The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has clarified that Costco membership cards cannot be used as substitutes for a REAL ID, debunking a rumor that has resurfaced in recent weeks.
In a statement posted on social media on June 4, the TSA humorously addressed the issue, stating, “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 big picture: As of May 7, travelers are required to present a REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification for domestic flights and accessing federal facilities.
- The TSA provided a list of acceptable forms of identification, such as Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and other government-issued IDs.
Driving the news: The genesis of the Costco card rumor stemmed from claims on a food blog, specifically an article titled “How Your Costco Card Could Save You At The Airport,” which suggested that Costco cards could be used as photo IDs for TSA clearance.
- Reddit users also purportedly shared instances where their Costco cards facilitated airport security procedures when they misplaced their primary IDs.
Go deeper: Following the TSA’s clarification, the food blog updated its article, acknowledging that the TSA does not explicitly recognize Costco cards as valid identification.
- The blog informed readers that attempting to use a Costco card at an airport checkpoint could result in additional identity verification processes and potential delays.
