ID Card Requirements Update: What's Changing in 2026
ID card requirements are undergoing significant changes in January 2026, with new fees, digital ID expansion, and international biometric mandates affecting millions of travelers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a $45 fee for passengers without REAL ID starting February 1, 2026, while digital driver's licenses are now accepted at over 250 airports nationwide.
These changes follow the REAL ID enforcement that began on May 7, 2025, when federal agencies started requiring compliant identification for domestic air travel. Additionally, EU citizens face new UK entry requirements as non-biometric ID cards are no longer accepted after December 31, 2025.
Key ID Card Requirement Changes for 2026
Here are the most significant updates affecting travelers in the United States and internationally:
- TSA $45 Fee: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without REAL ID or acceptable alternative can pay $45 for identity verification through the Confirm.ID system
- 10-Day Travel Window: Each $45 payment covers a 10-day travel period, with verification taking 10-30 minutes at checkpoints
- Digital ID Expansion: 15 states now offer mobile driver's licenses accepted at TSA checkpoints, with more states launching programs in 2026
- UK Biometric Mandate: EU citizens must have biometric chip ID cards for UK entry after December 31, 2025
- California REAL ID Issue: Approximately 325,000 California residents need to update their REAL ID due to a data system issue
- 94% Compliance Rate: TSA reports that more than 94% of passengers already use REAL ID or acceptable alternatives
The $45 fee represents a significant increase from the originally proposed $18, reflecting higher technology and operational costs for the new identity verification system.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Changes
These ID card requirements updates impact different groups of travelers in various ways. Understanding your specific situation will help you prepare accordingly.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
If you fly within the United States and don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you'll need either an acceptable alternative (passport, military ID, trusted traveler card) or be prepared to pay the $45 fee. The fee is non-refundable, and payment doesn't guarantee verification—travelers whose identities cannot be confirmed may be denied boarding.
For California Residents
The California DMV has identified approximately 325,000 residents who need to take action to remain REAL ID compliant. The DMV will contact affected individuals directly and will waive all associated fees for the update process. Be aware of scams—the DMV will not call, text, or email requesting personal information or payment.
For EU Citizens Traveling to the UK
If you have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme and use a national ID card for UK entry, verify your card has a biometric chip. Look for the chip symbol—a small rectangle with a circle inside. Non-biometric ID cards will not be accepted for UK entry after December 31, 2025, so carry your passport instead.
For Digital ID Users
Residents of participating states can now use mobile driver's licenses at over 250 TSA checkpoints. However, always carry a physical backup ID when traveling, as not all checkpoints may support digital verification.
How to Get REAL ID Compliant – Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure you have proper identification before the February 2026 fee takes effect:
- Check Your Current ID: Look for a star in the top right corner of your driver's license—this indicates REAL ID compliance
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number (card or W-2), and two proofs of residence (utility bill, bank statement)
- Schedule a DMV Appointment: Visit your state's DMV website to schedule an in-person appointment for REAL ID application
- Bring Original Documents: Photocopies are not accepted—bring original documents or certified copies to your appointment
- Pay the Fee: REAL ID fees vary by state, typically ranging from $25-$45 for a new license or upgrade
- Receive Your Card: Processing times vary by state, so apply early to ensure your REAL ID arrives before February 1, 2026
Acceptable Alternatives to REAL ID
If you cannot obtain a REAL ID before the deadline, these alternative forms of identification are accepted at TSA checkpoints:
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card: Valid for domestic flights and federal facilities
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS cards
- Active Duty Military ID: Including IDs issued to dependents and retired military
- Enhanced Driver's License: Available from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont
- Permanent Resident Card: Green Card holders can use their permanent resident card
- Transportation Worker ID Credential (TWIC): For maritime workers with valid credentials
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for ID card requirement changes:
- December 31, 2025: UK stops accepting non-biometric EU ID cards for entry
- January 1, 2026: New passport photo requirements with stricter enforcement of AI-edited photo restrictions begin
- February 1, 2026: TSA $45 fee for non-REAL ID travelers takes effect
- Mid-2026: Illinois and Minnesota expected to launch mobile driver's license programs
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes fully operational for UK travelers to Europe
- May 5, 2027: Full REAL ID enforcement deadline for all federal agencies
Digital ID States and Mobile Driver's License Expansion
Digital driver's licenses are rapidly expanding across the United States, offering a convenient alternative to physical ID cards at TSA checkpoints.
States Currently Accepting Digital IDs at Airports
The following 15 states and territories currently support mobile driver's licenses at TSA checkpoints: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Virginia, and West Virginia. These digital IDs can be stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or state-specific apps.
States Launching in 2026
Minnesota is expected to authorize electronic driver's licenses by July 1, 2026. Texas has introduced legislation for mobile driver's licenses, and Idaho and Georgia have recently passed mDL bills. More than 200,000 New Yorkers have already enrolled in the state's Mobile ID program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don't Have REAL ID at the Airport?
Starting February 1, 2026, you can pay a $45 non-refundable fee to use TSA's Confirm.ID verification system. The process takes 10-30 minutes, but payment doesn't guarantee entry—if your identity cannot be verified, you may be denied boarding. You can prepay through Pay.gov before arriving at the airport.
Can I Use a Passport Instead of REAL ID?
Yes, a valid U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable alternative to REAL ID for domestic flights. Other alternatives include Global Entry cards, military ID, enhanced driver's licenses from select states, and permanent resident cards.
How Do I Know If My ID Is REAL ID Compliant?
Look for a gold or black star in the upper right corner of your driver's license. If your license has this star, it meets REAL ID requirements. If not, contact your state DMV to apply for an upgrade. Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements if applying for alternative documentation.
Are Digital Driver's Licenses Accepted Everywhere?
Digital IDs are currently accepted at over 250 TSA checkpoints in participating states. However, acceptance is not universal—always carry a physical backup ID when traveling. Not all businesses, venues, or government facilities accept mobile IDs.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The landscape of ID card requirements is changing rapidly in 2026. The most immediate concern for U.S. travelers is the February 1, 2026 deadline for TSA's $45 fee implementation. With only weeks remaining, travelers without REAL ID should either schedule a DMV appointment immediately or ensure they have an acceptable alternative like a passport.
For international travelers, particularly EU citizens visiting the UK, the biometric ID card requirement that took effect December 31, 2025 means non-compliant travelers must use their passport instead. As you prepare your travel documents, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements—VisaPics can help you create compliant photos for any document type. Check your visa photo specifications to avoid delays at the border.