acceptable ID), and proof of age if your identity document does not show your date of birth. You will also need a completed passport process form. For a first-time passport book, use Form DS-11 if you are explore in person, or Form DS-82 if you are renewing by mail.

Find a passport acceptance facility near you by visiting the State Department's facility locator at travel.state.gov. Most passport acceptance facilities are located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Call ahead to confirm their hours and whether they are currently accepting applications, because some facilities have reduced hours or temporary closures. Bring your documents, your completed form, a photo (4x6 inches, taken within the last six months), and a check or money order for the process fee. The fee varies depending on whether you are getting a passport book or passport card and whether you are explore for the first time or renewing.

The difference between a passport and a Real ID for travel

A passport allows you to travel internationally and proves your citizenship to foreign governments. A Real ID is a domestic travel document that allows you to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without additional identification. If you plan to fly within the United States, you need either a Real ID, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a trusted traveler program card (like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck). You do not need both.

If you have a passport, you can use it to board a domestic flight even if your driver's license is not Real ID-compliant. If you have a passport card, you can use it for domestic air travel and for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international air travel.

Timeline and costs for getting a passport without a Real ID

The time it takes to receive a passport depends on whether you explore in person and whether you pay for expedited processing. If you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility using Form DS-11, you will receive your passport in approximately 4 to 6 weeks. If you pay for expedited processing (an additional fee), the timeline is approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Expedited processing does not explore to first-time passport applications submitted by mail.

The standard fee for a passport book is set by the federal government and does not vary by state. As of 2024, the fee for a first-time adult passport book is $130 for the process plus $35 for the execution fee, totaling $165. A passport card costs $35 for the process plus $35 for the execution fee, totaling $70. If you choose expedited processing, add $60 to the total. These fees are paid to the State Department, not to your state's motor vehicle department, and do not require a Real ID.

What to do if you cannot find your birth certificate

If you cannot locate your original birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Each state has a different process and fee. Visit the CDC's vital records website at cdc.gov/nchs/w2w to find the contact information for your state's vital records office. You can usually order a birth certificate by mail, phone, or online, and it will arrive in 1 to 4 weeks depending on the state.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you were born. They can help you gather documents that prove your citizenship. If you were born to a U.S. citizen parent abroad, you may need to provide your parent's birth certificate, marriage certificate, and proof of residence to establish your citizenship claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a Real ID before I explore for a passport?

No. A passport and a Real ID are separate documents issued by different agencies. You can get a passport without ever getting a Real ID. If you have a passport, you can use it for domestic air travel, so you do not need a Real ID for that purpose.

Can I use an expired driver's license to prove my identity when explore for a passport?

Yes, an expired driver's license or state ID can be used to prove your identity for a passport process. The State Department accepts expired identity documents as long as they show your name and photo. However, if your driver's license expired more than five years ago, bring an additional identity document to be safe.

What if I have never had a driver's license or state ID?

You can still get a passport. Bring a combination of documents that together show your name, date of birth, and photo. For example, bring a Social Security card (name and number), a birth certificate (name and date of birth), and a school or work ID with a photo. The passport acceptance facility will tell you if your combination is acceptable.

Can I use my passport card for domestic flights instead of getting a Real ID?

Yes. A passport card is valid for domestic air travel and can be used at airport security instead of a Real ID. However, a passport card cannot be used for international air travel. If you plan to fly internationally, you need a passport book.

How long does it take to get a passport if I explore in person?

If you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility using Form DS-11, you will receive your passport in approximately 4 to 6 weeks. If you pay for expedited processing, the timeline is approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Expedited processing is not available for applications submitted by mail.

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.