Comment by simoncion
2 months ago
At least in California, it also requires one to present significantly more documentation. Last I checked, it also goes into a central Federal database, whereas ordinary State-issued IDs do not.
If I'm going to get a damn passport, I'm going to get a passport that lets me leave the country.
I just presented my passport and the usual proof of address stuff to get it. That does seem like the best flow, if a little redundant maybe.
One of the requirements for Real ID is that the issuer confirmed legal status (either citizenship or immigration status).
A US passport is proof of citizenship.