diff --git a/phpseclib/Crypt/RSA/Formats/Keys/XML.php b/phpseclib/Crypt/RSA/Formats/Keys/XML.php
index d9b7530e..5af053d8 100644
--- a/phpseclib/Crypt/RSA/Formats/Keys/XML.php
+++ b/phpseclib/Crypt/RSA/Formats/Keys/XML.php
@@ -42,6 +42,10 @@ abstract class XML
      */
     public static function load($key, $password = '')
     {
+        if (!extension_loaded('dom')) {
+            return false;
+        }
+
         if (!Strings::is_stringable($key)) {
             throw new \UnexpectedValueException('Key should be a string - not a ' . gettype($key));
         }