Lines moved quickly and exceptions were made for travelers without their upgraded driver's licenses or other valid identification documents, which were technically required for air travel starting Wednesday, following a 20-year roll-out by the U.S. government.

Arriving at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) on Wednesday, I immediately saw airport representatives standing in front of the standard checkpoint lanes holding signs, reminding passengers that they'd need a Real ID — or another acceptable document.