After nearly 20 years of delays, the Real ID deadline is finally here. Beginning May 7, Americans planning to travel domestically are required to use the enhanced form of identification. The Transportation Security Administration said it will no longer accept IDs that don’t comply with Real ID requirements.

The TSA said it’s seeing about 81% compliance at airport checkpoints, meaning roughly four out of five travelers are showing up with a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another valid form of identification. 

If you still need to update your ID, you’re not alone. CBS News data shows that dozens of states are behind on compliance. You can still travel without a Real ID, but will need to bring another acceptable form of identification, as outlined by the TSA.

Here’s what you need to know as the Real ID requirements takes effect on Wednesday.

What is a Real ID? 

The Real ID is a federally compliant license, learner permit or nondriver ID card issued by state driver’s license agencies. You can tell if a state-issued license or ID card is a Real ID if it has a black or gold star in the upper right corner. 

The symbol might look slightly different depending on the state from where it’s issued: California, for example, puts its star symbol inside a golden bear.  

Who needs a Real ID?

Real or Enhanced IDs are required for those over 18 who plan on flying domestically or entering a federal building that requires identification, unless they want to bring a valid U.S. passport.

When will I need to use a Real ID?

Americans will need to show Real IDs to access certain federal facilities — including TSA checkpoints — enter nuclear power plants and board commercial aircraft, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

Am I required to get a Real ID? 

Real or Enhanced IDs are only required for those over 18 without a valid U.S. passport who plan on flying domestically or entering a federal building that requires identification. 

That’s said, Real IDs are considered a more secure form of identification than a classic driver’s license.

The requirement for Real IDs was established by Congress in 2005, 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. 

The deadline for implementation has been delayed several times, although some states started issuing Real IDs as far back as 2009.

You can find more details on Real ID on the DHS’ website. 

Can I use an Enhanced ID instead of a Real ID?

Five states — Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont — issue what is called an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), or Enhanced ID. This is considered an acceptable alternative to a Real ID card. 

Whereas Real IDs have a star emblem, Enhanced IDs have an image of the U.S. flag in the top right corner or the word “Enhanced” at the top of the card.

Both Real IDs and Enhanced IDs are federal documents that allow holders to fly domestically. 

Enhanced IDs also allow you to travel from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, without a passport — something you can’t do with a regular Real ID.

How much does a Real ID cost?

Prices vary by state. In New York, for example, there is no additional fee for a Real ID beyond the normal transactional cost you pay for a standard license, ID or renewal. Pennsylvania, however, charges a “one-time $30 Real ID fee” on top of standard renewal fees. New York charges an additional $30 fee for Enhanced IDs.

It’s best to check your state’s Real ID guidelines for an accurate estimate of how much you’ll pay. The same goes for Enhanced IDs.

How do I get a Real ID? Can I apply for one online? 

Each state has a driver’s licensing agency that issues Real IDs. To find out how to apply where you live, visit the DHS website and click on your state of residence for specific instructions. DHS recommends that you visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation you’ll need to brings in order to obtain a Real ID.

Be sure to plan ahead as some states have longer wait times for DMV appointments.

What if I am planning to travel this week but I don’t have a Real ID yet?

A TSA spokesperson told CBS News Philadelphia that if travelers show up to the airport next Wednesday without a Real ID they may still be able to fly, but getting on board the plane may take longer than usual. The transportation agency recommends that people without a Real ID arrive at the airport three hours early to ensure enough time to get through security.

“We don’t have concerns at this point about this deadline really impacting operations, especially for those people who again are prepared and have everything they’re supposed to have,” Jessica Mayle, a public affairs specialist at TSA, told CBS Philadelphia.

Are there alternative forms of identification I can use at the airport?

If you don’t have a Real ID, TSA has a list of other valid forms of identification you can use to get through an airport checkpoint. This includes passports, permanent resident cards, Enhanced IDs and Global Entry cards.

Can I use a Real ID for international travel?

No. You will still need a valid passport to travel outside of the country and go on international cruises.

It’s a nightmare for any traveler: getting to the airport and not having their ID. For many Americans, a version of that headache will become a reality starting today when the federal government begins enforcing requirements for Real ID, a national set of standards for state-issued identification documents such as driver’s licenses. 

Do I need a Real ID to fly?

The Transportation Security Administration said that starting Wednesday, it will no longer accept IDs that don’t comply with Real ID requirements.

“TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports,” Adam Stahl, a TSA senior official who’s performing the duties of the agency’s administrator, said in a statement last month.

The agency said people who are in the U.S. illegally and are voluntarily self-deporting on international flights will still be allowed to board planes.

Is an enhanced license the same as a Real ID?

Five states — Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington — issue enhanced IDs, which can be used to cross the U.S. border in a vehicle. The TSA said enhanced IDs are an acceptable form of identification at airport checkpoints. 

What if I’m flying without a Real ID?

According to the TSA, 81% of travelers provide an acceptable ID at security checkpoints. But a CBS News data analysis in April found that at least 17 states were less than 50% compliant with Real ID requirements, and 30 states were less than 70% compliant, setting the stage for potential disruptions at checkpoints across the country. 

There is hope for people who don’t have an updated driver’s license, state ID card or enhanced ID. The TSA said other forms of identification can be shown at checkpoints. Here’s a list of those other acceptable IDs:

• U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
• Cards from Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to military dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation or Native American tribe
• Federal employee or contractor ID card 
• Passport issued by a foreign government
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or ID card issued to Indigenous people in Canada
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card
• U.S. merchant mariner credential
• Veteran health identification card

The TSA noted that the list is subject to change without notice. The agency also said temporary driver’s licenses aren’t an acceptable form of ID.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday told lawmakers what will happen when passengers present their ID to a TSA officer.

“If it’s not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly,” Noem told a House Appropriations subcommittee. “We will make sure that it is as seamless as possible and that travelers will get to stay on their intended itinerary, but we are telling people that this law will be enforced.”

The TSA said people without an acceptable ID may have to have their identity verified by providing information such as their name and current address. Passengers with confirmed identities may then be subjected to additional screening. People without confirmed identities won’t be allowed to go through security.

Last month, a source familiar with the procedure told CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave that the identity verification process is similar to what happens when people have their ID stolen on vacation. People who intend to have their identity verified at the airport should plan to arrive at least three hours before a domestic flight instead of the recommended two hours, according to the source.

The goal will be to move people with noncompliant IDs to a separate area quickly so security lines don’t get backed up, the source told Van Cleave.

How can I tell if I have a Real ID?

A Real ID card has a star marking at the upper-right part of the card, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Do children need a Real ID to fly?

The TSA doesn’t require children under 18 to have an ID when traveling within the U.S. The agency urges passengers to check if their airline requires IDs for children.

Taylor Johnston

contributed to this report.