REAL ID enforcement starts this week: 5 things to know

(NEXSTAR) — After several delays, the REAL ID enforcement deadline is here. Starting Wednesday, you'll need a compliant identification card to board a domestic flight and enter certain federal facilities.

Enforcement of the ID requirement, which stems back to legislation passed following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, officially begins on Wednesday, May 7.

Here are five things to know before the REAL ID deadline takes effect.

Do I have a REAL ID?

Before you schedule a trip to your DMV, check your wallet: you may already have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state identification card. Many states have been issuing compliant cards for years.

If there is a star on your driver’s license or state ID card, you have a REAL ID-compliant card. The star may be black or gold, completely filled in or just the outline. Either way, you're compliant.

Some states — Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and Vermont —  issue REAL ID-compliant IDs and enhanced driver’s licenses (Washington only issues the latter). State-enhanced driver’s licenses are marked with a flag rather than a star and include a chip that can make it easier to enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. REAL IDs cannot be used for crossing the borders.

Can I still get a REAL ID?

The short answer is yes, REAL IDs will still be issued even after the May 7 enforcement date. If you are flying domestically soon and do not have a REAL ID, however, you'll need to bring along more than your driver's license to board the flight (more on that in a moment).

If you're in a rush to get one, however, you may be out of luck. Several states have reported a lack of appointments to get a REAL ID in recent weeks, including offices in New Jersey, Illinois, and Kentucky, the Associated Press reported.

How do I get a REAL ID?

Should you be lucky enough to schedule an appointment for a REAL ID (if that's necessary in your state), you'll want to make sure you have the necessary documentation.

At minimum, you’ll need to prove your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, two proofs of address for your principal residence, and your lawful status.

Four documents — your birth certificate and your Social Security card (or, in some cases, just the number), plus a bill and a pay stub — could help you meet all of those requirements. You may, however, need different or additional documents depending on your situation.

Ultimately, you’ll want to check with your local DMV to determine qualifying documents and roughly how long it will take for your REAL ID to be available.

What if I don't have a REAL ID?

You will not necessarily be kept from boarding a plane, or other activities that require a valid driver's license.

If you do not have a REAL ID and have a domestic flight planned for departure after the May 7 deadline, don’t panic: You can use another approved form of identification to board your flight.

TSA lists several on its website, including:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Veteran Health Identification Card
• DHS trusted traveler cards
• Department of Defense ID (including those issued to dependents)
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
• HSPD-12 PIV cards
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

You can find more details about TSA's screening process here. The TSA notes that even if you arrive at the airport without a valid form of identification, you may still be able to fly by completing an identity verification process with a TSA officer.

Do I need a REAL ID?

It depends. REAL IDs are optional and the need for one will vary based on your situation.

You do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, receive benefits or services from your state or federal government, buy alcohol, enter a federal facility that otherwise does not require an ID (like a post office), go to a hospital, or “participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations,” like jury duty.

Generally, if you are flying domestically, or visiting nuclear power plants, military bases, or other sites with federal ID requirements, you may need a REAL ID.

Children under the age of 18 do not need to provide identification while flying within the U.S.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.