diff --git a/phpseclib/Crypt/RSA/Formats/Keys/XML.php b/phpseclib/Crypt/RSA/Formats/Keys/XML.php
index 722aab90..8de03ad6 100644
--- a/phpseclib/Crypt/RSA/Formats/Keys/XML.php
+++ b/phpseclib/Crypt/RSA/Formats/Keys/XML.php
@@ -42,10 +42,6 @@ abstract class XML
      */
     public static function load($key): array
     {
-        if (!extension_loaded('dom')) {
-            return false;
-        }
-
         if (!Strings::is_stringable($key)) {
             throw new \UnexpectedValueException('Key should be a string - not a ' . gettype($key));
         }