I renewed my driver's license recently, and there was no Real ID fee, or any option to do otherwise. All renewals in FL since 2020 require the Real ID version. Easy peasy, no "worth it" decision. Just made my appointment, went to the DMV, and now I'm all set.
Passports are a world of hurt to replace. DL's far less pain. The odds of losing ID/Wallet on a trip are not zero. So if/when that happens to me, I'd rather it be my DL than my Passport.
Pro-tip: I keep an old copy of my license in an enclosed pocket of a jacket I wear when flying. If I ever lose my ID when traveling, at least I've got something to make it a bit easier to prove I'm me, even if it doesn't truly count.
ETA: Yes, you need some paperwork and ID - check your state DMV site. I think a passport counts, voter ID card, other stuff to prove address. I got a new copy of my SS card also as I couldn't find mine. It was a good exercise in itself to location and centralize various documents. I did all that about a month before my DL appointment.
My new one expires in 8 years, just like the prior period.