TSA Warns Costco Cards Not Accepted as Airport ID, Ending Online Rumors

On June 4, the agency addressed the growing myth in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "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 TSA wrote.

How the Costco Card Rumor Spread

The confusion appears to have started when the food blog Chowhound published an article titled "How Your Costco Card Could Save You At The Airport." The original version of the article claimed that Costco cards could be used as photo identification at TSA checkpoints, citing anecdotes from Reddit users who said their warehouse club cards had helped them when they forgot or lost their regular ID cards.

The revised piece now states, "A previous version of this article stated TSA is likely to accept a Costco membership card in lieu of a valid form of ID. TSA does not explicitly state you can use a Costco card as a form of identification, explaining, 'The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.' Now with the Real ID requirements, it is even less likely to get you through TSA quickly or successfully."

What Happens If You Forget Your ID?

Travelers who arrive at the airport without an approved form of identification are not necessarily out of options, but the process is far from simple.

According to the TSA, if you cannot present an acceptable form of ID, an officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process. This can include providing your name and current address, and if your identity is confirmed, you may be allowed to proceed, but you will be subject to additional screening.

Some Reddit users cited by Chowhound reported that, in rare cases, TSA officers have accepted Costco cards as part of the process to help verify a traveler's identity, especially if the card displays a photo and full name.

REAL ID Now in Effect

As of May 7, 2025, the TSA requires that all adult passengers 18 and older present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another approved form of identification at airport checkpoints. The list of acceptable IDs includes REAL ID-compliant state-issued licenses, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and several others. Costco membership cards are not included on this list.