Major ID Card Changes Now in Effect Across the United States
ID card requirements underwent significant changes in 2025, with full REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025, affecting all domestic air travelers. As of November 2025, 93% of U.S. travelers are now compliant with the new federal identification standards, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
The updates include mandatory REAL ID compliance for airport security checkpoints, the expansion of digital driver's licenses to 12 states, and Virginia's recent launch of mobile ID acceptance at TSA checkpoints and ABC stores. These changes represent the most significant shift in U.S. identification requirements in over a decade.
Key REAL ID Requirements Now Enforced
The TSA began full enforcement of REAL ID standards on May 7, 2025, ending a grace period that lasted several years. All travelers aged 18 and older must now comply with these requirements.
- REAL ID Mandatory: State-issued driver's licenses or ID cards must meet federal security standards marked with a star symbol (or unique state symbols like California's golden bear with a star)
- No Exceptions for PreCheck: Even TSA PreCheck members must present REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives to board commercial flights
- 93% Compliance Rate: National compliance has reached 93% with minimal disruption to airport security operations since enforcement began
- Non-Compliant IDs Rejected: Passengers with non-compliant state IDs face additional screening, delays, and possible denial of entry to security checkpoints
TSA Administrator David Pekoske stated that the agency has been pleased with the high compliance rate, noting little to no disruption in security operations since enforcement started. However, travelers without compliant identification should expect significant delays or inability to board their flights.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Changes
The new ID card requirements impact millions of Americans across different categories. Understanding how these changes affect specific groups is essential for ensuring travel readiness.
For Domestic Air Travelers
All passengers 18 years and older must present REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives such as a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card. Minors under 18 do not need to present identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.
For State ID and Driver's License Holders
Residents holding state-issued IDs or driver's licenses issued before their state adopted REAL ID standards must upgrade to compliant versions. Check your current ID for a star marking in the upper right corner to determine compliance status. If your ID lacks this marking, visit your state DMV to obtain a REAL ID-compliant version.
For Digital ID Users
Travelers in the 12 states and Puerto Rico where digital IDs are accepted can now use mobile driver's licenses at over 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide. Virginia residents, as of November 2025, can use their Virginia Mobile ID app at all DMVs, select ABC stores, law enforcement agencies, and TSA checkpoints. However, TSA strongly encourages digital ID holders to carry physical identification as backup.
How to Get REAL ID Compliant - Step by Step
Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card requires visiting your state DMV with specific documents.
- Verify Current Compliance: Check your existing ID for a star symbol or your state's unique REAL ID marking in the upper right corner
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency (utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements)
- Schedule DMV Appointment: Visit your state DMV website to schedule an appointment, as many states require appointments for REAL ID applications
- Complete Application: Fill out the REAL ID application form at the DMV and present all required documentation for verification
- Pay Applicable Fees: REAL ID fees vary by state but typically range from $20-$40, with your new compliant ID arriving by mail within 2-3 weeks
Digital Driver's License Expansion and Acceptance
The shift toward digital identification accelerated significantly in November 2025, with multiple states expanding mobile ID programs.
- 12 States Plus Puerto Rico: Apple Wallet digital IDs are now available in 12 states and Puerto Rico, with Montana, North Dakota, and West Virginia added in recent months
- Virginia Launch (November 2025): Virginia's digital driver's licenses became accepted at all DMVs, nine Richmond-area ABC stores, Virginia State Police, and 250+ TSA checkpoints nationwide
- Apple Digital ID Feature: Announced November 12, 2025, allowing users to create digital IDs in Apple Wallet using U.S. passport information
- 50% State Adoption Expected: Industry experts predict that 50% of U.S. states will have live digital driver's license programs by the end of 2025
To obtain a digital ID where available, download your state's mobile ID app from the App Store or Google Play, scan your physical driver's license, and complete facial verification prompts. The process typically takes 5-10 minutes.
Important Dates and Timeline
These critical dates mark the evolution of ID card requirements through 2025 and beyond.
- May 7, 2025: Full REAL ID enforcement began at all U.S. airports and federal facilities requiring identification
- November 12, 2025: Apple announced Digital ID feature allowing passport-based ID creation in Apple Wallet
- November 2025: Virginia launched mobile ID acceptance at TSA checkpoints, ABC stores, and law enforcement agencies
- End of 2025: 14 states have active mobile driver's license programs with 15 additional states planning launches soon
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If My ID Is Not REAL ID Compliant?
If you present a non-compliant state ID at airport security without an acceptable alternative, you will face additional screening and possible delays. TSA may verify your identity through other means, but if your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be permitted through the security checkpoint and cannot board your flight.
Can I Use My Passport Instead of Getting REAL ID?
Yes, a valid U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable alternative to REAL ID for domestic air travel. Other alternatives include government-issued passports, DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, SENTRI), active duty or retired military IDs, federally-recognized tribal IDs, and Transportation Worker Identification Credentials.
Are Digital Driver's Licenses Accepted Everywhere?
Digital driver's licenses are currently accepted at over 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide and in select locations within participating states. However, acceptance varies by state and venue, so TSA strongly recommends carrying your physical ID as backup. Not all states have implemented mobile ID programs, and acceptance outside of TSA checkpoints is limited to specific retailers, law enforcement agencies, and government facilities.
What You Need to Know About New ID Requirements
The transition to REAL ID enforcement and digital identification represents a fundamental shift in how Americans prove their identity for travel and official purposes. With 93% national compliance already achieved, the implementation has been smoother than anticipated, but the remaining 7% of travelers must take action to avoid disruptions.
Whether you're planning domestic air travel, renewing your driver's license, or considering a digital ID option, ensure your identification meets current requirements well before your travel date. For passport photo requirements or visa application documents, professional photo services like VisaPics can ensure your identification photos meet all official specifications, helping you avoid delays in the application process.