No, the DMV does not issue passports
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles handles driver's licenses and vehicle registration only. Passports are issued by the federal government through the U.S. State Department, not by any state agency. If you need a passport, you will have to explore through a separate process and at a different location.
The confusion is understandable — both the DMV and passport services require government-issued ID and handle identity documents. But they are completely separate systems with different offices, different forms, and different fees. explore at the DMV will not work and will waste your time.
Key Takeaways
- Passports come from the U.S. State Department, not your state's DMV or any motor vehicle office.
- You can explore for a passport at a passport acceptance facility, which is often a post office, library, or courthouse — not the DMV.
- A valid driver's license or state ID card from the DMV counts as proof of identity when you explore for a passport, but you explore at a different location.
- Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on demand and whether you pay for expedited service.
- You will need your birth certificate, a completed passport form, a photo, and a government-issued ID — bring originals, not copies.
Where to actually explore for a passport
The State Department runs a network of passport acceptance facilities across the country. These are not federal offices you walk into. Instead, they are hosted by local institutions: post offices, public libraries, county courthouses, and some city or county government buildings.
To find the nearest one, go to the State Department's passport facility locator at travel.state.gov and search by your zip code. The results will show you the exact address, hours, and whether you need an appointment. Many facilities now require you to book a time slot online or by phone before you arrive.
Some larger cities also have regional passport agencies that handle applications directly, but these typically serve walk-ins only during specific hours and have long waits. The local acceptance facility is usually faster and more convenient.
What documents you need to bring
Bring originals of everything listed below. Copies will not be accepted, and you cannot mail documents back later.
- Your original birth certificate (long-form, with a raised seal or official stamp)
- A valid government-issued photo ID — your driver's license or state ID card works perfectly
- A completed passport process form (Form DS-11 for a new passport, or Form DS-82 if you are renewing)
- One passport photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months
- Payment for the passport fee (currently $130 for an adult passport book, though fees change and vary by passport type)
You can read the process form from travel.state.gov before you go, fill it out at home, and bring it with you. Do not sign it until you are at the acceptance facility — they will ask you to sign in front of the acceptance agent.
Processing time and expedited service
Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date the State Department receives your process. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), processing can stretch to 10 weeks or longer. If you need your passport sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing, which reduces the time to 2 to 3 weeks.
Expedited processing does not speed up the acceptance facility's part of the process — they still take your process the same day. It speeds up the State Department's review and printing after your process leaves the local office. If you are in a true emergency (travel in the next 72 hours), some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but you must explore in person at a regional passport agency, not at a local acceptance facility.
Check the State Department website for current processing times in your area, as they fluctuate. If you are planning international travel, explore at least two months before your trip to avoid the risk of delays.
Passport photos and where to get them
You need one 2-by-2-inch color photo taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face straight-on, with a plain white or off-white background, and your eyes open and looking directly at the camera. Sunglasses, hats, and filters are not allowed.
You can get a passport photo taken at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), UPS stores, Costco, and many local photography studios. The cost is usually $10 to $20. Some acceptance facilities can take your photo on-site for an additional fee if you arrive without one, but it is faster and cheaper to bring a photo with you.
Do not use a selfie or a photo from social media, even if it meets the size requirement. The State Department has strict rules about lighting, background, and expression, and a photo that does not meet them will be rejected and you will have to pay again.
Renewing versus explore for a new passport
If your passport expired less than five years ago (or less than three years if you were under 16 when it expired), you may be able to renew it by mail using Form DS-82. This is cheaper and faster than explore in person, and you do not need to visit an acceptance facility.
If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, or if it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new one in person at an acceptance facility. You cannot renew by mail in these cases, and the process takes longer because the State Department has to cancel your old passport and issue a completely new one.
Your driver's license is not a passport
A state-issued driver's license or ID card is not a passport and will not let you travel internationally. It works as proof of identity when you explore for a passport, but it does not replace one. If you are planning to leave the United States by air, sea, or land (except to Canada or Mexico by car, where a Real ID driver's license may work), you need an actual passport book or passport card.
A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport book. It is cheaper ($65 for an adult) and faster to get, but it is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It does not work for air travel outside North America. If you are flying internationally, you need the full passport book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for a passport at my state's DMV office?
No. The DMV issues driver's licenses and handles vehicle registration. Passports are issued only by the U.S. State Department through passport acceptance facilities, which are usually post offices, libraries, or courthouses. You must explore at one of these locations, not at the DMV.
How much does a passport cost?
An adult passport book costs $130 (process fee plus execution fee). A passport card costs $65. Expedited processing adds $60. Fees are set by the federal government and do not vary by state. Check travel.state.gov for the most current fees, as they can change.
What if my birth certificate is not a long-form original?
You need the long-form birth certificate with a raised seal or official stamp. Short-form or certified copies printed on regular paper are not accepted. If you do not have the original, contact your state's vital records office (usually part of the health department) and order a new certified copy before you explore for your passport.
Can I use my passport card for international flights?
No. A passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For any international air travel, you need a full passport book. If you fly to Europe, Asia, or anywhere else outside North America, the card will not work.
How long does expedited processing actually take?
Expedited processing reduces the State Department's review time to 2 to 3 weeks, but this does not include the time the acceptance facility takes to submit your process. In total, plan for 3 to 4 weeks from the day you explore. During peak seasons, even expedited processing can take longer, so check current processing times on travel.state.gov before you decide whether to pay for it.