TSA Warns Costco Cards Are Not Valid REAL ID for Travel

The Transportation Security Administration is cracking down on a bizarre trend sweeping airports nationwide. Travelers attempting to use Costco membership cards as a substitute for a REAL ID are causing delays and confusion at security checkpoints, prompting a sharp rebuke from federal officials.

Since May 7, federal rules have mandated that adults boarding domestic flights present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification, such as a passport. A REAL ID, marked by a star or other designation, meets enhanced security standards set after the 2001 terrorist attacks to ensure safer air travel.

Despite clear guidelines, some travelers have mistakenly believed their Costco membership cards, which bear a photo and name, qualify as valid identification. The TSA reports a surge in incidents where passengers present these cards, leading to longer screening times and frustration for both travelers and agents.

In a lighthearted yet firm social media post, the TSA addressed the issue directly. “We love hotdogs and 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,” the agency stated.

The confusion reportedly stems from online rumors and social media anecdotes claiming Costco cards have been accepted at checkpoints in the past. A food blog recently amplified the myth, though it later corrected its claim after TSA’s response, admitting the cards are not a reliable substitute.

TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers clarified that while a Costco card might serve as a starting point for identity verification in rare cases, it is not an acceptable ID. Travelers without proper documentation face additional screening, which can include interviews and database checks, often resulting in missed flights.

Acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID include U.S. passports, passport cards, military IDs, or trusted traveler cards like Global Entry. The TSA urges travelers to verify their ID complies with federal standards before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary hassle.

Officials also noted that the REAL ID requirement, delayed multiple times over the past two decades, is now firmly in place. With summer travel season heating up, the agency is doubling down on public education to ensure compliance and smoother operations at airports nationwide.

The Costco card confusion highlights broader challenges in public awareness about the REAL ID mandate. Federal officials are calling for better communication from state DMVs and travel agencies to prevent such mix-ups in the future.

For now, travelers are advised to leave their Costco cards at home when heading to the airport. While great for bulk shopping, they won’t get you through security or onto your flight.