ID Card Requirements Update November 2025: REAL ID, Digital IDs, and State Mobile License Rules

Major ID Card Requirements Changes in November 2025

ID card requirements have undergone significant changes in November 2025, with digital identification options expanding rapidly across the United States. Apple launched its Digital ID feature on November 12, 2025, while Virginia and Illinois rolled out mobile driver's licenses, giving travelers more options at TSA checkpoints.

These developments come after REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025, requiring all travelers 18 and older to present compliant identification at airport security. The new digital alternatives provide flexibility for those who haven't yet obtained REAL ID-compliant cards.

Key ID Card Updates for November 2025

Several significant digital ID developments occurred this month:

• Apple Digital ID (November 12, 2025): U.S. passport holders can now create digital IDs in Apple Wallet for use at 250+ airports
• Virginia Mobile ID (November 12, 2025): First-in-nation fully digital driver's license program launched statewide
• Illinois Mobile ID (November 18, 2025): Digital driver's licenses and state IDs now available through Apple Wallet
• Texas REAL ID Compliance (November 1, 2025): All new licenses issued now meet federal REAL ID standards
• Ohio REAL ID Update: Similar compliance measures for new cards issued after November 1, 2025
• Expanded Airport Acceptance: Digital IDs now recognized at all major U.S. airports with TSA identity readers

Furthermore, 14 states and Puerto Rico now support adding driver's licenses to Apple Wallet, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Who Is Affected by ID Card Requirement Changes

These updates impact different groups of travelers and residents in various ways. Understanding which rules apply to you is essential for smooth travel.

For Domestic Air Travelers

All passengers 18 and older must present REAL ID-compliant identification or an acceptable alternative at TSA checkpoints. If your license doesn't have a star symbol (★) in the top corner, you'll need a passport, passport card, or digital ID option. Children under 18 don't need identification for domestic flights.

For Virginia Residents

You can now download the free Virginia Mobile ID app from Apple App Store or Google Play. The digital ID is accepted at all Virginia airports, DMV locations, Virginia State Police stops, and nine Richmond-area ABC stores. However, you should still carry your physical license as backup.

For Illinois Residents

Starting November 18, 2025, you can add your Illinois driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet. The service works at O'Hare, Midway, and Lambert airports, plus 250+ airports nationwide. Android wallet support is expected within the next few months.

For iPhone Users Nationwide

Apple's Digital ID feature lets you create identification using your U.S. passport information. This works at TSA checkpoints even if you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license. Requirements include iOS 26.1 or later on compatible devices.

How to Get a Digital ID — Step by Step

Follow these steps to set up digital identification on your smartphone:

1. Download the App: Get Virginia Mobile ID, Illinois Secretary of State app, or ensure your Apple Wallet is updated to iOS 26.1+
2. Scan Your Physical ID: Use your phone camera to scan your current driver's license or U.S. passport photo page
3. Verify Chip Data: For Apple Digital ID, hold your phone near your passport's back cover to read the embedded chip
4. Complete Facial Verification: Take a selfie and complete required head movement prompts to confirm your identity
5. Wait for Approval: Your digital ID will be added to your wallet once the issuing authority verifies your information
6. Practice Using It: Double-click your phone's side button to access your digital ID and present it at identity readers

Important Dates and Timeline

Mark these key dates for ID card requirement changes:

• May 7, 2025: Full REAL ID enforcement began at all TSA airport checkpoints nationwide
• November 1, 2025: Texas and Ohio began issuing only REAL ID-compliant licenses
• November 12, 2025: Apple Digital ID and Virginia Mobile ID launched simultaneously
• November 18, 2025: Illinois Mobile ID became available for state residents
• December 31, 2025: UK may stop accepting non-biometric EU ID cards for settlement status holders
• 2026 and Beyond: Additional states expected to launch mobile ID programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If I Don't Have a REAL ID?

Without REAL ID-compliant identification, TSA will direct you to a separate area for additional screening. Officers may use an identity verification process to confirm who you are. If successful, you'll still be allowed through security but may face delays. Carrying an alternative like a passport eliminates this issue entirely.

Can I Use Digital ID for International Travel?

No, digital IDs cannot replace physical passports for international travel or border crossings. Apple's Digital ID and state mobile licenses are designed only for domestic purposes. You must carry your physical passport when traveling abroad, and meeting passport photo requirements remains essential for international document applications.

Is the Digital ID Secure?

Yes, digital IDs offer strong privacy protections. Data stays encrypted on your device, and you control exactly what information gets shared each time. Apple cannot see when or where you present your Digital ID. Additionally, you can choose to verify only your age without sharing your full address or other details.

What Are Acceptable Alternatives to REAL ID?

TSA accepts several alternatives including U.S. passports, passport cards, Global Entry and NEXUS cards, military IDs, and Enhanced Driver's Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. The new digital ID options from Apple and participating states also qualify.

How Do I Know If My License Is REAL ID Compliant?

Check for a star symbol (★) in the top right corner of your driver's license or state ID. If present, your card meets REAL ID standards. If absent, contact your state's DMV about upgrading or use an alternative form of identification.

What You Need to Know — Bottom Line

The November 2025 ID card requirements update brings significant new digital options for travelers. Apple's Digital ID, Virginia Mobile ID, and Illinois Mobile ID now offer convenient smartphone-based alternatives at 250+ airports nationwide. These complement the REAL ID enforcement that took effect in May 2025.

If you're updating identification documents, remember that meeting proper photo specifications is crucial for both digital and physical IDs. VisaPics helps ensure your photos comply with official requirements for passports, driver's licenses, and other government-issued identification. Whether you need photos for a new REAL ID-compliant license or a passport to use with Apple's Digital ID, having correctly formatted images streamlines the application process.

Sources: - [TSA REAL ID Information](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id) - [Apple Introduces Digital ID](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/apple-introduces-digital-id-a-new-way-to-create-and-present-an-id-in-apple-wallet/) - [Virginia Mobile ID Launch - Axios Richmond](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/12/virginia-mobile-id-digital-drivers-license-dmv-tsa-police) - [Illinois Secretary of State Mobile ID Announcement](https://www.ilsos.gov/news/2025/november-18-2025-the-day-is-finally-here-giannoulias-launches-mobile-id.html) - [TSA Publishes Final Rule on REAL ID Enforcement](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/01/13/tsa-publishes-final-rule-real-id-enforcement-beginning-may-7-2025) - [ABC News - Apple Digital ID at TSA](https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/apples-new-digital-id-feature-save-time-tsa/story?id=127818499)