ID Card Requirements Update: Major Changes for 2026
ID card requirements are undergoing significant changes in 2026, affecting millions of travelers and residents across the United States and European Union. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a $45 fee to travelers without REAL ID starting February 1, 2026, while EU member states must launch digital identity wallets by December 2026.
These updates follow the REAL ID enforcement that began on May 7, 2025, which now requires all air travelers 18 and older to present compliant identification at TSA checkpoints. Understanding these new ID card requirements is essential for anyone planning domestic or international travel.
Key ID Card Changes Taking Effect in 2026
Several major ID card requirements updates will impact travelers and citizens throughout the year.
- TSA $45 Fee (February 1, 2026): Travelers without REAL ID can pay $45 for 10-day checkpoint access through the ConfirmID system
- Digital ID Expansion: Apple Wallet digital IDs now accepted at over 250 US airports across 14 states and Puerto Rico
- EU Digital Wallet Deadline: All EU member states must provide digital identity wallets to citizens by December 2026
- UK Biometric Rules: Non-biometric EU ID cards no longer accepted for UK entry as of December 31, 2025
- REAL ID Full Enforcement: All federal agencies must fully enforce REAL ID requirements by May 2027
The TSA's new fee more than doubled from the initially proposed $18 after officials determined operational costs were higher than anticipated. This nonrefundable fee covers identity verification through biometric technology and database checks.
Who Is Affected by New ID Card Requirements
These changes impact different groups in distinct ways, from domestic air travelers to EU citizens and international visitors.
For US Domestic Travelers
If your driver's license or state ID lacks the gold or black star symbol, you don't have a REAL ID-compliant card. Starting February 2026, you'll either need to get a REAL ID, bring an alternative like a passport, or pay the $45 TSA fee. Over 94% of travelers are already compliant according to TSA data.
For EU Citizens and Residents
The EU Digital Identity Wallet will let you prove your identity online and share verified credentials across all member states. Nine countries—Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Portugal—already have national digital wallet solutions deployed.
For UK-Bound EU Travelers
If you're an EU citizen planning to visit the UK, non-biometric national ID cards are no longer accepted as of January 1, 2026. You'll need a biometric ID card or passport for entry.
How to Get REAL ID Compliant - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your identification meets the new requirements.
- 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: You'll need proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), Social Security number, and two proofs of residency
- Schedule a DMV Appointment: Many states require appointments for REAL ID applications—book early to avoid delays
- Visit Your Local DMV: Bring all original documents (photocopies not accepted) and complete the application in person
- Receive Your New ID: Processing times vary by state—some issue cards same-day while others mail within 2-4 weeks
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for ID card requirements compliance.
- May 7, 2025 (Already in Effect): REAL ID enforcement began at all TSA checkpoints nationwide
- February 1, 2026: TSA's $45 ConfirmID fee program launches for non-compliant travelers
- May 2027: All federal agencies must fully enforce REAL ID with no exceptions
- December 2026: EU member states must provide digital identity wallets to all citizens
- Late 2026: ETIAS authorization required for US citizens visiting 30 European countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I fly without REAL ID after February 2026?
You have two options: pay the $45 TSA ConfirmID fee for a 10-day travel window, or present an acceptable alternative ID like a US passport, passport card, or military ID. Without either option, you may be denied entry at security checkpoints.
Can I use a digital driver's license at TSA checkpoints?
Yes, digital IDs through Apple Wallet are now accepted at over 250 US airports. Currently, 14 states plus Puerto Rico support digital driver's licenses: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and West Virginia. However, TSA recommends carrying physical ID as backup.
How do I know if I have a REAL ID?
Check for a star symbol (gold or black, filled or outline) in the upper right corner of your driver's license or state ID. If the star is present, your ID is REAL ID-compliant. All 50 states now issue compliant IDs.
Will the EU digital wallet replace physical ID cards?
The EU Digital Identity Wallet will be voluntary and free for citizens. It complements rather than replaces physical IDs, letting you verify identity online, open bank accounts, receive medical prescriptions, and prove qualifications across all EU member states.
What You Need to Know
The new ID card requirements represent a significant shift toward digital identity verification and stricter security standards. The TSA's $45 fee starting February 2026 serves as both an alternative for unprepared travelers and an incentive to obtain REAL ID compliance. With over 94% of travelers already compliant, the transition has been smoother than many anticipated.
For those applying for new identification documents, ensuring your passport photo meets requirements is critical. VisaPics can help you create compliant photos for passports, driver's licenses, and other official documents. Whether you're updating to REAL ID or preparing visa application materials, having properly formatted photos prevents costly delays and rejections at the DMV or passport office.