The deadline to get a California REAL ID is Wednesday, May 7. After the deadline, the new identification will be required to enter federal facilities such as military bases, courthouses, and other secured sites - and to board domestic flights.

If you're flying in the next few days or weeks, be prepared for potential long lines at the airport as TSA starts taking a closer look at IDs. Driving the news: Wednesday is the first day a Real ID compliant license — or another acceptable document — is needed to board a commercial aircraft in the U.