Travelers will be required to have updated identification by May 7. Here's a look at what REAL ID is, why it's happening now and how to get one before time runs out.

If you're planning to hop on a plane after May for a get-away, add a REAL ID to your list of things to check before leaving or you won't be getting on a plane. May 7 is the deadline to have federally compliant identification known as a REAL ID, which the Transportation Security Administration plans to fully enforce.