Key Takeaways
• TSA confirms Costco membership cards are not valid ID for airport security after May 7, 2025 REAL ID enforcement.
• REAL ID Act enforces higher security for IDs; travelers must show compliant ID or approved alternatives at TSA checkpoints.
• Costco cards lack government issuance and security features required, causing extra screening or denied boarding if used as ID.
Travelers hoping to breeze through airport security with just a Costco membership card are in for a surprise. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made it clear: Costco membership cards are not valid identification for passing through airport security checkpoints. This clarification comes at a critical time, just after the nationwide REAL ID enforcement deadline took effect in the United States 🇺🇸. The announcement addresses growing confusion fueled by social media posts and online rumors, which have led some travelers to believe that their Costco cards could serve as acceptable ID for air travel.
TSA Sets the Record Straight: What Happened and Why
On June 4, 2025, the TSA posted a direct message on its official Facebook page: “We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a REAL ID because it absolutely does not.” This statement was a response to a wave of misinformation online, where some users claimed that the visual similarities between Costco membership cards and REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses meant they could be used interchangeably at airport security.
The timing of this clarification is important. The REAL ID Act—a federal law passed in 2005—finally became fully enforced nationwide on May 7, 2025, after years of delays. Now, all travelers flying within the United States 🇺🇸 must show a REAL ID-compliant document or another approved form of identification at TSA checkpoints. The confusion over what counts as valid ID has led to some travelers mistakenly presenting their Costco membership cards, only to be turned away or subjected to extra screening.
What Is a REAL ID and Why Does It Matter?
The REAL ID Act was created in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Its goal is to set higher security standards for state-issued identification, such as driver’s licenses and ID cards. A REAL ID-compliant card has a star on the top, showing that it meets federal requirements for security and identity verification.
Why is this important for travelers? Starting May 7, 2025, you must show a REAL ID or another approved form of identification to:
- Board domestic flights in the United States 🇺🇸
- Enter certain federal buildings
- Access some military bases
If you don’t have a REAL ID or an approved alternative, you won’t be allowed through airport security or into these federal facilities.
What Counts as Valid ID at TSA Checkpoints?
The TSA has a clear list of acceptable identification documents for airport security. Here are the most common options:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (look for the star)
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Permanent resident card (also known as a green card)
- Trusted traveler program cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- Department of Defense IDs (for active and retired military personnel)
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington
You can find the full list of acceptable IDs on the official TSA website.
Why Costco Membership Cards Don’t Make the Cut
Some travelers have argued that their Costco membership cards should be accepted because they include a photo and the cardholder’s name. However, there are several reasons why these cards do not qualify as valid identification at TSA checkpoints:
- Not Government-Issued: Costco membership cards are issued by a private company, not a government agency. Federal law requires that acceptable IDs for airport security be issued by a government authority.
- Lack of Security Features: REAL ID-compliant documents have special security features, such as watermarks, holograms, and machine-readable zones, to prevent tampering and counterfeiting. Costco cards do not have these protections.
- No Federal Verification: To get a REAL ID, you must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. Costco cards are issued based on much less rigorous checks.
Even though a Costco card might help verify your identity in rare situations where you have no other ID, it cannot be used as your only form of identification. In those cases, you’ll face extra screening and delays, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be allowed to board your flight.
The Spread of Misinformation: Social Media’s Role
The confusion over Costco membership cards and TSA rules didn’t happen by accident. Social media platforms have played a big role in spreading false claims. Posts and memes suggesting that Costco cards could be used as REAL ID alternatives have gone viral, leading some travelers to try their luck at airport checkpoints.
The TSA’s recent Facebook post was both lighthearted and firm, aiming to clear up the confusion. The agency’s message quickly drew hundreds of comments, with many people joking about bringing rotisserie chickens or suggesting that Costco cards are “stronger than some passports.” While the jokes are harmless, the underlying issue is serious: using the wrong ID at airport security can ruin your travel plans.
How to Get a REAL ID: Step-by-Step Guide
If you haven’t yet upgraded to a REAL ID, now is the time to do it. Here’s what you need to know:
What You’ll Need
To apply for a REAL ID, you must visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. You’ll need to bring:
- One proof of identity: This could be a U.S. birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport.
- One proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card or a W-2 form with your full Social Security number.
- Two proofs of state residency: Utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements with your name and address.
- Proof of name change (if applicable): Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
The Application Process
- Gather your documents. Double-check that you have everything you need before heading to the DMV.
