We all know that time has a way of sneaking up on us.

So, before you start planning your summer vacation or a weekend getaway trip, be sure to have a REAL ID-compliant state license or identification card.

Beginning May 7, Michigan residents will need a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities to comply with federal law, news staff writer Steve Schulwitz reported on Wednesday.

A person can tell if they are REAL ID-compliant by ensuring they have a gold star in the top-right corner or a star in the middle of the Michigan graphic of their driver’s license or state ID.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards. It was put in place for your safety and the safety of others.

It’s important to ensure your identification is REAL ID-compliant, not only so you can fly domestically without any issues, but to help establish greater safety for all travelers.

There’s no added charge for converting to REAL ID if you do so at the time of renewing or replacing your license or ID. Otherwise, there is a correction fee of $9 for a license and $10 for ID to convert to REAL ID.

So be sure to make your appointment with the Secretary of State sooner rather than later to do your part in creating a safer and more secure environment for all.