Maybe you can do it that way for a renewal - but when I applied for a passport a couple of years ago, I had to submit my documents in person and sign the application in front of a passport agent, which in my area are mainly at post offices. Some of them required appointments (although the ones I called did not answer the phone ) and others only accepted 25 applications a day ( which meant you had to get there an hour before opening). You would need proof of any name changes , and you must provide photo ID and an acceptable photo . You don’t need proof of residence or a SS number - that’s literally the only part that’s easier.
I don’t need an appointment to go to DMV , they don’t limit applications to 25 a day , and I needed my birth certificate and ID to get a passport just like I did for my Real ID
A passport just verifies that you are a US citizen. As such, you really only need to prove that you are a natural born citizen (birth certificate) or naturalized citizen (naturalization certificate), and a state issued ID to show you are the person you claim to be.
If I understand it correctly, RealID demonstrates who you are, that you’re legally in the US, your Social Security status (?), and your legal residence. It is for different purposes and requires different documentation.
My license expired Saturday and I’d plumb forgot about it (no reminders like MVD sends for auto-registration). Knowing I had to come in (they require a new photo as you get more decrepit) I did a quick scan of the MVD website to confirm everything requiring in-office stuff is by appointment only to avoid crowds.
I called to make an appointment, got an answer much quicker than I expected and explained the situation. “When did your license expire?” was the only question.
“Saturday the 21st.”
“You have until September 21st.”
Going back to the site I clicked on a couple overlooked links and found the extension is six months. Hopefully that will put the crisis will be past by then, bu-u-ut…
Little late to the party, but I have a Trusted Traveller GOES card (https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/)which means I submitted to a full backgroung check and an interview with Homeland Security to prove I am a good enough citizen to stand in a different line when coming home. (Actually, since it also includes TSA PreCheck, it’s a pretty good thing to me).
Anyway, my license will expire this year and I am surprised that the Global Entry card isn’t on the list of acceptable documents. IMHO, I should be qualified with a GOES card and a utility bill, but no.