A growing line of people is building outside of the DMV in Coney Island Tuesday morning as residents rushed to get their Real IDs ahead of a key federal deadline.
Starting Wednesday, May 7, travelers will no longer be allowed to board domestic flights without a Real ID, a passport, or another TSA-approved form of identification.
A Real ID looks similar to a standard driver's license but includes either a star in the upper corner or the word “Enhanced” with a small American flag. If you’ve renewed your license in the past few years, you may already have one—but officials urge residents to double-check.
To obtain a Real ID, you must visit the DMV with specific documents:
- Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport
- Social Security information
- Two documents showing proof of address
Marjorie Frank, who was back in line early Tuesday, says she tried to apply on Monday but forgot her Social Security card. “The lines were so long yesterday—I’m trying to get ahead of it today. I want to travel in July, so I need to get this done,” she said.
Federal officials say this is the final deadline, with no further extensions expected.