Privacy concerns kept many Mainers from getting the enhanced identification, raising the possibility of travel disruptions and airport delays if the mandate is strictly enforced.

Airport travelers in Houston and across the United States who don't have a Real ID will likely face security delays starting Wednesday and may be delayed beyond their flight boarding times, a Transportation Security Administration official said this week.

Travelers are bracing for chaos when the new REAL ID restrictions are finally enforced Wednesday — with major airports prepping for widespread confusion and Americans scrambling to get their hands on compliant identification before jetting off.