Major ID Card Requirements Changes Coming in 2026
ID card requirements are undergoing the most significant transformation in over a decade as 2026 begins. Starting February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration will charge travelers $45 if they arrive at airport security without REAL ID-compliant identification.
These changes affect millions of Americans and international travelers alike. From digital driver's licenses expanding to 15+ states to EU biometric border requirements now in full effect, staying compliant has never been more critical.
Key ID Card Requirement Changes for 2026
Several major updates take effect in the coming weeks and months.
- TSA $45 Fee: Beginning February 1, 2026, travelers without acceptable ID can pay $45 for TSA's ConfirmID verification system
- Digital ID Expansion: 15 states now support mobile driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, with 7 more states joining in 2026
- EU Biometric Entry: The Entry/Exit System (EES) launched October 12, 2025, with full enforcement by April 10, 2026
- UK Entry Rules: Non-biometric EU/EEA ID cards no longer accepted for UK entry as of December 31, 2025
- REAL ID Compliance: 94% of Americans now have compliant IDs, up from 81% in May 2025
The TSA originally proposed an $18 fee but increased it to $45 due to higher-than-expected technology and operational costs for the ConfirmID system. This fee covers a 10-day travel window.
Who Is Affected by These ID Changes
Different groups face varying impacts from these new requirements. Understanding which rules apply to you is essential for hassle-free travel.
For US Domestic Travelers
If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you'll need to either upgrade your ID or pay the $45 ConfirmID fee each time you fly. Approximately 6% of travelers currently arrive without acceptable identification. Schedule a DMV appointment now to avoid delays.
For International Travelers to the EU
Non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area must now register fingerprints and facial images under the new EES system. British, American, Canadian, Japanese, and Australian travelers are all affected. First-time registration adds approximately 10-15 minutes to border processing.
For EU/EEA Citizens Traveling to the UK
If you hold pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, check your national ID card for the biometric chip symbol. Non-biometric ID cards are no longer accepted for UK entry. You must now use a passport or biometric ID card meeting ICAO standards.
How to Get REAL ID Compliant – Step by Step
Follow these steps to upgrade your driver's license to REAL ID before the February 2026 fee takes effect.
- Check Your Current ID: Look for the star symbol in the upper right corner—if present, you're already compliant
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security card, and two proofs of current address
- Schedule a DMV Appointment: Visit your state's DMV website to book an appointment—walk-ins may face long waits
- Complete the Application: Fill out your state's REAL ID application form online before your appointment
- Pay the Upgrade Fee: Costs vary by state, typically $20-40, but California is waiving fees for affected residents
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to stay compliant with new ID requirements.
- December 31, 2025: UK stops accepting non-biometric EU/EEA ID cards for entry
- January 1, 2026: US passport photo requirements fully enforced—AI-edited photos rejected
- February 1, 2026: TSA begins charging $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) fully operational at all Schengen borders
- Q4 2026: ETIAS launches—€7 travel authorization required for visa-exempt travelers
Digital ID Options Now Available
Mobile driver's licenses offer a convenient alternative to physical cards. Currently, 15 states and Puerto Rico support digital IDs in Apple Wallet.
- Currently Available: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Virginia, and West Virginia
- Coming in 2026: Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, Arkansas, and additional states
- Airport Acceptance: Digital IDs work at over 250 US airports for TSA checkpoints
- Future Growth: Industry projections expect 143 million mobile ID users by 2030
Virginia became the first state to offer a fully digital driver's license through a dedicated Mobile ID app on November 12, 2025. Illinois, the largest state to launch mobile IDs widely, followed on November 18, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have REAL ID at the Airport?
Starting February 1, 2026, you can pay $45 to use TSA's ConfirmID system, which grants checkpoint access for 10 days. The screening process takes 10-30 minutes. However, if TSA cannot verify your identity, you may be denied boarding and the fee is non-refundable.
Can I Use a Passport Instead of REAL ID?
Yes. Valid US passports, passport cards, Global Entry cards, SENTRI cards, and active-duty military IDs are all acceptable alternatives. Enhanced Driver's Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont also work.
Are Digital Driver's Licenses Accepted Everywhere?
Digital IDs are currently accepted at TSA checkpoints in over 250 US airports. However, acceptance for other purposes (police stops, alcohol purchases, voting) varies by state. Check your state's specific policies before relying solely on a mobile ID.
Do I Need to Update My Passport Photo for ID Applications?
If your passport photo is older than 6 months or doesn't meet current specifications, you'll need a new one. The US now rejects AI-edited or digitally altered photos, including those with smartphone beautification filters.
What You Need to Know – Bottom Line
The ID card requirements landscape is changing rapidly. The TSA's $45 fee starting February 2026 makes REAL ID compliance more urgent than ever, while digital ID expansion offers new convenient options for travelers.
To avoid delays and fees, check your current ID status immediately. If you need to upgrade, schedule a DMV appointment now—wait times increase as deadlines approach. For international travel, ensure your passport photo meets requirements and understand the new EU biometric registration process before your trip.