ID Card Requirements Update: Major Changes for December 2025
ID card requirements are changing significantly as we close out 2025. The TSA has announced a $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID starting February 1, 2026, while the UK's biometric ID deadline for EU citizens arrives on December 31, 2025.
These changes affect millions of travelers worldwide. Approximately 56 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant identification, while countless EU citizens face potential travel disruptions if their ID cards don't meet biometric standards.
Key ID Card Requirements Changes December 2025
Here are the most significant updates affecting travelers this month and into early 2026:
- TSA $45 Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without REAL ID pay $45 for identity verification through TSA's Confirm.ID system
- UK Biometric Deadline: EU/EEA citizens with settled status must use biometric ID cards after December 31, 2025, or travel with passports
- Digital ID Expansion: 15 states plus Puerto Rico now support mobile driver's licenses in Apple Wallet
- 94% Compliance Rate: The vast majority of US travelers already present acceptable identification at TSA checkpoints
- 10-Day Travel Window: The new TSA fee covers identity verification for a 10-day period, not a single trip
TSA Senior Official Adam Stahl stated: "Identity verification is essential to traveler safety. This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer."
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Changes
Different groups face varying impacts from these ID card requirements updates. Understanding which rules apply to you is essential for smooth travel.
For US Domestic Travelers
All passengers 18 and older must present REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives at TSA checkpoints. Look for the star symbol (★) on your driver's license to confirm compliance. Even TSA PreCheck members are not exempt from this requirement.
For EU Citizens Traveling to the UK
If you hold pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, check your national ID card for the biometric chip symbol—a small rectangle with a circle inside. Non-biometric ID cards will be rejected at UK borders after December 31, 2025.
For Digital ID Early Adopters
Residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and West Virginia can now use mobile IDs in Apple Wallet at over 250 US airports. Virginia offers a dedicated Mobile ID app as an alternative.
How to Check Your ID Card Compliance - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your identification meets current requirements:
- Check for the REAL ID star: Look at the upper portion of your driver's license for the star symbol (★) indicating REAL ID compliance
- Verify biometric chip (UK travelers): Find the small rectangle with a circle inside on your EU national ID card confirming biometric capability
- Schedule a DMV appointment: If your license isn't compliant, visit your state's DMV website to schedule an upgrade appointment
- Gather required documents: Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of current address to your DMV appointment
- Consider alternatives: US passports, passport cards, and Enhanced Driver's Licenses (from WA, MI, MN, NY, VT) remain acceptable alternatives
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to avoid travel disruptions:
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement began at all TSA checkpoints nationwide
- November 12, 2025: Apple Digital ID launched, allowing US passport holders to create digital identification in Apple Wallet
- December 31, 2025: UK biometric ID card requirement takes effect for EU citizens with settled status
- February 1, 2026: TSA begins charging $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID or acceptable alternatives
- 2029 (Planned): UK mandatory digital ID scheme ("BritCard") expected to launch
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have REAL ID at the Airport?
Starting February 1, 2026, you can pay a $45 nonrefundable fee for TSA's Confirm.ID verification process. This grants a 10-day travel window. TSA recommends paying online before traveling, as the process can take up to 30 minutes. Payment does not guarantee verification—travelers whose identities cannot be confirmed may be denied boarding.
Can I Still Use My Non-Biometric EU ID Card in the UK?
After December 31, 2025, non-biometric EU national ID cards will not be accepted for UK entry, even if you have settled or pre-settled status. You must either obtain a biometric ID card from your home country or travel with your passport instead.
What Are Acceptable Alternatives to REAL ID?
Acceptable alternatives include: US Passport or Passport Card, DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), active duty US military ID, and Enhanced Driver's Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont. Digital IDs in Apple Wallet are also accepted at participating airports.
How Do I Know If My State Offers Digital ID?
Currently, 15 states support mobile IDs: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia (via dedicated app). Puerto Rico also participates. Check your state's DMV website for enrollment instructions and expansion updates.
What You Need to Know About ID Card Requirements
The ID card requirements landscape continues evolving rapidly. With 56 million Americans still lacking REAL ID compliance and the UK's biometric deadline approaching, now is the time to verify your documentation status. The new TSA fee represents both a safety net for unprepared travelers and an incentive to obtain compliant identification.
Before your next trip, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements and verify your ID card compliance. Whether upgrading to REAL ID, checking your EU card's biometric status, or exploring digital ID options in your state, taking action now prevents costly delays at security checkpoints. For international travel, always confirm your visa application documents and photo specifications meet destination country standards.
Sources: - [TSA introduces new $45 fee option for travelers without REAL ID starting February 1](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/12/01/tsa-introduces-new-45-fee-option-for-travelers-without-real-id) - [REAL ID | Transportation Security Administration](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id) - [REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions | TSA](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs) - [the3million | FAQ on EU national identity cards for UK entry](https://the3million.org.uk/faq/euss-travel-id) - [Illinois Secretary of State: Mobile ID Launch](https://www.ilsos.gov/news/2025/november-18-2025-the-day-is-finally-here-giannoulias-launches-mobile-id.html) - [U.S. air travelers without REAL IDs will be charged a $45 fee | NPR](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/02/g-s1-100045/travelers-without-real-id-charged-fee) - [TSA to charge $45 fee to any passenger without proper ID | CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-charging-45-without-real-id-february-passport/)