The Citizen Brief

Real ID Enforcement Begins May 7 After Years of Delays

By Travis Okafor— July 22, 2025

Real ID Enforcement Begins May 7 After Years of Delays

After nearly two decades of extensions, the Real ID requirement for domestic air travel takes effect May 7, 2025. Travelers without a star-marked compliant license or acceptable alternative ID like a passport may face additional screening or be denied boarding. Currently, 81% of U.S. travelers already use compliant identification, though compliance rates vary significantly by state.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Travis Okafor, 38, bridges Wall Street climate capital with emerging market realities. Born in Lagos to a Nigerian petroleum economist and British development finance expert, raised in London, he co-founded a boutique climate finance consultancy after field research in rural Kenya revealed why well-intentioned climate projects consistently fail.

After nearly two decades of extensions, the Real ID requirement for domestic air travel takes effect May 7, 2025. Travelers without a star-marked compliant license or acceptable alternative ID like a passport may face additional screening or be denied boarding. Currently, 81% of U.S. travelers already use compliant identification, though compliance rates vary significantly by state.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Travis Okafor, 38, bridges Wall Street climate capital with emerging market realities. Born in Lagos to a Nigerian petroleum economist and British development finance expert, raised in London, he co-founded a boutique climate finance consultancy after field research in rural Kenya revealed why well-intentioned climate projects consistently fail.