Major ID Card Requirements Now in Effect Across the United States
ID card requirements underwent significant changes in 2025, with the most impactful being REAL ID enforcement that began on May 7, 2025. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now requires all airline passengers 18 years and older to present REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives like a passport at security checkpoints. These changes affect over 240 million domestic travelers annually.
Additionally, 14 states launched digital ID capabilities through Apple Wallet in November 2025, revolutionizing how Americans carry and present identification. The TSA also proposed a new $18 verification fee for travelers without compliant IDs, marking the most comprehensive ID card requirements overhaul in two decades.
REAL ID Enforcement: What Changed on May 7, 2025
The REAL ID Act compliance deadline arrived after multiple postponements. Here's what you need to know:
- Enforcement Date: May 7, 2025 marked full REAL ID enforcement at all TSA checkpoints nationwide
- Compliance Requirement: Standard driver's licenses and state ID cards without the REAL ID star symbol are no longer accepted for domestic flights
- TSA PreCheck Impact: Even TSA PreCheck members must present REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives
- Alternative IDs: U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, Global Entry card, and SENTRI card remain acceptable
- State Compliance: All 50 states now issue REAL ID-compliant licenses, though millions of Americans still carry non-compliant versions
The Department of Homeland Security estimates that approximately 56 million Americans still do not have REAL ID-compliant identification as of November 2025. This gap prompted the TSA to develop an alternative verification system to prevent travel disruptions.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Requirements
The new identification requirements impact multiple traveler categories differently. Understanding your specific situation helps ensure smooth travel experiences.
For Domestic Air Travelers
All passengers 18 and older flying within the United States must show REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives at TSA checkpoints. Travelers without compliant IDs face additional screening and potential $18 verification fees under the proposed TSA rule. Plan to upgrade your license before your next flight to avoid delays.
For International Travelers
International travelers should continue carrying passports, which remain the gold standard for identification worldwide. U.S. passport holders can now add Digital ID to Apple Wallet for domestic TSA checkpoint use, though physical passports are still required for international border crossings. Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for hassle-free processing.
For Frequent Business Travelers
Business travelers benefit most from Digital ID adoption, with over 250 airports now supporting Apple Wallet presentation at TSA checkpoints. The digital option provides faster processing times and eliminates concerns about forgotten or expired physical IDs. However, maintaining a REAL ID-compliant backup remains essential for system outages or technical issues.
How to Get REAL ID-Compliant Identification - Step by Step
Obtaining REAL ID-compliant identification requires specific documentation and an in-person visit to your state's motor vehicle department.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number documentation, and two proofs of residency (utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements)
- Schedule DMV Appointment: Book an appointment online with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to avoid long wait times - most states now offer online scheduling systems
- Complete Application Forms: Fill out your state's REAL ID application form online or at the DMV location, indicating you want REAL ID compliance
- Provide Biometric Information: Submit to digital photo capture and fingerprinting at the DMV office - many states now use advanced biometric scanning technology
- Pay Required Fees: REAL ID fees range from $30-$80 depending on your state, with most issuing compliant licenses within 2-3 weeks via mail
Digital ID Revolution: 14 States Now Support Apple Wallet
Apple launched Digital ID on November 12, 2025, transforming smartphone-based identification capabilities. This innovation allows U.S. passport holders to create digital identification using their iPhone or Apple Watch.
The following states currently support driver's license or state ID in Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia. Arkansas and Virginia committed to adding support soon, with specific launch dates expected in early 2026.
Illinois became the latest state to launch mobile ID capabilities on November 18, 2025, with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announcing secure integration with Apple Wallet. The digital format provides enhanced security features including biometric authentication and encrypted data transmission that exceed traditional physical ID security measures.
