ID Card Requirements Update: Major Changes This December
ID card requirements are undergoing significant changes in December 2025 that affect millions of travelers in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union. The TSA has announced a new $45 fee for non-compliant travelers, the UK's biometric ID deadline arrives on December 31, and Apple's Digital ID now works at over 250 airports.
These updates come seven months after REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that 56 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant identification—meaning these changes could significantly impact holiday and future travel plans.
Key ID Card Changes You Need to Know
Here are the most important ID card requirement updates taking effect now and in early 2026:
- TSA $45 Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without acceptable ID can pay $45 for a 10-day verification period
- UK Biometric Deadline: EU citizens with settled status must have ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards by December 31, 2025
- Apple Digital ID: Now accepted at 250+ airports for domestic flights via Apple Wallet
- State Digital IDs: 14 states plus Puerto Rico now support driver's licenses in Apple Wallet
- REAL ID Compliance: Over 94% of passengers already use compliant identification
- Phase-Out Warning: TSA flexibility for non-compliant IDs ends completely on May 5, 2027
These changes reflect a broader push toward standardized, biometric identification across Western nations. Additionally, travelers should ensure their passport photo requirements are met, as the U.S. Department of State ends its grace period for non-compliant photos on December 31, 2025.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Updates
Different groups face different challenges with these new requirements. Understanding your situation helps you prepare accordingly.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
If your driver's license lacks the star symbol (★), you'll need to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant card or use an alternative like a passport. Starting February 2026, the alternative is paying a $45 fee—but this option ends entirely in May 2027.
For EU Citizens Living in the UK
If you have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, check your national ID card immediately. Non-biometric ID cards will not be accepted for UK entry after December 31, 2025. You'll need either a biometric ID card meeting ICAO standards or your passport.
For Digital-First Travelers
iPhone users in the 14 participating states can now add their driver's license to Apple Wallet. All U.S. passport holders can create a Digital ID for domestic travel. However, digital IDs cannot replace physical passports for international travel.
How to Get Your ID Compliant - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your identification meets current requirements:
- Check Your Current ID: Look for the star symbol (★) in the upper right corner of your driver's license
- Gather Required Documents: You'll need proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address, and lawful status
- Visit Your State DMV: Schedule an appointment at your local DMV to apply for REAL ID
- Consider Alternatives: A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or Global Entry card also works for domestic travel
- Set Up Digital ID (Optional): Download the latest iOS update and add your passport or state ID to Apple Wallet
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar:
- December 31, 2025: UK biometric ID requirement takes effect for EU citizens with settled status
- December 31, 2025: U.S. passport photo grace period ends—AI-edited photos will be rejected
- February 1, 2026: TSA begins charging $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID
- May 5, 2027: All TSA flexibility for non-compliant IDs ends permanently
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have a REAL ID at the Airport?
Currently, TSA may still allow you to fly after additional verification. Starting February 1, 2026, you'll pay a $45 non-refundable fee for a 10-day verification period. After May 5, 2027, you won't be able to fly domestically without compliant ID.
Can I Use My Phone as ID at Airport Security?
Yes, if you're in one of the 14 participating states or territories. Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet. U.S. passport holders nationwide can also use Apple's Digital ID feature.
Do EU Citizens Need a Passport to Enter the UK Now?
Not necessarily. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status can use biometric national ID cards (with an embedded chip) indefinitely. Non-biometric ID cards will no longer be accepted after December 31, 2025. When in doubt, travel with your passport.
Is the $45 TSA Fee Per Flight or Per Trip?
The $45 fee covers a 10-day travel period, not a single flight. You can pay online in advance or at the airport. However, the fee is non-refundable and doesn't guarantee you'll be able to fly—TSA makes the final determination.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The ID card landscape is changing rapidly. With 56 million Americans still lacking REAL ID-compliant identification, the new $45 fee could affect a significant portion of travelers. EU citizens in the UK face an imminent December 31 deadline that requires immediate action.
Don't wait until you're at the airport to discover your ID isn't compliant. Check your passport photo specifications at VisaPics to ensure your documents meet all requirements, upgrade to REAL ID at your local DMV, or set up a digital ID through Apple Wallet. Taking action now prevents costly delays and fees later.
Sources: - [TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/12/01/tsa-introduces-new-45-fee-option-for-travelers-without-real-id) - [REAL ID FAQs - TSA](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs) - [How to Get a REAL ID - USAGov](https://www.usa.gov/real-id) - [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/) - [EU Identity Card Use in UK - the3million](https://the3million.org.uk/faq/euss-travel-id) - [CBS News: TSA Charging $45 Without Real ID](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-charging-45-without-real-id-february-passport/)