As the deadline to apply for the REAL ID approaches, CBS 8's Abbie Black explains how people can apply.

In a few months, the use of the federal ID card will be fully enforced — meaning passengers boarding for domestic air travel or entering federal facilities will be required to show their REAL ID, according to the U.

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.

The REAL ID Act requires anyone 18 or older to have a REAL ID or another federally issued photo ID to board commercial flights.

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.

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.