TSA confirms Costco cards are not accepted as valid ID for air travel under REAL ID requirements
Since May 7, travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant license to travel by air; Costco cards are not applicable.
Since enforcement of the REAL ID Act began on May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reminds travelers that only REAL ID-compliant, government-issued documents can be used to get through airport security. This includes a state-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards which show the designated symbols of compliance—usually a star in a circle or a bear. One thing that has created confusion: Costco membership cards.
In a recent Facebook post, the TSA said very plainly, “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.” The post gained a lot of traction, generating funny comments from travelers who hypothesized that the star on the Costco card may have contributed to the misunderstanding.
What is a REAL ID and how do you get one?
The REAL ID Act was enacted in 2005 as part of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation and establishes federal security standards for presentation of identification by individuals. The proliferation of REAL ID has taken nearly 20 years to implement nationwide.
Currently, all U.S. states are issuing driver’s licenses and id cards that are REAL ID compliant according to TSA.
In order to obtain a REAL ID compliant license or id card travelers must go to their State’s licensing agency and provide documentation for them to principal authorities to authenticate the full legal name, date of birth, number of Social Security, lawful status and at least two proofs of address.
The gold star on the REAL ID is a federal requirement, but must also identify in a certain orientation since it cannot be placed upon retail membership cards.
REAL ID airport advertising campaigns ramp up amid new TSA measures. Photo: 9News.com
Why the Costco confusion?
The likely cause for the mix-up is the gold star present on Costco membership cards, which some have mistaken for the REAL ID designation. Even with the misleading visual, the Costco card is a membership card issued by a private company and does not meet the standards established by the federal government for identification.
The TSA recommends travelers check their IDs before going to the airport. The ID must be in REAL ID format, and some other document, such as a passport, must be certified by the federal government. Travelers can receive more information about these new measures on the TSA website.
