Major ID Card Requirements Changes Take Effect This Month
ID card requirements are undergoing significant changes in December 2025, with critical deadlines affecting millions of travelers in the United States and Europe. The Transportation Security Administration has announced a new $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification, while EU citizens face a December 31 deadline for biometric ID cards to enter the UK.
These changes come after REAL ID enforcement officially began on May 7, 2025, requiring all domestic air travelers 18 and older to present compliant identification. Additionally, digital ID options continue expanding, with 14 states now supporting mobile driver's licenses in Apple Wallet.
Key ID Card Changes for December 2025
Here are the most important updates affecting travelers and document holders this month:
- TSA $45 Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without acceptable ID can pay $45 for biometric verification via TSA Confirm.ID
- EU Biometric Deadline: Non-biometric EU national ID cards will no longer be accepted for UK entry after December 31, 2025
- Digital ID Expansion: 14 states now offer mobile driver's licenses through Apple Wallet, with more states committing for 2026
- Apple Digital ID: U.S. passport holders can now create digital identification in Apple Wallet, accepted at 250+ airports
- 56 Million Affected: Approximately 56 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant identification
However, the good news is that over 94% of passengers already use compliant identification. For those who don't, understanding these new requirements is essential before your next flight or international trip.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Changes
These ID card requirements impact several distinct groups of travelers and residents. Understanding which category applies to you will help you prepare accordingly.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
If your driver's license doesn't display the star symbol (★) in the upper corner, you'll need to upgrade to a REAL ID or use an alternative document. Starting February 2026, the only other option is paying the $45 TSA Confirm.ID fee, which provides 10-day travel access but doesn't guarantee successful verification.
For EU Citizens with UK Settled Status
If you hold pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you must ensure your national ID card has a biometric chip by December 31, 2025. Look for the chip symbol—a small rectangle with a circle inside—on your card. Biometric cards will be accepted indefinitely, while non-biometric cards face restrictions after this deadline.
For International Travelers
A valid U.S. passport remains the simplest solution for both domestic and international travel. Passports are accepted at all TSA checkpoints and are not subject to REAL ID requirements. If you need a passport photo, ensure it meets current specifications before applying.
How to Check Your ID Compliance – Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your identification meets current requirements:
- Check for the Star: Look at the top right corner of your driver's license—a gold or black star indicates REAL ID compliance
- Verify Issue Date: Cards issued after your state's REAL ID compliance date typically include the star marking
- Check Expiration: Even compliant IDs must be valid (not expired) to be accepted at checkpoints
- Review Alternatives: Passports, passport cards, military IDs, and Enhanced Driver's Licenses are all acceptable alternatives
- Schedule DMV Appointment: If you need to upgrade, book an appointment early—wait times increase near deadlines
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical ID card requirement deadlines on your calendar:
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement began—non-compliant IDs no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints
- November 12, 2025: Apple Digital ID launched, available at 250+ U.S. airports
- November 18, 2025: Illinois became the 14th state to offer mobile driver's licenses
- December 31, 2025: EU citizens need biometric ID cards for UK entry under EUSS
- February 1, 2026: TSA's $45 alternative verification fee takes effect
- May 5, 2027: Full REAL ID enforcement deadline for all federal agencies
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have a REAL ID?
You can still fly domestically by using alternative documents such as a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or Enhanced Driver's License. Starting February 2026, TSA will also offer a $45 biometric verification option through TSA Confirm.ID, providing 10-day checkpoint access.
Is a Passport Better Than Getting a REAL ID?
For frequent travelers, a passport offers more flexibility—it works for both domestic and international travel and never requires REAL ID compliance. However, REAL ID-compliant licenses are free to upgrade in most states and more convenient for daily use. Consider your travel frequency when deciding.
Can I Use Digital ID Instead of Physical ID?
Digital IDs in Apple Wallet are accepted at participating TSA checkpoints across 250+ airports for domestic travel. However, they cannot replace physical passports for international travel or border crossings. Currently, 14 states support mobile driver's licenses: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia.
What Documents Do I Need to Get a REAL ID?
At minimum, you must provide: proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of current address, and proof of lawful status. Bring original documents—photocopies are not accepted. Check your state's DMV website for specific requirements, as some states require additional documentation.
What You Need to Know Now
The ID card requirements landscape is shifting significantly in December 2025 and early 2026. Whether you're a domestic traveler facing the new TSA fee, an EU citizen needing biometric ID for UK entry, or someone exploring digital ID options, taking action now will prevent travel disruptions later.
Before your next trip, verify your identification meets current requirements and consider upgrading if necessary. If you need to renew your passport or obtain new identification documents, ensure your passport photo meets official specifications—VisaPics provides compliant photos for over 950 document types across 170+ countries. Don't wait until the February 2026 deadline approaches to address your ID compliance needs.
Sources: - [TSA introduces new $45 fee option](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/12/01/tsa-introduces-new-45-fee-option-for-travelers-without-real-id) - [TSA REAL ID Information](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id) - [NPR: Travelers without REAL ID charged fee](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/02/g-s1-100045/travelers-without-real-id-charged-fee) - [Apple Digital ID Announcement](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/apple-introduces-digital-id-a-new-way-to-create-and-present-an-id-in-apple-wallet/) - [Illinois Mobile ID Launch](https://www.ilsos.gov/news/2025/november-18-2025-the-day-is-finally-here-giannoulias-launches-mobile-id.html) - [UK Government: Visiting as EU citizen](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen)