Major ID Card Requirements Changes in December 2025
ID card requirements are changing dramatically as we close out 2025. The Transportation Security Administration announced a new $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID starting February 1, 2026, while digital ID adoption has expanded to 14 states across the United States.
Additionally, EU citizens with UK settled status face a critical deadline on December 31, 2025, after which only biometric ID cards will be accepted for UK entry. These changes affect millions of travelers and residents worldwide.
New TSA $45 Fee for Non-Compliant ID Cards
The most significant ID card requirements update comes from the TSA, which announced a substantial fee increase for travelers without proper identification.
- Fee Amount: $45 per traveler for identity verification through TSA Confirm.ID system
- Effective Date: February 1, 2026—mark your calendars
- Validity Period: Each $45 payment covers a 10-day travel window
- Processing Time: Identity verification takes 10-30 minutes at checkpoints
- Payment Method: Prepay through Pay.gov website before arriving at the airport
- Important Note: Fee is non-refundable and verification is not guaranteed
This represents a sharp increase from the originally proposed $18 fee. According to TSA officials, higher-than-expected technology and operational costs drove the increase.
Digital ID Expansion: 14 States Now Offering Mobile Driver's Licenses
The good news is that digital identification options have expanded significantly, making ID card requirements easier to meet for many Americans.
- Arizona: Full mobile driver's license support through Apple and Google Wallet
- California: Digital ID accepted at TSA checkpoints statewide
- Colorado: Mobile ID launched with broad acceptance
- Georgia: Pioneer state in digital ID adoption
- Hawaii: Recently added digital ID support
- Illinois: Launched November 18, 2025—largest state to offer mobile IDs
- Iowa: Long-standing mobile driver's license program
- Maryland: Leading digital ID adoption nationwide
- Montana: Added in the past six months
- New Mexico: Digital ID now available
- North Dakota: Recently launched mobile ID
- Ohio: Full mobile driver's license support
- Puerto Rico: Territory-wide digital ID access
- West Virginia: Added in 2025
Apple also introduced Apple Digital ID in November 2025, allowing U.S. passport holders to create digital identification even without a state-issued mobile ID.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Requirements Changes
These updates impact several distinct groups of travelers and residents. Understanding which category applies to you is essential for compliance.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
Approximately 56 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant identification. If you're among them, you must either obtain a REAL ID, use an alternative document like a passport, or prepare to pay the $45 fee starting February 2026.
For EU Citizens with UK Settled Status
If you hold pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), you can use non-biometric national ID cards until December 31, 2025. After this date, only biometric ID cards meeting ICAO standards will be accepted indefinitely. Check your ID for a biometric chip symbol.
For Digital ID Early Adopters
Residents of the 14 participating states can now use mobile driver's licenses at over 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide. However, TSA still recommends carrying a physical ID as backup when traveling.
How to Get REAL ID Compliant: Step-by-Step Guide
Here's how to ensure your identification meets new ID card requirements:
- Check Your Current ID: Look for the gold star in the upper right corner—if present, you're already REAL ID compliant
- Gather Required Documents: You'll need proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of address
- Visit Your State DMV: Schedule an appointment at your local Department of Motor Vehicles
- Pay the Fee: REAL ID fees vary by state, typically $25-40
- Receive Your Card: Most states mail the card within 2-4 weeks
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for ID card requirements compliance:
- May 7, 2025 (Already Passed): REAL ID enforcement began—standard licenses no longer accepted for domestic flights
- December 31, 2025: EU biometric ID card deadline for UK entry with settled status
- January 1, 2026: New ICAO Doc 9303 standards for machine-readable passports take effect
- February 1, 2026: TSA $45 fee for non-compliant travelers begins
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 fee to use TSA Confirm.ID for identity verification. The process takes 10-30 minutes and is not guaranteed to verify your identity. Currently, more than 94% of passengers use compliant identification.
Can I Use My Passport Instead of REAL ID?
Yes, U.S. passports and passport cards remain acceptable alternatives to REAL ID. Other acceptable documents include Global Entry cards, SENTRI cards, military ID, and enhanced driver's licenses from participating states. Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements when renewing.
Is My State ID Card Biometric for UK Travel?
Check your national ID card for a biometric chip symbol (a small rectangle with a circle inside). If absent, your card may not meet ICAO standards required for UK entry after December 31, 2025. Consider using a valid passport as an alternative.
Which Airports Accept Digital IDs?
Over 250 TSA checkpoints across the United States now accept mobile driver's licenses and digital IDs through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet. Major airports like O'Hare, LAX, and JFK all support digital identification.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The ID card requirements landscape continues evolving rapidly. The new $45 TSA fee creates a significant financial incentive to obtain compliant identification. Meanwhile, digital ID options provide convenient alternatives for residents of participating states.
Don't wait until the last minute to verify your identification status. Whether you need a REAL ID, want to set up a mobile driver's license, or require a new passport photo for document renewal, VisaPics can help ensure your photos meet all official government specifications for any document type.