• The Real ID requirements officially take effect amid a wave of last-minute applications.
• Travelers without Real IDs can still fly but may face additional screening and longer wait times.
• Secretary Kristi Noem assures a "seamless" transition for those without compliant IDs.
• About 81% of travelers are currently compliant with the Real ID requirements.
• Significant wait times at DMV offices due to increased demand for Real IDs before the deadline.

As of May 7, travelers flying domestically in the U.S. are required to present a Real ID at airport checkpoints, a mandate that has been delayed for over 20 years. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that travelers who do not possess a Real ID can still fly but will face additional security procedures. Travelers without compliant IDs may be diverted to a different line for extra screening, though they will not be denied boarding, according to HuffPost, Reuters, and CBS News.

The enforcement of Real ID was designed to enhance airport security following the 9/11 attacks and is a result of the Real ID Act of 2005. Although currently 81% of travelers are compliant, many states report lower rates, leading to anticipated disruptions at security checkpoints. With more than 50% of Americans lacking a compliant ID, the likely outcome may include prolonged wait times as travelers undergo added verification steps at TSA checkpoints, according to Los Angeles Times, India Times, and The Hill.

Notably, the TSA has recommended that travelers without a Real ID or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a passport, arrive at least three hours early for airport screening to avoid delays. For those anticipating the enforcement, there is a recommendation to be prepared for "advanced security measures," which means travelers might spend additional time verifying their identities, as noted by CBS News and The Hill.

Despite the push for compliance, many travelers still expressed confusion and concern over the new requirements. A National Consumers League representative predicted that the increased number of travelers diverted for checks could overwhelm security lines at airports. This situation has led some officials to advise against immediate travel unless absolutely necessary in the early days of enforcement, according to Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, and The Hill.