The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards,” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Originally, the law mandated the switch to REAL IDs by 2008, but that date has been pushed back year after year. Now the deadline is only months away.

Special to the American Press The REAL ID enforcement date is just three months away and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is encouraging residents to prepare now. Beginning on May 7, the only state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards federal agencies will accept for official purposes are those that meet REAL ID standards.

The TSA says you have to get your Real ID by May 7. For real, this time. Why it matters: After that date, Real IDs or valid passports will be required for domestic travel and entry into certain government facilities like military bases.