ID Card Requirements Update: What Changed in December 2025
ID card requirements are undergoing significant changes this December 2025, with the TSA announcing a new $45 fee for non-compliant travelers, Apple expanding Digital ID to 14 states, and the EU biometric deadline for UK entry approaching on December 31, 2025. These updates affect millions of travelers in the United States and Europe.
Since REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025, approximately 56 million Americans still lack compliant identification. However, over 94% of air passengers now present acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints.
Key ID Card Requirement Changes for 2025-2026
Here are the most significant updates affecting domestic and international travelers:
- TSA $45 Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without REAL ID can pay $45 for alternative verification through TSA Confirm.ID
- Apple Digital ID: Now available in 14 states, allowing passport-based digital identification at 250+ TSA checkpoints
- EU Biometric Deadline: December 31, 2025 marks the cutoff for non-biometric EU ID cards for UK entry
- Mobile ID Expansion: Virginia and Illinois joined the mobile driver's license program in November 2025
- 10-Day Travel Window: The TSA fee grants access for 10 consecutive days of travel
These changes represent the most substantial updates to ID requirements since REAL ID enforcement began. Travelers should verify their documents meet current standards before booking flights.
Who Is Affected by New ID Card Requirements
The December 2025 ID card requirements updates impact several distinct groups of travelers and residents.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
Anyone flying domestically without a REAL ID-compliant license will face the new $45 TSA fee starting February 2026. The fee covers biometric verification that takes 10-30 minutes at security checkpoints. Payment does not guarantee boarding—travelers whose identities cannot be verified may be turned away.
For EU Citizens in the UK
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme face the December 31, 2025 deadline. After this date, only biometric national ID cards meeting ICAO standards will be accepted for UK entry. Non-compliant cards may result in denied entry.
For Apple Device Users
Residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia can now add driver's licenses to Apple Wallet. Additionally, all U.S. passport holders can create an Apple Digital ID for TSA checkpoints.
How to Get Compliant with ID Card Requirements
Follow these steps to ensure your identification meets current requirements:
- Check Your Current ID: Look for the star symbol (★) on your driver's license indicating REAL ID compliance
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two proofs of address
- Visit Your DMV: Schedule an appointment at your state's driver licensing agency for a REAL ID upgrade
- Consider Alternatives: Obtain a U.S. passport or passport card if DMV wait times are long
- Set Up Digital ID: Download Apple Digital ID if you have a U.S. passport and compatible iPhone
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for ID card requirement compliance:
- December 31, 2025: EU biometric ID card deadline for UK entry under EUSS
- February 1, 2026: TSA $45 fee begins for travelers without acceptable ID
- May 5, 2027: Full federal REAL ID enforcement deadline for all agencies
- Ongoing: Apple Digital ID expanding to additional states including Arkansas and Virginia
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, a biometric verification system. The process takes 10-30 minutes and grants 10-day travel access. However, verification is not guaranteed, and you may be denied boarding if your identity cannot be confirmed.
Can I Use Apple Digital ID Instead of REAL ID?
Yes, Apple Digital ID is accepted at over 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide for domestic travel. You can create one using your U.S. passport regardless of whether your state driver's license is REAL ID-compliant. However, it cannot be used for international travel or border crossings.
What Documents Are Accepted as REAL ID Alternatives?
TSA accepts U.S. passports, passport cards, Global Entry cards, NEXUS, SENTRI, military IDs, and Enhanced Driver's Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. These alternatives provide the same access as REAL ID for domestic flights and federal facilities.
Do I Need a Biometric ID Card for UK Entry?
If you have EU Settlement Scheme status, non-biometric ID cards may not be accepted after December 31, 2025. Check your ID card for a biometric chip symbol—if absent, consider obtaining a passport before traveling to the UK.
What You Need to Know About ID Card Requirements
The December 2025 ID card requirements updates bring significant changes for travelers. With TSA's new $45 fee starting February 2026 and the EU biometric deadline on December 31, 2025, now is the time to verify your documents meet current standards.
Whether you're applying for a REAL ID, setting up Apple Digital ID, or ensuring your passport photo requirements are met for a new passport, taking action before deadlines will save time and money. VisaPics can help ensure your visa application photos meet all official specifications for any document type.
Sources: - [TSA introduces new $45 fee option for travelers without REAL ID](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) - [Apple introduces Digital 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/) - [UK Gov - Visiting the UK as an EU citizen](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen) - [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)