ID Card Requirements Update: What Changed in December 2025
ID card requirements have undergone significant changes this December 2025, with the TSA announcing a new $45 fee for non-compliant travelers and 15 states now offering digital driver's licenses. These updates affect millions of Americans planning domestic air travel and EU citizens traveling to the UK.
Since REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025, approximately 56 million Americans still lack compliant identification. However, new digital ID options and alternative verification systems are providing travelers with more flexibility than ever before.
Key ID Card Changes for 2025-2026
Several major updates to ID card requirements are now in effect or coming soon:
- TSA $45 Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without REAL ID must pay $45 for identity verification through the Confirm.ID system
- Digital IDs Expanded: 15 states plus Puerto Rico now support mobile driver's licenses through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet
- Apple Digital ID Launch: As of November 12, 2025, iPhone users can create a Digital ID using their U.S. passport
- EU Biometric Deadline: Non-biometric EU ID cards will no longer be accepted for UK travel after December 31, 2025
- 250+ Airports: Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide
The TSA initially proposed an $18 fee for the alternative verification program but raised it to $45 after determining the system would cost more than anticipated. The good news: more than 94% of travelers are already using REAL ID or acceptable alternatives.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Updates
These ID card requirement changes impact several groups of travelers differently based on their current identification status and travel plans.
For US Domestic Travelers Without REAL ID
If you lack a REAL ID-compliant license (look for the star marking in the top corner), you'll need to pay $45 starting February 2026 or use an alternative like a passport. The fee covers a 10-day travel window, after which you'll need to pay again. Consider upgrading to REAL ID before the fee takes effect.
For Digital ID Users in Participating States
Residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico can add their license to Apple Wallet. Virginia launched the nation's first fully digital driver's license on November 12, 2025, and Illinois followed on November 18, 2025.
For EU Citizens Traveling to the UK
You can continue using your national ID card for UK entry until December 31, 2025. After this date, only biometric ID cards meeting ICAO standards will be accepted. Check for the biometric chip symbol (a small rectangle with a circle inside) on your card. If missing, plan to travel with your passport instead.
How to Get REAL ID Compliant - Step by Step
Follow these steps to upgrade your state ID or driver's license to REAL ID status:
- Check Current Status: Look for the star marking in the top corner of your current license—if present, you're already compliant
- Gather Documents: Collect proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number, and two proofs of residency (utility bills, bank statements)
- Visit Your DMV Website: Many states allow you to pre-apply online and schedule an appointment
- Complete In-Person Visit: Bring all original documents (no photocopies) to your local DMV or licensing office
- Receive Your Card: Most states mail REAL ID-compliant cards within 2-4 weeks after approval
Important Dates and Deadlines
Mark these critical dates for ID card requirement compliance:
- December 31, 2025: EU non-biometric ID cards no longer accepted for UK travel
- February 1, 2026: TSA $45 fee for non-REAL ID travelers takes effect
- 2026: Seven additional states expected to launch Apple Wallet driver's licenses
- May 5, 2027: Complete REAL ID enforcement with no warnings or grace periods
Frequently Asked Questions
What ID Cards Are Accepted for Domestic Flights?
TSA accepts REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses (with the star marking), U.S. passports, passport cards, Enhanced Driver's Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, military IDs, permanent resident cards, and Digital IDs in Apple Wallet at participating airports. Children under 18 don't need identification for domestic flights.
Can I Use Apple Digital ID Instead of a Physical Passport?
Apple Digital ID works only for domestic travel at TSA checkpoints—it cannot replace your physical passport for international travel or border crossings. You'll need an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1+ and a valid, non-expired U.S. passport to set it up. The feature is currently accepted at over 250 airports.
How Do I Know If My EU ID Card Is Biometric?
Look for the biometric chip symbol on your ID card—a small rectangle with a circle inside, usually near the photo. Biometric cards contain an embedded chip meeting ICAO standards. If your card lacks this symbol, it won't be accepted for UK travel after December 31, 2025, and you should use your passport instead.
What You Need to Know About ID Card Requirements
The shift toward digital identification and stricter security standards continues to reshape travel requirements. With the $45 TSA fee approaching in February 2026, now is the ideal time to upgrade to REAL ID or explore digital alternatives in your state. Over 94% of travelers are already compliant—don't wait until fees take effect.
Whether you're updating your driver's license to REAL ID status or adding your ID to Apple Wallet, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for any applications. VisaPics helps travelers worldwide get compliant photos for passports, visas, and ID cards—all from your phone. Check our photo specifications tool for your country's exact requirements before your next application.