ID Card Requirements Update: What Changed in December 2025
ID card requirements have undergone significant changes this December 2025, with the TSA announcing a new $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification starting February 1, 2026. This marks a dramatic shift in how Americans will navigate airport security checkpoints.
Additionally, digital ID options have expanded to 15 U.S. states through Apple Wallet, while EU citizens with settled status in the UK face a critical December 31, 2025 deadline for biometric ID card compliance. Here's everything you need to know about these updates.
Key ID Card Requirements Changes for 2025-2026
Several major developments affect how travelers and residents must present identification:
- TSA $45 Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, passengers without REAL ID or acceptable alternatives must pay $45 for identity verification through TSA ConfirmID
- Digital ID Expansion: 15 states plus Puerto Rico now support digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet, accepted at 250+ airports
- Apple Digital ID Launch: As of November 12, 2025, U.S. passport holders can create digital identification in Apple Wallet for TSA checkpoints
- EU Biometric Deadline: Non-biometric national ID cards will no longer be accepted for UK entry after December 31, 2025
- REAL ID Enforcement Active: Since May 7, 2025, standard driver's licenses without the star symbol are rejected at TSA checkpoints
These changes represent the most significant overhaul of identification requirements in years. Currently, more than 94% of travelers already use compliant identification, but approximately 56 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant documents.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Changes
The new ID card requirements impact several distinct groups of travelers and residents.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
If your driver's license lacks the gold star in the upper right corner, you'll need alternative identification at TSA checkpoints. Starting February 2026, arriving without acceptable ID means paying a $45 non-refundable fee with no guarantee of checkpoint clearance. The verification process takes 10-30 minutes.
For EU Citizens with UK Settled Status
Check your national ID card for the biometric chip symbol—a small rectangle with a circle inside. Without this symbol, your ID card won't be accepted for UK entry after December 31, 2025. Switch to using your passport for travel instead.
For Digital-First Travelers
Residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Virginia, and West Virginia can now add their driver's license to Apple Wallet. This digital ID works at over 250 U.S. airports.
How to Get a REAL ID - Step by Step
Follow these steps to obtain your REAL ID-compliant identification:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), Social Security number, and two proofs of current address
- Schedule a DMV Appointment: Most states require appointments for REAL ID applications—book online through your state's DMV website
- Complete Application: Fill out the REAL ID application form, either online or at your appointment
- Visit the DMV: Bring all original documents (not photocopies) to your scheduled appointment
- Pay the Fee: Costs vary by state, typically ranging from $30-$65 depending on your location
- Receive Your Card: Your REAL ID card with the gold star will arrive by mail within 2-4 weeks
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for ID card requirements compliance:
- May 7, 2025 (Passed): REAL ID enforcement began—non-compliant licenses no longer accepted at airports
- November 12, 2025: Apple Digital ID launched, allowing passport-based identification in Apple Wallet
- December 31, 2025: EU citizens with UK settled status must have biometric ID cards or use passports
- December 31, 2025: U.S. Department of State ends grace period for non-compliant passport photos
- February 1, 2026: TSA implements $45 fee for travelers without acceptable identification
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have a REAL ID at the Airport?
Without REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, you'll face additional screening at TSA checkpoints. Starting February 1, 2026, you must pay a $45 non-refundable fee to use the TSA ConfirmID system. The verification process takes 10-30 minutes, and clearance is not guaranteed.
What Are Acceptable Alternatives to REAL ID?
TSA accepts several alternatives including U.S. passports, passport cards, military IDs, Global Entry cards, NEXUS, SENTRI, and Enhanced Driver's Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. Digital IDs through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet are also accepted at participating airports.
How Do I Add My ID to Apple Wallet?
If you live in a participating state, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the + button, and select "Driver's License or State ID." Follow the prompts to scan your physical ID and verify your identity. If your state doesn't participate, you can use your U.S. passport to create a Digital ID instead.
Do EU Citizens Need a Biometric ID for UK Travel?
EU citizens with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme can use non-biometric national ID cards until December 31, 2025. After this date, only biometric ID cards meeting ICAO standards will be accepted. If your ID lacks a biometric chip, you must use your passport for UK entry.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The ID card requirements landscape has fundamentally changed in December 2025. With REAL ID enforcement now active and the $45 TSA fee launching February 2026, travelers without compliant identification face significant inconvenience and costs. Meanwhile, EU citizens must act before the December 31 biometric deadline.
Take action now to ensure your identification meets current requirements. Whether you're getting a REAL ID, adding your license to Apple Wallet, or checking your EU ID card for a biometric chip, proper preparation prevents travel disruptions. For those updating their documents, remember that your passport photo requirements have also changed—AI-edited images face rejection starting January 2026. Visit VisaPics to ensure your identification photos meet all official specifications.