TSA warns travelers Costco cards fail as REAL ID at airports

On June 9, 2023, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a clear statement about the acceptance of identification at airports across the country. As travelers prepare for their flights, the TSA reminded passengers that only certain forms of identification would be accepted under the REAL ID regulations. Specifically, the agency highlighted that Costco membership cards would not be considered valid identification, countering claims some individuals have made that these cards could serve as substitutes. The warning was made in response to misunderstandings spreading among the traveling public. The TSA, which began enforcing the REAL ID requirement in May, emphasized that travelers must present a valid form of ID to board domestic flights and access federal facilities. The statute mandating REAL ID was enacted in 2005, but its implementation faced delays due to various circumstances, including backlogs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several categories of identification are now recognized as valid, including state-issued REAL IDs, passports, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, and DHS trusted traveler cards, reflecting the ongoing need for secure traveler identification protocols. Many travelers may have been misled by articles and social media posts that suggested membership cards, like those issued by Costco, could somehow be utilized in place of federally recognized IDs. In a social media post, the TSA urged people to refrain from disseminating this misinformation, humorously remarking on the popularity of Costco's hot dogs and rotisserie chickens but affirming that the membership cards do not meet the required identification standards. The agency noted that presenting a Costco card at the checkpoint could lead to delays during the boarding process, as TSA officers would still need to verify a traveler's identity through other means. Such confusion underscores the importance of adhering to clear communication regarding identification requirements at airports, especially as travel resumes to pre-pandemic levels. Travelers are urged to consult the TSA website for a full list of acceptable IDs and stay informed about any potential changes to these regulations in the future.