The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline to get a Real ID.

The deadline for the new identification was supposed to be Oct. 1, 2021, but has been delayed to May 3, 2023.

DHS officials say that the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for people to get the Real ID with many state Motor Vehicle offices closed or at limited capacity.

Only about 43% of Americans have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card.

Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. The updated cards will be required for airport check-in and to enter federal facilities.