Get the ibuprofen ready: Travel headaches could be in the cards for promotional products professionals that fly for work and others looking to board planes in the United States.

Come Oct. 1, 2020, air travelers ages 18 and older will need to present a driver’s license that meets the minimum standards for verifying identity as defined under the REAL ID Act of 2005 in order to pass through TSA security and proceed to their flights.

Lacking a license that meets the REAL ID requirements, travelers will have to show a valid passport, military ID, or other approved identification in 13 months’ time. Failure to do so could lead to time-consuming secondary screenings by TSA and even the possibility that you’ll be prohibited from flying. Bottlenecks at security gates could result, too, if there’s a plethora of would-be passengers without proper ID.

“The Oct. 1, 2020, deadline has the potential to create chaos at airports and disrupt travel significantly,” writes Scott McCartney, a columnist for The Wall Street Journal. “Some estimates suggest half of all travelers may have driver’s licenses that don’t comply with…REAL ID.”

Have you gotten a REAL ID driver’s license yet? If not, domestic flights could become more of a headache by next year https://t.co/NqR1t0FuSt via @WSJ

— WSJMiddleSeat (@MiddleSeat) September 11, 2019

Generally, licenses that comply have a star in the upper right hand corner, according to TSA. To avoid what figures to be a mad dash at motor vehicle centers around the country shortly before the requirement takes effect next year, promo product professionals and other air travelers would be wise to update their licenses now. That, or be prepared to present a passport – or alternative accepted form of ID -- for both domestic and international flights.

Admittedly, it’s taken some states a while to get their motor vehicle agencies up to snuff with being able to issue valid REAL ID licenses. Most now can, but there are some not yet on board. For instance, residents in Oklahoma and Oregon will have to wait until mid next year or so to receive REAL ID licenses.

Bottom line, though: In states where it’s possible, save yourself some trouble and get a REAL ID before the deadline crush. Sure, authorities could roll back the requirement implementation date, as has happened before, but don’t take the chance. Update now. “We are moving forward as if implementation will occur,” TSA Press Secretary Jenny Burke told McCartney.

The REAL ID requirements are an outgrowth of the 9/11 Commission Report, and are designed to ensure that governmental authorities know with certainty whom is boarding a plane and/or seeking to enter a federal building.