A federal law requiring Americans to present a Real ID or another accepted form of identification to fly within the United States will soon take effect following nearly two decades of deadlines and extensions.

All U.S. flyers will need a Real ID to get through security starting May 7, the government says, and anyone from the United States visiting the United Kingdom will need a special authorization. NBC’s Vicky Nguyen joins TODAY to break down what you need to know before you travel.

You only have about eight weeks left if you want to get a real ID, and you will need Real ID if you want to take a flight anywhere in the U.S. or enter certain federal buildings. Real ID is a form of identification that meets federal standards for security. Passports and Department of Defense ID's also qualify as a Real ID.