In the US, it's not mandatory that you get one. Many people don't get one unless they plan to leave the country. This is especially true given that many driver'

In the US, it's not mandatory that you get one. Many people don't get one unless they plan to leave the country. This is especially true given that many driver's licenses are valid as a form of federally recognized ID here (i.e. you can fly domestically or whatever). The people "not eligible" for a passport are those too poor to afford the process or those without any other reason to get one.