TSA Announces Major ID Card Fee Starting February 2026
The Transportation Security Administration announced on December 1, 2025, that travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification will face a new $45 fee starting February 1, 2026. This fee grants 10-day airport checkpoint access through the TSA Confirm.ID alternative verification system. The announcement marks a significant shift in ID card requirements for domestic air travel across the United States.
The fee represents a substantial increase from the initially proposed $18 charge, with TSA officials citing higher-than-expected operational costs for the biometric verification program. Currently, over 94% of passengers already travel with REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives like passports.
Key Changes to ID Card Requirements December 2025
Several major updates to identification requirements took effect globally in late 2025, affecting millions of travelers and residents:
- TSA $45 Fee (February 1, 2026): Non-refundable charge for 10-day travel period using biometric verification at airport checkpoints
- UK Biometric ID Deadline (December 31, 2025): EU/EEA citizens with settled status must use ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards to enter the UK
- Digital ID Expansion: 14 U.S. states now support driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, accepted at over 250 airports nationwide
- REAL ID Enforcement: Mandatory since May 7, 2025, for all airline passengers 18 years and older at TSA security checkpoints
- Biometric Data Collection: Expanded collection begins December 26, 2025, at all U.S. ports of entry for visa holders and international travelers
These changes represent the most significant overhaul of identification requirements in over a decade. The shift toward biometric verification and digital credentials signals a new era in travel security and document authentication.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Updates
The new requirements impact different groups of travelers in distinct ways. Understanding how these changes affect you is crucial for avoiding travel disruptions and unexpected fees.
For Domestic Air Travelers Without REAL ID
If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, you'll pay the $45 TSA Confirm.ID fee starting February 1, 2026. This fee covers biometric verification for a 10-day period, but payment doesn't guarantee verification success. Travelers whose identities cannot be verified may still be denied boarding, making it essential to obtain proper identification.
For EU/EEA Citizens Visiting the UK
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens with settled or pre-settled status must use ICAO-compliant biometric national ID cards after December 31, 2025. Non-compliant cards will no longer be accepted for UK entry. Valid passports remain an acceptable alternative for those whose ID cards don't meet the new biometric standards.
For Digital ID Users
Residents of 14 U.S. states can now add driver's licenses to Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia. Digital IDs are accepted at over 250 airports for domestic flights, streamlining the security checkpoint experience.
How to Comply with New ID Card Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your identification meets current requirements and avoid travel delays or fees:
- Check REAL ID Compliance: Look for a star symbol (★) in the upper right corner of your driver's license or state ID
- Apply for REAL ID: Visit your state DMV with required documents including proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of residency
- Consider Alternatives: U.S. passport, passport card, Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Enhanced Driver's License all satisfy TSA requirements
- Verify UK Biometric Compliance: EU/EEA citizens should check if their national ID card displays the biometric chip symbol (usually on the front)
- Set Up Digital ID: If available in your state, add your driver's license to Apple Wallet through the Wallet app or your state's DMV mobile app
- Ensure Passport Photo Compliance: When renewing identification documents, use VisaPics to create compliant photos meeting all ICAO biometric standards
Important Dates and Timeline for ID Card Changes
Mark these critical deadlines to avoid travel disruptions and compliance issues:
- December 26, 2025: Expanded biometric data collection begins at all U.S. ports of entry for international travelers
- December 31, 2025: Final deadline for EU/EEA citizens to transition to ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards for UK entry
- February 1, 2026: TSA begins charging $45 fee for travelers using Confirm.ID alternative verification system
- March 31, 2025: UK Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) can no longer be used for UK entry
- May 7, 2025 (Ongoing): REAL ID enforcement remains in effect for all domestic air travel and federal facility access
Frequently Asked Questions About ID Card Requirements
What Happens If I Don't Have a REAL ID When I Arrive at the Airport?
Starting February 1, 2026, you can pay a $45 non-refundable fee to use the TSA Confirm.ID system, which verifies your identity through biometric or biographic data for a 10-day period. However, this doesn't guarantee approval—if TSA cannot verify your identity, you may be denied boarding. Acceptable alternatives include a U.S. passport, passport card, Global Entry card, or Enhanced Driver's License.
Are Digital IDs Accepted for International Travel?
No, digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet are currently only accepted for domestic flights within the United States at participating airports. For international travel, you must present a physical passport. More than 250 U.S. airports now accept digital IDs at TSA checkpoints, but always carry your physical ID as a backup.
How Do I Know If My National ID Card Meets UK Biometric Requirements?
ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards contain an embedded chip with facial recognition data and often fingerprints. Look for a small chip symbol on your card, typically displayed on the front. If you're unsure, contact your country's passport or identity document issuing authority. After December 31, 2025, only these biometric-compliant cards will be accepted for EU/EEA citizens entering the UK with settled status.
What You Need to Know About ID Card Compliance
The December 2025 updates represent a fundamental shift toward biometric verification and digital identification systems. The $45 TSA fee starting February 2026 creates financial incentive to obtain REAL ID-compliant documents, while the UK's December 31 deadline for biometric ID cards affects millions of European travelers. Digital ID expansion continues with 14 states now offering Apple Wallet integration.
Don't wait until the last minute to update your identification documents. Whether you need a REAL ID, biometric passport photo, or visa application photo, VisaPics offers professional photo services meeting all current specifications for 172 countries and over 952 document types. Ensure your passport photo meets requirements before your next application to avoid costly delays and rejections.
--- **Sources:** - [TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/12/01/tsa-introduces-new-45-fee-option-for-travelers-without-real-id) - [TSA to Start Charging Travelers $45 Without Real ID - CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-charging-45-without-real-id-february-passport/) - [U.S. Air Travelers Without REAL IDs Will Be Charged $45 Fee - NPR](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/02/g-s1-100045/travelers-without-real-id-charged-fee) - [TSA Announces $45 Fee for Travelers Without Real ID - NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/travel/tsa-will-charge-45-fee-air-passengers-real-ids-rcna246852) - [EU Identity Card Use Ending in UK 2025 - Immigration Status UK](https://immigrationstatus.co.uk/european-union-eu-identity-card-usage-in-the-uk-ends-in-2025) - [Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss Citizen - GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen) - [REAL ID - Transportation Security Administration](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id)