The REAL ID deadline is here: What to know

WASHINGTON - The deadline to obtain a Real ID for your license is May 7, which means air travelers need this identification to board domestic flights and to gain entrance to some federal buildings.

Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem said Tuesday that travelers with no REAL ID will be allowed to fly for now, but with probable extra steps, the Associated Press reported. 

According to the Department of Homeland Security, certain standard driver’s licenses and other identification cards will no longer meet federal guidelines for individuals seeking to fly in the U.S. and for access to some federal facilities.

Here’s what you need to know. 

What is a Real ID?

Why you should care:

A REAL ID is a seal on all state-issued identification documents.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and was enacted following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses," according to the Department of Homeland Security. 

RELATED: REAL ID license: Deadline approaches for US travelers

The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.

All states, Washington, D.C., and the five territories are REAL ID compliant, and they are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and IDs. Moreover, travelers who don’t show a REAL ID-compliant license or suitable ID option can’t go through a security checkpoint.

How can I obtain a REAL ID?

What you can do:

Travelers that need to apply for a REAL ID, must visit the Department of Motor Vehicles office in their area and fill out an online application and upload their documents. When you arrive at the DMV office make sure to bring your uploaded documents to complete the application. 

The following documentation you need is listed below: 

1. Full Legal Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Social Security number
4. Two proofs of your address of principal residence
5. Lawful status

States might enforce more requirements, so you should visit your local DMV for a full list of documents and a link to the online application.

Are there appointments to get REAL IDs in my state?

Local perspective:

FOX News reported in April that some states are bombarded with demand now to get the REAL ID that there are no appointments available to get it, even with extra booking slots. However, other states said they are extending their DMV hours to accommodate people rushing to get their REAL IDs. 

On April 7, the California DMV announced that certain locations will open an hour early to assist residents trying to get their ID before the May 7 deadline.

Approximately 18 locations will open at 7 a.m. on weekdays except for Wednesdays — and will be reserved only for those with scheduled REAL ID appointments. 

And in Virginia, two DMVs in the area hosted a four-hour "REAL ID Appointment-Only Event" during the past two weekends.