- Visit your local DMV office. Some states allow you to make an appointment online to save time.
- Submit your application and documents. DMV staff will review your paperwork and take your photo.
- Pay the fee. Fees vary by state, so check your DMV’s website for details.
- Wait for your REAL ID. You may receive a temporary paper ID while your new card is processed and mailed to you.
For more information on the REAL ID application process, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page.
What Happens If You Show Up Without Proper ID?
If you try to go through airport security without a REAL ID or another approved form of identification, here’s what you can expect:
- Notification of Non-Compliance: TSA officers will inform you that your ID is not valid for travel.
- Additional Screening: You may be taken aside for extra questioning and screening. This process can be time-consuming and stressful.
- Possible Denial of Boarding: If you cannot prove your identity to the TSA’s satisfaction, you may not be allowed to board your flight.
The same rules apply if you try to enter a federal building that requires REAL ID-compliant identification.
What About Other Membership or Store Cards?
Costco membership cards aren’t the only store cards people have tried to use at airport security. Cards from other retailers, gyms, or clubs also do not qualify as valid ID. The rule is simple: If it’s not government-issued and doesn’t meet federal security standards, it won’t be accepted.
Special Cases: What If You Lose Your ID Before a Flight?
Losing your ID right before a trip can be stressful. If this happens, the TSA may still allow you to fly, but you’ll need to go through extra steps:
- Explain your situation to the TSA officer.
- Provide any backup documents you have, such as credit cards, work badges, or even your Costco card. These can help support your identity but are not enough on their own.
- Answer questions and possibly undergo extra screening.
There’s no guarantee you’ll be allowed to board, so it’s always best to have a valid, government-issued ID ready.
Implications for Travelers, Families, and Businesses
The TSA’s clarification has important consequences for several groups:
For Travelers
- Plan ahead: Make sure you have a REAL ID or another approved document before your next flight.
- Don’t rely on store cards: Even if your card has a photo, it won’t get you through security.
- Check your state’s DMV website: Requirements can vary, so get the latest information before applying for a REAL ID.
For Families
- Children under 18: Minors traveling with an adult do not need to show ID at TSA checkpoints, but the adult must have proper identification.
- Family trips: Make sure all adults have the right documents to avoid delays or missed flights.
For Businesses
- Employee travel: Companies should remind employees about the new REAL ID rules and help them prepare for business trips.
- Travel coordinators: Stay updated on TSA requirements to avoid last-minute surprises.
TSA’s Approach: Balancing Security and Customer Service
The TSA’s job is to keep air travel safe while making the process as smooth as possible for travelers. By clarifying the rules about Costco membership cards and other non-government IDs, the agency hopes to reduce confusion and prevent delays at airport checkpoints.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the TSA’s proactive communication helps travelers avoid costly mistakes and keeps security lines moving. The agency’s use of social media to address rumors and answer questions shows a commitment to both security and customer service.
Where to Find Official Information
With so much misinformation online, it’s important to rely on official sources for travel rules. The TSA’s official identification page lists all acceptable forms of ID and answers common questions. The Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page provides details on how to get a REAL ID and what documents you’ll need.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Costco membership cards are not valid ID for airport security or federal buildings.
- REAL ID enforcement is now in effect across the United States 🇺🇸, and you must have a compliant document to fly domestically.
- Apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV with the required documents.
- Don’t rely on social media rumors—always check official government websites for the latest information.
- If you lose your ID, bring any backup documents you have and prepare for extra screening, but understand there’s no guarantee you’ll be allowed to board.
By following these guidelines and preparing ahead, you can avoid travel headaches and ensure a smoother experience at airport security. For more details and updates, visit the TSA’s official identification page before your next trip.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally mandated ID standard enforcing higher security on state-issued driver’s licenses since 2025.
TSA → Transportation Security Administration responsible for security screening at U.S. airports.
Costco membership card → Private company-issued card granting store access, not valid as government ID for flights.
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) → State-issued ID with extra security features accepted in specific states as alternate to REAL ID.
Trusted traveler programs → Programs like Global Entry that provide expedited screening and government-issued travel cards.
This Article in a Nutshell
TSA warns travelers Costco membership cards aren’t valid ID after REAL ID enforcement begins May 7, 2025. Use proper government-issued ID to avoid delays or denied boarding. REAL ID compliance is critical for domestic flights in the U.S., ensuring security and smooth airport passage.
— By VisaVerge.com
