Learn About Passports and Real ID Requirements

Understanding What a Passport Is and Why You Might Need One

A passport is an official travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State that proves your citizenship and identity. It allows American citizens to travel internationally and is recognized by governments around the world. Think of it as your key to international travel — without one, you generally cannot leave the United States or enter most countries.

The passport serves several important purposes. First, it establishes that you are a U.S. citizen with the right to travel and live abroad. Second, it provides identification recognized by foreign governments and international organizations. Third, it contains security features designed to prevent fraud and counterfeiting. The document includes your photograph, full name, date of birth, place of birth, signature, and a unique passport number.

There are different types of passports for different purposes. A regular passport book is used for most international travel by air, sea, or land. A passport card is a wallet-sized version that works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel. Some people who work for the government may have a diplomatic or official passport for official travel. A temporary passport can be issued in limited situations when you need to travel urgently.

You might need a passport for various reasons: vacation travel, business trips, family visits abroad, studying overseas, or immigration purposes. Even if you don't currently plan to travel, many people obtain a passport as a form of official identification. According to the U.S. State Department, over 150 million Americans hold valid passports, though this represents less than half of the U.S. population.

Practical takeaway: Consider whether you anticipate international travel in the next 10 years (the length of an adult passport's validity). Even if you don't have immediate travel plans, obtaining a passport now can save time if your circumstances change.

Real ID Requirements and How They Affect You

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to identification documents used for domestic air travel and entry to federal facilities. Beginning May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers flying domestically within the United States to show either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, or another acceptable form of identification such as a passport or passport card.

This requirement was established by the REAL ID Act of 2005, a federal law passed in response to security concerns. The law set minimum standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards to make them harder to forge and more uniform across states. Not all states implemented Real ID at the same pace — some began offering compliant documents years ago, while others took longer to meet the standards.

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card has specific security features and requires different documentation during issuance than a standard license. When you apply for a Real ID card at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, you must present documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency. These documents might include a birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of address, and your current driver's license. The DMV will verify these documents with issuing agencies.

Many states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses and cards as standard. You can often identify them by a star symbol in the upper right corner of the card, though some states use different marking systems. If your state hasn't made all licenses Real ID-compliant, you may be able to request one specifically. Some states charge a small fee for a Real ID card, while others offer it at no additional cost.

It's important to note that a passport or passport card already meets Real ID requirements for domestic air travel. So does a military ID, enhanced driver's license, or trusted traveler program card like Global Entry. This means even if your state driver's license isn't compliant, you have options for air travel identification.

Practical takeaway: Check whether your current driver's license has the Real ID star symbol. If it doesn't and you plan to fly domestically after May 2025, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn how to obtain a compliant document. Alternatively, a passport or passport card works for domestic air travel even without Real ID compliance.

Different Types of Passports and Which One You Need

The passport book is the most common type and works for all forms of international travel — by air, sea, or land. It's a 28-page booklet about the size of a standard small notebook. An adult passport book is valid for 10 years, while a passport book for minors under 16 is valid for 5 years. The passport book contains pages for visa stamps, entry and exit stamps from other countries, and official records of your travels.

The passport card is a newer option introduced in 2008. It's the size of a driver's license and fits in your wallet. The passport card can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, it cannot be used for air travel internationally. A passport card for adults is valid for 10 years, and for minors it's valid for 5 years. Many travelers get both a passport book and a passport card — the card for convenient day trips to nearby countries and the book for longer international flights.

An official passport or diplomatic passport is issued to U.S. government employees, their families, and others who travel abroad on official government business. These are not issued to the general public and require a letter from a government agency verifying the need for official travel status.

A temporary passport can be issued in specific situations when you need to travel within two weeks and cannot wait for a regular passport. Temporary passports are valid for one year or until your regular passport arrives, whichever comes first. They are physical documents similar to passport books but indicate they are temporary. Temporary passports can be used for all international travel but are not ideal for frequent travelers.

For those under 16, passport books and cards are available, but there are special rules. Parents or guardians must apply in person, and both parents typically must consent unless there is a court order or death certificate. A minor's passport is valid for 5 years instead of 10.

Practical takeaway: If you primarily travel by air internationally, a passport book is your standard option. If you frequently take land or sea trips to nearby countries, consider obtaining both a book and a card. Research your destination countries to confirm which document type they accept.

How to Obtain a Passport and What to Bring

To obtain a passport for the first time as an adult U.S. citizen, you must apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. These locations include post offices, libraries, courts, and some Department of Motor Vehicles offices. You cannot apply by mail the first time unless you are renewing an expired passport you received when you were under 16 and still in your possession.

Before you visit, gather required documents. You will need proof of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy of birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad), a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form). You'll also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement from the last 12 months.

You will need one passport photo. This must meet specific requirements: 2 by 2 inches, in color, taken within the last 6 months, with a white or off-white background. Your face must be clearly visible, well-lit, and centered. You cannot wear sunglasses, and head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons. You can have passport photos taken at many locations including pharmacies, printing shops, and some passport acceptance facilities. The cost for a passport photo is typically $10 to $20.

When you arrive at the acceptance facility, you will fill out Form DS-11 (for a new adult passport) or Form DS-82 (if you're renewing and meet certain conditions). An official will review your documents, verify them, and collect your application. As of 2024, the fee for an adult passport book is $130 for the passport itself plus a $35 execution fee, totaling $165. A passport card is $30 plus the $35 execution fee. Fees can be paid by check, money order, or credit/debit card depending on the facility.

Processing time varies. Standard processing takes approximately 6-8 weeks. Expedited processing, available for an additional $60 fee, takes approximately