High Demand For NYC Municipal IDs Forces Change In Application Process
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- High demand for New York City's brand new municipal identification cards forced the de Blasio administration to make changes after officials were apparently caught off guard by the rush for cards this week.
Applicants flooded 11 centers on Tuesday as well as the Brooklyn Municipal Building, where residents lined up as early as 6:30 a.m. -- two hours before the doors opened, 1010 WINS reported.
On Wednesday, a long line snaked around the first floor of the main library annex at 40th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported.
High Demand For Municipal IDs Forces De Blasio Admin. To Change Application Process
"We knew, obviously, when the mayor announced this there would be lots of interest," said Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Nisha Agarwal. "I have to say I'm a little surprised by the level of turnout."
Due to the high level of demand the ID cards, dubbed IDNYC, are now being issued by appointment only, Diamond reported.
"We've been waiting here two hours, three hours just to get an appointment. Why do you need an appointment for that?" Carr Stevens from Morocco said, adding he went to the library because he couldn't get through on the website.
Since there is no open enrollment period, the de Blasio administration is asking residents to wait until the kinks are worked out to apply.
WEB EXTRA: Full List Of NYC ID Benefits
"So what we're asking folks to do is to be patient. Refresh their browser, wait a little while, it will start to pick up," said Agarwal.
All New Yorkers age 14 and older are eligible. The card is available to anyone who can prove their identity and New York City residency. Applicants do not have to reveal their immigration status to receive one.
Anyone interested in the ID cards can sign up onling at nyc.gov or call 311 to schedule an appointment.
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