Nearly half of Texans don't have passports
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About 45% of Texans who are U.S. citizens don't have a valid passport as of 2024, per estimates from the think tank Center for American Progress.
Why it matters: A valid passport is one of the few forms of accepted identification for international travel — and it's also required for domestic air travel if you don't have a Real ID.
By the numbers: Of the roughly 27 million U.S. citizens living in Texas, 12 million are currently without a valid passport — a gap that could create headaches for domestic travelers and limit mobility abroad.
Zoom out: About 47% of U.S. citizens nationwide are without passports.
If you're interested in getting a passport, the standard fee for a passport book is $130, with processing typically taking 4-6 weeks. First-time applicants must also pay a $35 additional fee.