Major ID Card Requirements Taking Effect December 2025
The United States and European Union are implementing significant ID card requirement changes in December 2025 that will affect millions of travelers. The Transportation Security Administration announced a new $45 fee for passengers without REAL ID-compliant identification, effective February 1, 2026, while digital driver's licenses expand to 13 states. Meanwhile, EU citizens with UK settled status must obtain biometric ID cards by December 31, 2025, to continue using national ID cards for UK entry.
These updates represent the most substantial changes to identification requirements since REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025. Travelers who fail to comply with new standards may face additional screening, denied boarding, or entry rejection at international borders.
TSA Introduces $45 Fee for Non-REAL ID Travelers
Starting February 1, 2026, the TSA will charge a $45 non-refundable fee for identity verification through the TSA ConfirmID process. This fee applies to travelers age 18 and older who arrive at airport security checkpoints without REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives.
- Fee Amount: $45 per identity verification, valid for a 10-day travel period
- Effective Date: February 1, 2026, at all U.S. airports nationwide
- Payment Options: TSA is partnering with private industry to offer online payment before arrival at the airport
- Who Pays: Passengers without REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state ID, passport, or other acceptable identification
- Additional Screening: Non-compliant travelers may be directed to separate screening areas and undergo enhanced verification procedures
- TSA PreCheck Impact: Even TSA PreCheck members without acceptable ID will be subject to this fee and additional screening
The TSA ConfirmID process uses advanced identity verification technology to confirm a traveler's identity when they lack proper documentation. However, paying the $45 fee does not guarantee boarding—airlines retain final authority over passenger acceptance.
Digital Driver's Licenses Expand to 13 States
Apple's Digital ID feature launched in November 2025, allowing travelers to create and present identification in Apple Wallet using a U.S. passport. This expansion enables digital ID use at over 250 TSA security checkpoints nationwide, even in states that don't yet support digital driver's licenses.
For iPhone and Apple Watch Users
Residents in 13 states and Puerto Rico can now add their driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet for presentation at TSA checkpoints. Illinois became the latest state to launch digital IDs on November 18, 2025, through the state's Secretary of State Office. Apple plans to expand Digital ID to at least seven additional states in 2026, according to recent announcements.
For U.S. Passport Holders
U.S. passport holders in any state can create a Digital ID in Apple Wallet for use at TSA checkpoints. This feature provides a convenient alternative for travelers who don't have REAL ID-compliant state identification. The digital passport ID meets TSA requirements for domestic air travel.
For Retail and Venue Access
Georgia expanded digital driver's license acceptance beyond airports in November 2025, allowing use at participating retail locations for age-restricted purchases. Illinois launched digital ID acceptance at Soldier Field on December 18, 2025, enabling fans to use mobile IDs for venue entry. Additional states are expected to expand retail and venue acceptance throughout 2026.
How to Get REAL ID Before the Fee Takes Effect
Obtaining REAL ID-compliant identification requires visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles with specific documents. Here's the step-by-step process:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card), Social Security number verification (Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub), and two proofs of residency (utility bill, bank statement, mortgage statement, or deed)
- Schedule DMV Appointment: Visit your state DMV website to schedule an appointment—walk-in availability varies by state and location
- Complete Application: Fill out your state's REAL ID application online before your appointment to save time at the DMV
- Visit DMV in Person: Bring all required documents to your appointment—photocopies are not accepted, only original documents
- Pay Application Fee: REAL ID fees vary by state, typically ranging from $20 to $50 depending on license type and renewal period
- Receive Temporary License: Most states provide a temporary paper license while your permanent REAL ID card is mailed within 10-14 business days
EU Biometric ID Card Deadline for UK Entry
EU and EEA citizens with UK settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme face a critical December 31, 2025 deadline. After this date, only biometric ID cards meeting ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards will be accepted for UK entry using national ID cards.
- Deadline Date: December 31, 2025, for obtaining ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards
- Who's Affected: EU/EEA citizens with UK settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- ICAO Standards: ID cards must contain biometric data including facial recognition and fingerprints per International Civil Aviation Organisation specifications
- After Deadline: Non-compliant national ID cards will no longer be accepted for UK entry—passport required instead
- Brexit Impact: This change stems from the Brexit withdrawal agreement allowing the UK to enforce stricter ID card standards
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to ensure compliance with new ID card requirements:
- December 31, 2025: Final day for EU/EEA citizens to obtain ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards for UK entry with settled status
- February 1, 2026: TSA's $45 fee for non-REAL ID travelers takes effect at all U.S. airports nationwide
- Ongoing (2026): Digital ID expansion to at least seven additional U.S. states through Apple Wallet partnership
- Present Day: REAL ID enforcement currently active since May 7, 2025—approximately 56 million Americans still need compliant identification
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have REAL ID When the $45 Fee Starts?
You'll need to pay $45 for TSA identity verification, undergo additional screening in a separate area, and may still be denied boarding by your airline. The fee covers a 10-day travel period but doesn't guarantee you can fly. Alternatively, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or other TSA-acceptable identification to avoid the fee entirely.
Can I Use Digital ID Instead of REAL ID at TSA Checkpoints?
Yes, if you live in one of the 13 participating states or have a U.S. passport to create Digital ID in Apple Wallet. Digital IDs are accepted at over 250 TSA security checkpoints nationwide and meet the same requirements as physical REAL ID-compliant cards. However, you should still carry a backup physical ID in case of technical issues or battery failure.
Do EU Citizens Need Biometric ID Cards for All UK Visits?
The December 31, 2025 biometric ID card deadline specifically applies to EU/EEA citizens with UK settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Other EU visitors can continue using valid passports for UK entry. If you don't have ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards after the deadline, you must present a passport instead of a national ID card.
What You Need to Know About ID Card Changes
The convergence of REAL ID enforcement, digital ID expansion, and international biometric requirements marks a fundamental shift in how travelers prove identity. With the $45 TSA fee starting February 1, 2026, and the EU biometric deadline on December 31, 2025, immediate action is necessary to avoid travel disruptions.
Start your REAL ID application now to avoid last-minute DMV appointments and processing delays that could cost you $45 per trip. Additionally, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for both traditional passports and new digital ID applications—proper identification photos are essential for compliance with these evolving standards. For international travelers, verify that your identification meets biometric specifications well before your travel dates to prevent entry issues.
--- **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) - [How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel | USAGov](https://www.usa.gov/real-id) - [Apple introduces Digital ID in Apple Wallet](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/apple-introduces-digital-id-a-new-way-to-create-and-present-an-id-in-apple-wallet/) - [Illinois rolls out digital ID, driver's licenses](https://www.ilsos.gov/news/2025/december-18-2025-going-to-the-bears-game-just-got-smarter-giannoulias-mobile-id-initiative-launches-at-soldier-field-this-saturday.html) - [Digital Driver's Licenses in GA now accepted at retail locations](https://www.wtoc.com/2025/11/25/digital-drivers-licenses-ga-now-accepted-valid-form-id-participating-retail-locations/)