Major ID Card Requirements Updates for 2025-2026
ID card requirements are changing significantly across the United States and Europe as we enter 2026. The TSA announced a new $45 Confirm.ID fee for travelers without REAL ID starting February 1, 2026, while EU citizens must switch to biometric ID cards for UK entry by December 31, 2025.
Additionally, new travel restrictions affecting green card holders took effect on December 26, 2025, requiring mandatory biometric collection at all U.S. entry and exit points. These changes impact millions of travelers who need to verify their identification documents meet current standards.
Key ID Card Requirement Changes You Need to Know
Here are the most significant updates affecting travelers in 2025 and 2026:
- TSA $45 Confirm.ID Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without REAL ID must pay $45 for identity verification covering a 10-day travel window
- EU Biometric ID Deadline: Non-biometric EU national ID cards will no longer be accepted for UK entry after December 31, 2025
- Green Card Biometric Tracking: All non-U.S. citizens, including permanent residents, now face mandatory photography at every border crossing
- Digital ID Expansion: 15 U.S. states now accept digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet at over 250 airports
- REAL ID Enforcement: Standard driver's licenses without the star symbol are no longer accepted for domestic flights since May 7, 2025
These updates represent the largest overhaul of ID card requirements in recent years. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security estimates approximately 56 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant identification.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Changes
The new ID card requirements impact several distinct groups of travelers with different compliance deadlines and documentation needs.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
If your driver's license lacks the REAL ID star symbol, you must either obtain a compliant ID or prepare to pay the $45 Confirm.ID fee. Currently, over 94% of passengers already use acceptable identification, but millions remain non-compliant. Check your passport photo requirements before visiting the DMV.
For EU Citizens Traveling to the UK
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme can use biometric ID cards indefinitely after December 31, 2025. However, those with non-biometric cards must travel with a valid passport instead. Look for the small rectangle with a circle symbol indicating a biometric chip on your card.
For Green Card Holders
All lawful permanent residents now face enhanced scrutiny at borders, including mandatory photography at every entry and exit point. Citizens from 19 flagged countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba face additional intensive reviews of their green card status.
How to Verify Your ID Meets New Requirements
Follow these steps to ensure your identification documents are compliant with current standards:
- Check for REAL ID Star: Look at the top corner of your driver's license for a star symbol indicating REAL ID compliance
- Verify Biometric Chip (EU IDs): Find the small rectangle with a circle inside on your national ID card—this indicates biometric capability
- Gather Required Documents: For REAL ID applications, prepare your birth certificate, Social Security card, and two proofs of address
- Visit Your Local DMV: Schedule an appointment to apply for REAL ID if needed, as processing times vary by state
- Consider Alternatives: U.S. passports, passport cards, and military IDs remain acceptable alternatives that don't require REAL ID
- Download Digital ID: If you live in one of the 15 participating states, add your license to Apple Wallet for TSA-accepted digital verification
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for ID card requirement compliance:
- December 26, 2025: New biometric tracking requirements for green card holders take effect immediately
- December 31, 2025: EU non-biometric ID cards no longer accepted for UK entry
- February 1, 2026: TSA begins charging $45 Confirm.ID fee at all U.S. airports
- May 5, 2027: Federal agencies must achieve full REAL ID enforcement across all official purposes
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have REAL ID at the Airport?
Starting February 1, 2026, you can pay a $45 non-refundable fee to use TSA's Confirm.ID verification system. This requires answering security questions and may add 10-30 minutes to your screening time. The fee covers a 10-day travel window, after which you must pay again.
Can I Still Use My EU National ID Card to Enter the UK?
After December 31, 2025, only biometric ID cards meeting ICAO standards are accepted. If your card lacks the biometric chip symbol, you must travel with a valid passport. Since April 2, 2025, all EU citizens also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for UK visits.
Do Green Card Holders Need to Do Anything Different Now?
Yes. All permanent residents must now undergo biometric collection including photography at every U.S. entry and exit point. Maintain current documentation, expect longer processing times at borders, and consider consulting an immigration attorney if you hold citizenship from one of the 19 flagged countries.
What Digital ID Options Are Currently Available?
Apple Digital ID launched November 12, 2025, allowing passport holders in 15 states to add their license to Apple Wallet. Participating states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide.
What You Need to Know Now
The most urgent action item is checking your current ID card compliance before traveling. For domestic U.S. flights, verify your license has the REAL ID star or prepare to use acceptable alternatives like a passport. EU travelers to the UK should confirm their ID cards have biometric chips or plan to use passports after December 31, 2025.
Before applying for new identification, ensure your passport photo meets requirements and all supporting documents are current. VisaPics can help you prepare compliant photos for REAL ID applications, passport renewals, and visa applications. Whether you need a digital photo or printed copies, having the correct specifications saves time and prevents delays at the DMV or passport office.