Travelers without a REAL ID can still board commercial flights in the United States, but with extra probable steps, according to the Department of Homeland Security chief.

Enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins on Wednesday, May 7. The act requires people to have a REAL ID, U.S. passport or other federally approved identification to board commercial flights and enter federally secure buildings.

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The DMV says there is no rush to get a REAL ID unless you have upcoming air travel. The DMV will continue to issue REAL IDs after May 7.

Everything to know about getting a REAL ID  

Check to see if you have a REAL ID by looking for a star in the upper right corner of your drivers license.

According to Dan Velez, a spokesperson with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the REAL ID enforcement date is “just that,” and people can still get a REAL ID after the deadline.

“It’s an enforcement date where starting (Wednesday), we will enforce REAL ID security checkpoints,” Velez said. “It’s not the REAL ID deadline for you to get one.”

According to Velez, about 81% of license holders nationwide have already gotten their REAL ID. Passengers without the REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screenings and a possibility of not being allowed in the airport’s security checkpoint.

“Those individuals who have no ID whatsoever, their screening will be a lot longer than someone with a regular license that’s not REAL ID compliant. Those folks will get through faster than someone without an ID at all," Velez said.

Velez couldn't give an estimate on how long these extra screenings will take. He only said they can vary depending on what form of ID the person has and what airport they are at. Simply, that person would be listed as “non-compliant" and taken to a separate area to be verified.

He advises people without the REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID to get to the airport much earlier than the recommended two hours normally.

“You’ll be pull off to the side and possibly go through additional screening, which will slow down your security screening process,” he said.

Velez said TSA at airports across the country are working to enforce the rule with as minimal disruption to travel as possible. He said airports nationwide are working ahead to identify travelers who do not have their REAL ID or other acceptable ID.

"Our TSOs have been briefed," Velez said. "They know this day is coming. They’re ready to go. They’re going to handle each passenger accordingly. If they have a REAL ID, they will go right through; if they do not, we have procedures in place at each airport across country ... we’ll do this with as minimal disruption to our operation as possible."

Lines form at DMV offices week of REAL ID deadline

Expect to see long lines at North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations this week and in coming weeks as people scramble to get their REAL ID.

The DMV has tried to cut down wait times in recent weeks, expanding hours at 42 locations so most DMV officers in the state are open 10 hours each day. However, long lines and waits have persisted, and those could only get worse with the REAL ID deadline.

What to know about getting a REAL ID

The REAL ID looks similar to a traditional drivers license but has a star in the top right corner, and the process to get one is similar to obtaining a regular drivers license. People must bring: 

  • One document with the person's full name that proves their identity and date of birth
    • One document confirming their social security number
      • Two documents proving they are a North Carolina resident, with their current physical address
        • One document proving liability insurance coverage from a provider licensed to do business in N.C.

          If a person has had their name legally changed -- such as taking a married name -- additional documents may be needed to verify that name change. Additional documents may also be needed for people who are not U.S. citizens.

          The state Department of Transportation (DOT) does note that the REAL ID is optional. It is not a requirement for: 

          • Driving
            • Voting
              • Apply for or receiving federal benefits
                • Entering federal facilities not requiring federal identification, like the post office
                  • Access to hospitals or receiving life-aving care
                    • Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations such as serving on a jury or testifying in court

                      Anyone under 18 is also not required to have a REAL ID to travel on airplanes. A full list of documents required to obtain a REAL ID is available on the DMV website.