They did? The last BahnCard I purchased was in 2014. But it was the special WM BahnCard 25 (25 Euros for four months in the summer). And you had to pick who would win the World Cup for a chance to receive a BahnCard free for a year. And I picked Germany. So I got a free year's extension. But no photo ID was required for the new one. I do know that when I purchased a ticket from a DB fare machine, I just had to show my BahnCard (and ticket) to the conductor. However, when I would purchase a ticket online, I would have to show the ticket printout, my BahnCard, plus the credit card I used for the purchase (which the conductor would then insert into the hand-held reader). But I haven't purchased one since. As I find MeinFernBus and Polski Bus a better and cheaper alternative to DB.

And speaking of that promo in 2014. Maybe the OP should check to see if DB is running a similar promo for the EM this year in France. If they are, then it is probably a much better option.