NEW YORK - The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is reporting unprecedented crowds as people rush to get a Real ID before October 1.

Starting that day, the federal government will require the enhanced identification for domestic flights and for entry into federal buildings.

Travelers without a Real ID will have to show a passport or an additional form of ID, like a green card. 

At the DMV office on Ninth Avenue and 31st Street in Manahttan on Wednesday, there was not a seat to be had as New Yorkers waited hours to apply for a Real ID.

"I thought maybe it was going to be a two hour process, so I asked around and they said four to six hours. I think I'm here seven. Childbirth was shorter for me," said one New Yorker.

"It’s horrible, It’s horrible to make people wait that long," said another New Yorker.

The DMV says it has increased staff by 400 people, extended its hours, and opened offices on Saturdays to deal with the crowds.

For more information on how to apply for a Real ID, go online to dmv.ny.gov.