Archive · 9 Jun 2025
TSA: Costco Cards Not Valid for Air Travel
The TSA wants to remind everyone that your Costco card is not a valid ID for flying.
Starting May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or another approved ID to fly within the U.S. Costco cards aren't REAL IDs, even though they might have a star like some REAL IDs do.
This is because of a law made after 9/11 to make air travel safer.
People got confused, so the TSA is reminding everyone.
Make sure you have the right ID when you go to the airport!
The TSA clarified that Costco membership cards are not valid IDs for air travel.
This is due to the REAL ID Act, which requires specific forms of identification.
REAL ID-compliant IDs include a star, which caused confusion with Costco cards.
The REAL ID requirement was implemented on May 7, 2025.
Department of Defense IDs for military are still acceptable.
- Who
- The TSA is informing the public.
- What
- Costco membership cards are not acceptable as a form of ID for air travel.
- When
- The REAL ID requirement was implemented on May 7, 2025.
- Where
- At TSA checkpoints within the U.S.
- Why
- To ensure passengers have valid identification that meets federal security standards.
- REAL ID Implementation Date
- May 7, 2025
- Acceptable Forms of ID
- REAL ID-compliant driver's license, U.S. passport, or other federally approved ID
- Unacceptable Form of ID
- Costco membership cards
- Acceptable ID for Military
- Department of Defense IDs