The head of Homeland Security says travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny.

New leeway around the May 7 deadline ensures you can still board a domestic flight, but you'll be subject to additional security measures.

The deadline to get a REAL ID is May 7, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be enforcing accepted state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. Federal agencies such as the DHS or TSA will only accept the REAL ID for services such as TSA airport security checkpoints.

After years of postponements and delays, the deadline to get a REAL ID is here. WGN's Courtney Spinelli tells Chicagoans everything they need to know. More info:

After years of reminders, the REAL ID requirement is upon us, well most of us. Starting this Wednesday, May 7, most U.S. adults will need a REAL ID to board federally regulated commercial aircraft, access select federal facilities,

The REAL ID deadline is May 7, 2025. After this date, U.S. travelers aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.