ID Card Requirements Update: What's Changing in 2025
ID card requirements in the United States are undergoing significant changes in 2025. The most impactful update is the REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, after which standard driver's licenses without the distinctive star marking will no longer be accepted for domestic flights or access to federal facilities.
Additionally, the TSA has announced a $45 fee for travelers without compliant identification starting February 2026, while 15 states now offer digital driver's licenses through smartphone wallets. These changes affect millions of American travelers and require immediate attention.
Key ID Card Requirements Changes for 2025
Here are the most important updates to ID card requirements that take effect this year:
- REAL ID Enforcement: Starting May 7, 2025, all air travelers 18 and older need REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights
- TSA ConfirmID Fee: A $45 non-refundable fee launches February 1, 2026, for travelers without acceptable ID who want alternative verification
- Digital ID Expansion: 15 states now support mobile driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet
- Compliance Rates: Approximately 56 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant identification
- Alternative IDs: Passports, military IDs, and Enhanced Driver's Licenses remain valid alternatives
The TSA reports that over 94% of passengers already present acceptable identification at checkpoints. However, compliance rates vary dramatically by state, with some states like Nebraska at 99.5% while others like New Jersey remain at just 17%.
Who Is Affected by New ID Card Requirements
These ID card requirement updates impact different groups of travelers and residents in various ways.
For Domestic Air Travelers
If you plan to fly within the United States after May 7, 2025, you must present a REAL ID-compliant license, passport, or other acceptable identification. Without proper ID, you may face the $45 TSA ConfirmID fee and potential delays of up to 30 minutes at security checkpoints. Children under 18 do not need identification for domestic flights.
For Visitors to Federal Facilities
Anyone entering federal buildings, military bases, or nuclear power plants requires REAL ID-compliant identification. This includes visitors to Social Security offices, federal courthouses, and other government facilities. Standard state IDs without the star marking will be rejected.
For Residents in Low-Compliance States
If you live in New Jersey (17%), Pennsylvania (26%), Washington (27%), Maine (27%), or New York (43%), you should prioritize obtaining a REAL ID. Visit your state's DMV website to schedule an appointment and gather required documents before the deadline.
How to Get a REAL ID - Step by Step
Follow these steps to obtain your REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state identification card:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of full legal name (birth certificate or passport), Social Security card, and two documents showing your current address (utility bills, bank statements)
- Check State Requirements: Visit your state's DMV website as requirements may vary; some states require additional documentation
- Schedule an Appointment: Many DMV offices require appointments for REAL ID applications due to high demand
- Complete Application: Fill out the REAL ID application form at the DMV and pay the applicable fee (varies by state, typically $25-$50)
- Receive Your REAL ID: Your new ID will feature a gold or black star in the upper corner, indicating REAL ID compliance
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for ID card requirements in 2025 and 2026:
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement begins for all domestic flights and federal facility access
- November 25, 2024: DHS waiver for mobile driver's licenses at TSA checkpoints took effect
- February 1, 2026: TSA ConfirmID $45 fee program launches for travelers without acceptable identification
- December 31, 2025: UK deadline for non-biometric EU ID cards under Brexit withdrawal agreement
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) expected to be fully operational across participating countries
Digital ID Options: States with Mobile Driver's Licenses
The TSA now accepts digital driver's licenses at over 250 airports nationwide. Here are the states currently offering mobile IDs through smartphone wallets:
- Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia
- Google Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and additional states rolling out
- Coming Soon: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
However, TSA recommends always carrying a physical ID as backup. Your digital ID must be based on a REAL ID-compliant physical license to be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have a REAL ID at the Airport?
Starting February 1, 2026, you can pay a $45 non-refundable fee to use TSA's ConfirmID alternative verification system. This fee covers a 10-day travel period. However, verification is not guaranteed, and you may be denied boarding if your identity cannot be confirmed. Currently, travelers without proper ID may face extended screening and delays.
Can I Use My Passport Instead of a REAL ID?
Yes, a valid U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable alternative to REAL ID for domestic flights. Other accepted documents include military IDs, permanent resident cards, Global Entry or SENTRI cards, and Enhanced Driver's Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont.
How Do I Know If My Current ID Is REAL ID Compliant?
Check the upper corner of your driver's license or state ID for a gold or black star marking. If your ID has this star, it's REAL ID compliant. If there's no star, or if your ID displays "Not for Federal Identification," you'll need to upgrade before the deadline.
Will Digital Driver's Licenses Work for All TSA Checkpoints?
Digital IDs are currently accepted at over 250 TSA checkpoints across the United States. However, acceptance varies by airport and state. The TSA recommends carrying your physical ID as a backup. Your mobile driver's license must be based on a REAL ID-compliant physical license.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline is now in effect, and millions of Americans still need to upgrade their identification. With the $45 TSA fee launching in February 2026, getting compliant now saves both money and travel headaches. Check your current ID for the star marking, and if it's missing, visit your local DMV as soon as possible.
For international travelers, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements as passports remain the most versatile form of identification. Whether you're applying for a new ID, renewing your driver's license, or obtaining a passport, having the correct photo specifications is essential. VisaPics helps you get compliant photos for any official document, ensuring your application isn't delayed due to photo issues.