Important Dates and Timeline for ID Card Requirements
Mark these critical dates to ensure compliance with new identification requirements:
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement began at all TSA checkpoints - non-compliant IDs no longer accepted for domestic flights
- November 12, 2025: Apple launched Digital ID feature allowing U.S. passport holders to create digital identification in Apple Wallet
- November 18, 2025: Illinois became the 14th state to support driver's licenses in Apple Wallet for TSA checkpoint use
- December 31, 2025: UK requires EU/EEA citizens with settled status to have ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards for entry
- Early 2026: TSA expected to finalize proposed $18 alternative verification fee for travelers without REAL ID or acceptable alternatives
- 2029: UK plans to implement mandatory digital ID cards (BritCard system) for all residents living and working in the United Kingdom
New TSA Alternative Verification Fee: What You Need to Know
The TSA proposed a groundbreaking $18 fee for travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives. This nonrefundable fee grants 10-day checkpoint access using biometric verification technology.
The alternative verification system uses biographic and biometric information to confirm identity, replacing the previous manual verification process that caused significant delays. Revenue from these fees will fund advanced facial recognition systems and database integration for enhanced security screening capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About ID Card Requirements
What Happens If I Show Up to the Airport Without REAL ID?
TSA offers alternative verification through acceptable IDs like passports, military IDs, or Global Entry cards. If you lack any acceptable ID, you may face additional screening and potentially the proposed $18 verification fee once implemented. TSA recommends arriving at least 2 hours early for domestic flights if you need alternative verification to avoid missing your flight.
Can I Use My Digital ID in Apple Wallet for International Travel?
No, Digital ID in Apple Wallet currently works only at domestic TSA checkpoints in participating airports and select states for age verification. Physical passports remain mandatory for all international travel and border crossings. The digital format serves as a convenient backup for domestic travel but does not replace traditional passport requirements for leaving or entering the United States.
How Long Does REAL ID Remain Valid?
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses follow your state's standard renewal cycle, typically 4-8 years depending on location. The REAL ID star symbol appears on compliant licenses, and the expiration date applies to both driving privileges and TSA checkpoint acceptance. Check your license expiration date regularly and ensure your passport photo meets current standards when renewing any identification documents.
Do Children Need REAL ID for Domestic Flights?
Children under 18 traveling with adults do not need to show identification for domestic flights. However, TSA recommends carrying proof of relationship (birth certificate or custody documents) when traveling with minors to avoid questioning. Unaccompanied minors following airline-specific programs should carry school IDs or other photo identification as requested by the carrier.
What You Need to Know About ID Card Requirements in 2025
The landscape of identification requirements transformed dramatically in 2025 with REAL ID enforcement, digital ID expansion, and proposed verification fees. If you fly domestically more than once per year, upgrading to REAL ID-compliant identification should be your top priority to avoid travel disruptions and potential fees. The one-time investment of 1-2 hours at the DMV saves significant hassle at airport security checkpoints.
For tech-savvy travelers in supported states, Digital ID in Apple Wallet offers unparalleled convenience while maintaining security standards that meet TSA requirements. Additionally, ensure your passport photo meets official specifications before applying for new travel documents, as photo rejection remains a leading cause of processing delays. Visit VisaPics to verify your identification photos comply with current regulations and avoid costly resubmissions that delay your travel plans.
--- **Sources:** - [TSA publishes final rule on REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/01/13/tsa-publishes-final-rule-real-id-enforcement-beginning-may-7-2025) - [Apple introduces Digital ID, a new way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/apple-introduces-digital-id-a-new-way-to-create-and-present-an-id-in-apple-wallet/) - [Illinois Secretary of State Launches Mobile ID](https://www.ilsos.gov/news/2025/november-18-2025-the-day-is-finally-here-giannoulias-launches-mobile-id.html) - [Here Are All the States That Support Digital Driver's Licenses in the iPhone Wallet App](https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/19/wallet-app-drivers-licenses-all-states/) - [Passengers without Real ID will be angry about proposed TSA fee](https://www.thestreet.com/travel/passengers-without-real-id-will-be-angry-about-proposed-tsa-fee)