Major ID Card Requirements Changes for December 2025
ID card requirements are undergoing significant changes as 2025 comes to a close. From the TSA's new $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID to UK biometric card deadlines and expanded US biometric border controls, multiple identification rule changes are now affecting millions of travelers.
These updates impact domestic air travelers, international visitors, green card holders, and EU citizens traveling to the UK. Whether you're flying within the United States or crossing international borders, understanding these new ID card requirements is essential for hassle-free travel.
Key ID Card Changes Taking Effect Now
Several major identification policy changes are either already in effect or coming soon:
- TSA $45 Confirm.ID Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without REAL ID pay $45 for identity verification
- REAL ID Enforcement: Now fully active since May 7, 2025—standard licenses without the star are rejected
- UK Biometric Deadline: Non-biometric EU ID cards no longer accepted after December 31, 2025
- US Biometric Border Controls: Facial recognition required for all non-citizens at entry/exit points as of December 26, 2025
- Digital ID Expansion: Now available in 15 states plus Apple's passport-based Digital ID option
The Department of Homeland Security estimates 56 million Americans still lack REAL ID-compliant identification. However, over 94% of current air travelers already have acceptable documentation.
Who Is Affected By These ID Card Requirement Changes
These new identification rules affect several distinct groups of travelers and residents.
For US Domestic Air Travelers
If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license (look for the star symbol) or acceptable alternative, you'll need to pay $45 through the Confirm.ID system starting February 1, 2026. This fee covers a 10-day travel window but doesn't guarantee approval—those who can't be verified may be denied boarding.
For EU Citizens Traveling to the UK
Your national ID card must have a biometric chip (look for the small rectangle with circle symbol) to enter the UK after December 31, 2025. Cards without this symbol require switching to passport photo requirements and using your passport instead.
For Green Card Holders and Non-Citizens
Starting December 26, 2025, expect facial recognition photography at every US entry and exit point. This applies at airports, land crossings, and seaports. Refusing biometric collection may result in denied entry or exit.
How to Get REAL ID Compliant Identification
Follow these steps to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card:
- Check your current ID: Look for a gold or black star in the upper right corner—if present, you're already compliant
- Gather required documents: Full legal name proof, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of residence address, and lawful status documentation
- Visit your state DMV: Most states require in-person visits for REAL ID applications
- Pay the applicable fee: Costs vary by state, typically $10-$40
- Receive your new ID: Processing times vary—some states mail cards within 2 weeks, others may take 4-6 weeks
Important Dates and Timeline for ID Requirements
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar:
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement began—standard licenses no longer accepted for domestic flights
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launched with phased implementation
- December 2025: EU borders begin full biometric checks (fingerprints and facial scans)
- December 26, 2025: US biometric entry-exit system for all non-citizens takes effect
- December 31, 2025: UK deadline for non-biometric EU ID cards
- February 1, 2026: TSA $45 Confirm.ID fee begins for travelers without REAL ID
- April 10, 2026: EU EES fully operational at all border points
Acceptable Alternatives to REAL ID
You don't necessarily need a REAL ID—these alternatives are also accepted:
- US Passport or Passport Card: Accepted at all TSA checkpoints
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST cards
- Military ID: Active duty, retired, and dependent military identification
- Enhanced Driver's License: Available from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont
- Digital ID: Now accepted at 250+ airports in 15 participating states
Digital ID Options Now Available
Mobile identification is expanding rapidly across the United States:
Apple Wallet Digital IDs are now accepted in 14 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia. Virginia offers its own Mobile ID app at state airports.
Additionally, Apple now allows iPhone users to create a Digital ID using their US passport—this works nationwide at TSA checkpoints, even in states that don't support digital driver's licenses. This provides a convenient backup when you have proper passport photo documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I fly without REAL ID after February 2026?
You can pay the $45 Confirm.ID fee for a 10-day travel verification window. The process takes 10-30 minutes and involves answering identity verification questions. However, payment doesn't guarantee approval—if TSA cannot verify your identity, you may be denied boarding.
How do I know if my EU ID card has a biometric chip?
Look for a small rectangular symbol with a circle inside on your card. This indicates an electronic chip storing facial biometrics that meets ICAO international standards. Cards without this symbol won't work for UK entry after December 31, 2025.
Will green card holders face additional screening?
Yes. Starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens including lawful permanent residents must have facial photographs taken by CBP officials at every entry and exit point. This applies at airports, land borders, and seaports nationwide.
Can I use my digital ID for international travel?
No. Digital IDs and REAL ID-compliant licenses are only valid for domestic US flights. International travel requires a valid passport with compliant visa photo requirements for your destination country.
What You Need to Know Now
The landscape of ID card requirements has fundamentally changed in late 2025. With REAL ID enforcement now active, the UK biometric deadline approaching, and new US border biometrics taking effect, travelers must ensure their identification documents are current and compliant.
Take action now: check your driver's license for the REAL ID star, verify your EU ID card has a biometric chip if traveling to the UK, and ensure your passport photo meets requirements as a reliable backup. VisaPics helps ensure your identification photos comply with the latest official specifications for passports, visas, and ID cards worldwide.