Is Your Business Ready for Real ID? What You Must Know Now

As of May 7, 2025, the Real ID law went into effect. Twenty years after its passage, this law requires federally approved identification for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. While this change primarily affects travel, it also intersects with broader legislative efforts that could impact your business and community.

What has gotten lesser coverage in the context of this law is the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This act, which the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed, mandates in-person proof of U.S. citizenship at the time of voting. At the time of this newsletter, the act is stalled in the U.S. Senate, where it could face a filibuster and require 60 votes to overcome and pass.

Approximately 45% to 50% of Americans have a valid passport. As of April 2025, about 60% of the country's driver's license and state ID card holders had REAL IDs, such as a birth certificate or passport. This means that as many as 40% to 50% of U.S. citizens could encounter challenges with voting.

If a registered voter does not have a Real ID, they must present original documentation, including a birth certificate and other documentation as proof of citizenship. Importantly, the name listed on their forms of documentation must match the name on their voter registration. Critics have argued this could disenfranchise millions, particularly women who have changed their names due to marriage and transgender and other LGBTQIA+ individuals who chose their spouse or partner’s last name. This law could also affect adopted individuals and those who changed their names for protection purposes, as many of them may not have the required documents.

These developments underscore the importance of proactive communication and community engagement for companies with visions and values similar to those held by Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions. Ensuring your team and clients are informed about these changes can prevent disruptions and demonstrate your brand's commitment to inclusivity and preparedness.

Actions you can take include hosting informational sessions, voter registration drives, or offering resources to help your community navigate these new requirements. By doing so, you support your stakeholders and reinforce your brand's values and leadership in times of change.

Stay informed and prepared to adapt, because proactive brands build lasting trust in a rapidly evolving business and political landscape.

Disclaimer: This article was thoughtfully crafted with assistance from ChatGPT to provide insights and spark meaningful reflection. The article largely reflects our beliefs, strategies, or intentions. We encourage you to engage critically with this information and make choices that align with your unique path and purpose. It is at your sole discretion and responsibility if you choose to apply any of the suggested ideas.

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Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills is a coach/business, economic, and community development expert who has assisted thousands during her career. She founded Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions, a coaching and consulting firm that helps clients feel seen, heard, and valued to “BEcome their vision of extraordinary.”

A Forbes Coaches Council® member, her credentials include: M.S. in Executive Leadership, ICF Professional Certified Coach, Certified Positive Intelligence® Coach, and second-degree blackbelt in traditional Okinawan karate.

She also hosts “What The Why?!?,” a podcast that explores the reasons behind people’s passions, pivots, and purpose. You can check out our legacy episodes from the first three seasons of “What The Why?!? With Barbara Anne” on KnetStream through our website at https://www.purposefilledsande.com/what-the-why-active-portal or visit our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@WhatTheWhy-Podcast.

To learn more about Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, the Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions team, and her podcast, visit https://www.purposefilledsande.com.