The REAL ID deadline is almost here. Starting on Wednesday, May 7, Americans will need to have federally compliant identification to pass through airport security and access federal facilities. Don’t have a REAL ID yet? You can still fly, for now, but expect extra screening at TSA. The Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday that travelers without a REAL ID this week should be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny. Those without a REAL ID "may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step", the head of the DHS said Tuesday. “But people will be allowed to fly,” Noem said. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.” What is a REAL ID? The federally-mandated switch requires that state-issued IDs or driver's licenses meet security standards designated by a 2005 law passed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. If you’ve renewed your license in the past few years, you may already be covered. Look for a gold or black star on your ID — that's the REAL ID mark in most states. As of late April, 81% of travelers at TSA checkpoints were showing compliant identification, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The REAL ID Act was supposed to begin rolling out in 2008, “but has faced repeated delays due to state implementation challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Nina Ruggiero, senior editorial director for Travel + Leisure, told the Associated Press.