ID Card Requirements Update: What's Changing in December 2025
ID card requirements are undergoing major changes this December 2025, with the TSA announcing a new $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID starting February 1, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that approximately 56 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant identification.
Additionally, EU citizens with UK settled status face a critical December 31, 2025 deadline to obtain biometric ID cards, while digital driver's licenses continue expanding across U.S. states. These updates affect millions of travelers and residents worldwide.
Key ID Card Requirement Changes for 2025-2026
Here are the most significant ID card requirement updates you need to know about right now:
- $45 TSA Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without REAL ID will pay a non-refundable $45 fee for alternative verification
- Digital ID Expansion: 14 states now support mobile driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, with more launching soon
- EU Biometric Deadline: December 31, 2025 is the final date for non-biometric EU ID cards for UK entry
- 94% Compliance Rate: DHS reports 94% of air passengers already have REAL ID-compliant identification
- 10-Day Access: The new TSA fee grants only 10 days of checkpoint access per payment
These changes represent the most significant shift in ID card requirements since REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025. Travelers who haven't upgraded their identification should take immediate action.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Changes
Multiple groups of travelers and residents face different requirements depending on their location and immigration status.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
If you're flying domestically and your driver's license lacks the REAL ID star symbol, you'll face the new $45 fee starting February 2026. However, you can avoid this entirely by using a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or permanent resident card as alternatives.
For EU Citizens in the UK
If you hold pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, your national ID card must be biometric (ICAO-compliant) after December 31, 2025. Check your ID card for a biometric chip symbol—if it's missing, you'll need a valid passport for UK entry.
For Mobile ID Users
Residents in the 14 participating states can now use digital driver's licenses at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports. Illinois became the largest state to offer mobile IDs through Apple Wallet on November 18, 2025, giving residents a convenient alternative to physical cards.
How to Get REAL ID Compliant - Step by Step
Follow these steps to obtain your REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID:
- Gather Required Documents: Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number, and two proofs of residency
- Visit Your State DMV Website: Check specific requirements as they vary slightly by state
- Schedule an Appointment: Many states require appointments for REAL ID applications to reduce wait times
- Bring Original Documents: Photocopies are not accepted—you must present original or certified documents
- Pay the Fee: Standard driver's license fees apply, typically $25-$50 depending on your state
- Receive Your New ID: Look for the star symbol in the upper corner confirming REAL ID compliance
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for ID card requirement changes:
- December 31, 2025: EU non-biometric ID cards no longer accepted for UK entry
- February 1, 2026: TSA $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID takes effect
- May 5, 2027: Complete REAL ID enforcement phase ends—no more flexibility
- 2029: UK's mandatory digital ID scheme (BritCard) planned for implementation
States with Digital Driver's License Support
These 14 states currently support mobile driver's licenses in Apple Wallet at TSA checkpoints:
- Western States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico
- Midwestern States: Illinois, Iowa, North Dakota, Ohio
- Eastern States: Georgia, Maryland, West Virginia
- Territory: Puerto Rico
More states are expected to launch digital ID programs throughout 2025 and 2026, with experts predicting 50% of U.S. states will have live mobile driver's license programs soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have REAL ID at the Airport?
Starting February 1, 2026, you'll need to pay a $45 non-refundable fee through TSA's Confirm.ID system. This verification grants 10-day checkpoint access. You can pay online before arriving or at the airport, though airport payments take up to 30 minutes to process.
Can I Use My Passport Instead of REAL ID?
Yes, valid U.S. passports are always accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. Other alternatives include military IDs, permanent resident cards, and photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations. If your passport photo needs updating, services like VisaPics can help ensure it meets current requirements.
What Is an ICAO-Compliant Biometric ID Card?
ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards contain an electronic chip storing your facial image and fingerprints. Look for a small rectangular chip symbol on your ID card. EU member states issue these cards under the EU's 2019 regulation on strengthening security standards.
Are Digital Driver's Licenses as Valid as Physical Cards?
Digital driver's licenses carry the same legal validity as physical cards. They're accepted at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports and by many retailers for age verification. However, experts recommend carrying a physical backup ID when traveling.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The December 2025 ID card requirements updates bring significant changes that affect millions of travelers. The $45 TSA fee starting February 2026 makes upgrading to REAL ID more urgent than ever, while EU citizens must secure biometric ID cards before the December 31 deadline for continued UK access.
Take action now to avoid travel disruptions: upgrade to REAL ID at your local DMV, check if your state supports digital driver's licenses, and ensure your passport photo requirements are current. Whether you need a new passport photo or visa application documentation, proper ID preparation prevents costly delays at the airport.
Sources: - [NPR: U.S. air travelers without REAL IDs will be charged a $45 fee](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/02/g-s1-100045/travelers-without-real-id-charged-fee) - [TSA: REAL ID Information](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id) - [UK Government: Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen) - [TSA: Participating States and Eligible Digital IDs](https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id/participating-states) - [Chicago Tribune: Illinois launching digital driver's licenses](https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/18/illinois-mobile-drivers-licenses-announced/)