Travelers without 'REAL ID' to be allowed to fly: US homeland security chief

​​​​​WASHINGTON

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday that travelers who do not have enhanced ID cards by the May 7 deadline will be allowed to fly.

During her testimony before the House Appropriations Committee on DHS oversight, Noem said "REAL ID" will be enforced Wednesday.

She said 81% of travelers who use airlines in the US already have IDs that comply with the requirements.

"If it's not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly," she added.

REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that Homeland Security said is a more secure form of identification. It was passed by Congress in 2005.