Major ID Card Requirements Changes in December 2025
ID card requirements are undergoing significant changes this month, affecting millions of travelers in the United States and internationally. From the TSA's new $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID to mandatory biometric screening for green card holders, these updates demand immediate attention from anyone planning to travel in 2026.
The Department of Homeland Security estimates that approximately 56 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant identification. Meanwhile, new digital ID options and stricter biometric rules are reshaping how travelers verify their identity at airports and borders worldwide.
Key ID Card Updates You Need to Know
Here are the most important changes affecting travelers this month:
- TSA $45 Confirm.ID Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without acceptable ID must pay $45 for identity verification
- Apple Digital ID Launch: U.S. passport holders can now create digital identification in Apple Wallet, accepted at 250+ airports
- Green Card Biometric Screening: As of December 26, 2025, all green card holders face mandatory photography at every border crossing
- UK Biometric ID Deadline: Non-biometric EU ID cards will no longer be accepted for UK entry after December 31, 2025
- Digital IDs in 15 States: Mobile driver's licenses now accepted at TSA checkpoints in Arizona, California, Colorado, and 12 other states
These changes reflect a broader shift toward digital and biometric identification systems. Additionally, travelers should ensure their passport photo requirements are met before applying for new identification documents.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Changes
The new ID card requirements impact different groups in distinct ways. Understanding your specific situation is crucial for avoiding travel delays.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers Without REAL ID
If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold or black star), you'll need to pay $45 or bring an alternative ID like a passport. The TSA reports that over 94% of travelers already use compliant identification, but millions remain unprepared.
For Green Card Holders and Visa Holders
All non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents, now face mandatory biometric checks at every entry and exit point. This includes fingerprints, photographs, and potentially iris scans. Travelers from 19 flagged countries will experience heightened scrutiny.
For EU Citizens Traveling to the UK
If you hold pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, check your ID card for the biometric chip symbol. Non-biometric cards will be rejected after December 31, 2025. You should travel with your passport if your ID lacks the chip.
How to Prepare for New ID Card Requirements
Follow these steps to ensure you're ready for the new identification rules:
- Check Your License: Look for the gold or black star on your driver's license indicating REAL ID compliance
- Get Your REAL ID: Visit your state DMV with required documents (proof of identity, Social Security number, two proofs of address)
- Set Up Digital ID: If you have an iPhone 11+ with iOS 26.1, add your U.S. passport to Apple Wallet for TSA use
- Verify Biometric Chip: EU citizens should look for the small rectangle with circle symbol on their national ID card
- Update Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is current and your visa photo specifications meet official requirements
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar:
- December 26, 2025: New DHS biometric screening rules for green card holders take effect
- December 31, 2025: UK stops accepting non-biometric EU national ID cards
- February 1, 2026: TSA $45 Confirm.ID fee begins at all U.S. airports
- May 2027: Full REAL ID enforcement required for all federal agencies
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have REAL ID at the Airport?
Starting February 1, 2026, you'll be directed to TSA's Confirm.ID verification system. You must pay a non-refundable $45 fee covering a 10-day travel window. The identity verification process takes 10-30 minutes, and TSA cannot guarantee verification—you may be denied boarding if your identity cannot be confirmed.
Can I Use Digital ID Instead of a Physical License?
Yes, at over 250 U.S. airports. Apple Digital ID works with U.S. passports on iPhone 11 or later. Additionally, 15 states support driver's licenses in Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Virginia, and West Virginia.
How Do Green Card Biometric Checks Work?
CBP officers use facial-recognition cameras to verify your identity against existing DHS records. Your photograph is taken at every entry and exit point. U.S. citizen photos are deleted within 12 hours, while non-citizen photos are retained for up to 75 years in the Biometric Identity Management System.
What If My EU ID Card Isn't Biometric?
You must travel to the UK with your passport after December 31, 2025. Non-biometric cards may be rejected at the border, causing delays or denial of entry. Look for the biometric chip symbol—a small rectangle with a circle inside—on your card to confirm compliance.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The ID card requirements landscape is changing rapidly. The TSA's new $45 fee targets the estimated 56 million Americans without REAL ID, while digital identification options expand across 250+ airports. Furthermore, green card holders now face comprehensive biometric screening at all U.S. border crossings.
Before your next trip, verify that your identification meets current standards. Whether you need a compliant passport photo for a REAL ID application or want to set up Digital ID in Apple Wallet, taking action now will prevent travel disruptions in 2026. Visit VisaPics to ensure your document photos meet all official government specifications.