Real IDs are now required at airports across the U.S. for domestic travel

As of Wednesday, U.S. travelers flying domestically are required to show a Real ID at airport checkpoints. The May 7 deadline for Americans to switch to the federally compliant identification comes after being delayed for more than 20 years. 

In the weeks before the new ID requirement was set to take effect on Wednesday, travelers gathered outside of state driver's license agencies across the country to secure their Real ID, which has a star marking at the upper-right part of the card. 

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