Major ID Card Requirements Take Effect in 2025
New ID card requirements are being implemented across the United States and United Kingdom in 2025, affecting millions of travelers and workers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) begins enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7, 2025, for all domestic flights within the United States. Meanwhile, the UK government announced in September 2025 that digital identity cards will become mandatory for employment verification by the end of the current Parliament.
These changes represent the most significant updates to identification requirements in over a decade. Understanding these new requirements is essential to avoid travel disruptions and employment complications.
REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 7, 2025
Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers aged 18 and older must present REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives to board commercial flights in the United States. This deadline follows multiple extensions since the REAL ID Act was passed in 2005.
- REAL ID Identification: Driver's licenses and state IDs marked with a gold or black star in the upper right corner meet federal security standards
- All States Compliant: All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 U.S. territories now issue REAL ID-compliant documents
- Federal Facilities: REAL ID is also required for accessing federal buildings and entering nuclear power plants
- Children Under 18: TSA does not require identification for children under 18 traveling within the United States
- Enhanced Driver's Licenses: EDLs issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are acceptable alternatives
The TSA published the final rule in January 2025, confirming that non-compliant state-issued driver's licenses will no longer be accepted at airport security checkpoints after the May 7 deadline. Travelers without REAL ID-compliant documents will need to present alternative forms of identification.
UK Digital Identity Card Initiative
The United Kingdom announced a mandatory digital identity scheme in September 2025, marking a significant shift in how British citizens prove their identity. Digital ID cards will be required for Right to Work checks by the end of the current Parliament.
- Free Digital ID: The government will provide free digital identity cards stored securely on smartphones
- Employment Verification: Employers must check digital IDs as evidence of right to work
- Biometric Information: Digital IDs include name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and a photo for biometric security
- Not Criminally Enforced: It will not be a criminal offense to not hold a digital ID, and police cannot demand to see it during stop and search
- EU Alignment: The initiative aligns with the EU's eIDAS 2.0 regulation requiring digital identity wallets by 2026
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Requirements
These identification requirement updates impact different groups in specific ways. Understanding how these changes affect you is crucial for compliance and avoiding disruptions.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
If you fly domestically within the United States and only have a standard driver's license without a star marking, you will be denied boarding after May 7, 2025. You must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license or obtain a passport. Approximately 44 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant identification.
For UK Workers and Residents
British citizens and permanent residents seeking employment will need to obtain digital identity cards by the government's deadline. Employers will be legally required to verify digital IDs as part of Right to Work checks. This affects both new job seekers and existing employees undergoing verification processes.
For EU Citizens in the UK
From December 31, 2025, EU national identity cards used to enter the UK must comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for biometric identification. This particularly affects those who applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
How to Get Your REAL ID - Step by Step
Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card requires visiting your state's DMV with specific documentation. Here's the complete process:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of identity (U.S. passport or birth certificate), Social Security number documentation, and two proofs of residential address
- Verify Document Requirements: Check your state DMV website for specific document requirements, as some states may have additional requirements
- Complete Application: Fill out your state's REAL ID application form online or in person at the DMV
- Schedule DMV Appointment: Book an appointment at your local DMV office to avoid long wait times (recommended in most states)
- Visit DMV in Person: Bring all required documents and be prepared to have a new photo taken that meets passport photo requirements
- Pay Required Fees: REAL ID fees vary by state, typically ranging from $30 to $60 for the upgrade or renewal
- Receive Temporary ID: You'll receive a temporary paper ID immediately, and your REAL ID card will arrive by mail within 2-3 weeks
Acceptable Alternative IDs for TSA Checkpoints
If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license, the TSA accepts several alternative forms of identification for domestic air travel. These alternatives provide flexibility for travelers.
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card: Valid U.S. passports and passport cards are always accepted for domestic and international flights
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards are approved for TSA screening
- Military IDs: U.S. Department of Defense identification cards, including dependent IDs, meet TSA requirements
- Enhanced Driver's Licenses: EDLs from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are REAL ID alternatives
- Federally Recognized Tribal IDs: Photo identification issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to ensure compliance with new ID card requirements across different jurisdictions.
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement begins for all domestic flights in the United States - non-compliant licenses no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints
- December 31, 2025: EU identity cards for UK entry must comply with ICAO biometric identification standards
- End of Current Parliament (UK): Digital identity cards become mandatory for Right to Work checks in the United Kingdom
- 2026: All EU member states must provide citizens with digital identity wallets under eIDAS 2.0 regulation
- Ongoing: All U.S. states continue issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses - visit your DMV now to avoid last-minute rushes
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have REAL ID by May 7, 2025?
If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license by May 7, 2025, you will not be allowed to board domestic flights within the United States. However, you can still use alternative acceptable identification such as a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. TSA agents will turn away passengers with non-compliant state-issued licenses who don't have acceptable alternatives.
How Do I Know If My License Is REAL ID Compliant?
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and state IDs display a gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner of the card. If your license doesn't have this star marking, it is not REAL ID compliant. Additionally, some states use different markings, so check your state DMV website for specific identification features.
Will Digital ID Cards Replace Physical Passports?
No, digital identity cards will not replace physical passports for international travel. The UK digital ID scheme is designed primarily for domestic purposes such as employment verification and accessing government services. Physical passports remain the primary document for international travel, and you should ensure your passport photo meets current requirements when renewing.
Can I Use My Passport Instead of Getting REAL ID?
Yes, a valid U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable alternative to REAL ID for domestic air travel. If you already have a passport, you don't need to upgrade your driver's license to REAL ID for flying purposes. However, REAL ID may still be convenient for other federal facility access and everyday identification needs.
Are Digital Identity Cards Secure?
The UK government states that digital identity cards will be stored securely on smartphones with biometric security features including facial recognition. The system is designed to meet ICAO international standards for identity verification. However, privacy advocates have raised concerns about data collection and surveillance implications of mandatory digital identification systems.
What You Need to Know About New ID Requirements
The implementation of REAL ID in the United States and digital identity cards in the UK represents a fundamental shift in how governments verify identity and control access to services. These changes prioritize security and standardization across different jurisdictions. The May 7, 2025 deadline is firm, and TSA has confirmed there will be no further extensions.
Take action now to avoid travel disruptions and compliance issues. If you plan to fly domestically in the United States, visit your state DMV website to schedule a REAL ID appointment or ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for renewal. For UK residents, monitor government announcements about digital ID rollout timelines. Check our comprehensive visa photo specifications to ensure all your identity documents meet current standards for international travel and visa applications.