ID Card Requirements Update December 2025
ID card requirements have undergone significant changes in late 2025, affecting millions of travelers across the United States and Europe. From REAL ID enforcement to the launch of Digital IDs and new EU biometric rules, understanding these updates is essential for seamless travel.
Whether you're planning domestic flights, international travel, or need to access federal facilities, the identification landscape has transformed. Here's everything you need to know about the latest ID card requirements as we head into 2026.
Key ID Card Requirements Changes in 2025
Several major developments have reshaped how Americans and international travelers present identification at airports and borders.
- REAL ID Enforcement: TSA began full enforcement on May 7, 2025—standard driver's licenses without the star symbol are no longer accepted for domestic flights
- Apple Digital ID Launch: Launched November 12, 2025, allowing U.S. passport holders to create digital identification in Apple Wallet
- 14 States Support Mobile IDs: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia now support driver's licenses in Apple Wallet
- TSA Proposed $18 Fee: Travelers without compliant IDs may face an $18 verification fee under a proposed TSA rule
- EU Biometric ID Deadline: By December 31, 2025, EU citizens with UK settled status must have ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards for UK entry
The Department of Homeland Security estimates that approximately 56 million Americans still do not have REAL ID-compliant identification as of November 2025. This gap prompted TSA to develop alternative verification systems.
Who Is Affected by New ID Card Requirements
These changes impact different groups in specific ways. Understanding which rules apply to you will help avoid travel disruptions.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
All passengers 18 and older must present REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives at TSA checkpoints. Even TSA PreCheck members are not exempt from this requirement. Look for the star symbol (★) on your driver's license to confirm compliance.
For EU Citizens Traveling to the UK
If you have 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. Consider obtaining a passport if your card lacks a biometric chip symbol.
For International Travelers to Europe
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launched October 12, 2025, requiring biometric data from non-EU nationals. Fingerprints and facial photos will be collected on first entry. Your digital EES record remains valid for 3 years for subsequent visits.
How to Get a REAL ID - Step by Step
If you haven't obtained your REAL ID yet, here's the process for most states:
- Gather Identity Proof: Obtain your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card
- Collect Social Security Documentation: Bring your Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub showing your full SSN
- Prepare Residency Proof: Gather two documents showing your address—utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, or mortgage statements
- Visit Your DMV: Schedule an appointment at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles with all required documents
- Receive Your REAL ID: Once processed, your new license will feature a star symbol (★) indicating compliance
Digital ID Options Now Available
Apple's Digital ID and state mobile ID programs offer convenient alternatives for travelers. These digital credentials work at TSA checkpoints nationwide.
Apple Digital ID Features
Launched November 12, 2025, Apple's Digital ID allows U.S. passport holders to create identification in Apple Wallet. At TSA checkpoints, simply double-click your iPhone's side button and hold it near the identity reader. Face ID or Touch ID confirms your identity without agents handling your device.
State Mobile Driver's Licenses
Illinois became the 14th state to support mobile IDs on November 18, 2025. Digital IDs are more secure than physical cards because they cannot be counterfeited and only share necessary information with TSA—nothing more.
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to ensure your identification remains valid for travel:
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement began—non-compliant IDs no longer accepted at TSA
- November 12, 2025: Apple Digital ID launched at 250+ U.S. airports
- December 31, 2025: EU citizens need biometric ID cards for UK entry under EUSS
- Early 2026: TSA expected to finalize $18 alternative verification fee
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System must be fully operational across all Schengen borders
Frequently Asked Questions
What If I Don't Have a REAL ID Yet?
You can still fly with acceptable alternatives such as a U.S. passport, passport card, Global Entry card, SENTRI card, or active-duty military ID. Enhanced Driver's Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also accepted. Without these, you may face additional screening and potential fees.
Can I Use Digital ID for International Travel?
No. Apple's Digital ID and state mobile IDs work only for domestic TSA checkpoints. For international travel, you still need a physical U.S. passport. REAL ID cards also cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico, or international cruise travel.
How Do I Know If My ID Card Is Biometric?
Look for a biometric chip symbol on your ID card—a small rectangle with a circle inside. This indicates your card contains an electronic chip storing your biometric data and meets ICAO international standards. If this symbol is absent, your card may not meet new UK requirements after December 31, 2025.
What You Need to Know
The ID card requirements landscape has changed dramatically in 2025. REAL ID enforcement is fully active, digital alternatives are expanding rapidly, and international biometric standards are becoming mandatory. Don't wait until you're at the airport to discover your identification doesn't meet current requirements.
Before your next trip, verify that your passport photo meets requirements and that your identification is compliant. Whether applying for a REAL ID, downloading your state's mobile ID, or ensuring your EU card has biometric features, taking action now prevents travel disruptions later. For international travel and visa applications, always confirm your passport is valid and photos meet official specifications.
Sources: - [TSA REAL ID Information](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id) - [TSA REAL ID FAQs](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs) - [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/) - [Fox News - TSA $18 Fee Proposal](https://www.foxnews.com/travel/new-tsa-policy-charges-passengers-who-do-not-have-acceptable-ids-checkpoints) - [UK Government - EU/EEA Visitors Guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen) - [EU Entry/Exit System Official Page](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees)