The Costco membership card, famous for granting access to bulk discounts and the iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, recently became the center of an unusual misunderstanding that went viral on social media. As a result, it quickly became a trending topic on Google. It all started with a Facebook post warning travelers: “The TSA has banned Costco cards.” The post, accompanied by alarmist comments, sparked the curiosity of thousands of users.

Here’s what’s really behind that claim, what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) actually said, and why the Costco card is not a valid form of ID at airports.

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What Did the Facebook Post Say About Costco Cards?

The viral post appeared in traveler groups and popular light news pages, claiming that the TSA banned Costco cards as a form of identification at airports. Although the information was inaccurate, it spread quickly and triggered a flood of Google searches.

Phrases like “The TSA has banned Costco cards” alarmed thousands of users unaware of the real identification requirements for flying. As a result, search terms such as TSA banned Costco card and can I travel with a Costco card skyrocketed in Google Trends.

What Did the TSA Actually Say About the Costco Card?

The truth is that the TSA has never accepted the Costco card as a valid form of ID. Through its social media accounts, the agency clarified—using its signature humor—that while the Costco membership is great for bulk shopping and enjoying the famous hot dog combo, it doesn’t meet the ID requirements needed at airport security checkpoints.

In its statement, the TSA posted:

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 confusion stemmed from the fact that Costco membership cards feature a gold star—similar to the one found on IDs that comply with the Real ID program, which will soon become mandatory for domestic flights within the United States. However, just having a star does not mean the card meets the stringent security standards required by the federal government.

Why Is There Confusion Between the Costco Card and Real ID?

The Real ID program, driven by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, sets stricter standards for driver’s licenses and other forms of identification. These government-issued documents feature a gold star or a similar symbol to certify they meet federal security requirements.

Costco membership cards also display a gold star, but they have no connection to the Real ID program. This visual similarity, combined with unclear social media posts, led many people to mistakenly believe that their Costco card could be used as valid ID at airports.

List of Acceptable IDs for Airport Travel

Adult passengers aged 18 and older must present valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

• REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state-issued photo ID cards (issued by Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent)
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards:
  • Global Entry
  • NEXUS
  • SENTRI
  • FAST
• U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) ID cards, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Border Crossing Card
• Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• HSPD-12 PIV card (Personal Identity Verification)
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Important Notes

• Temporary driver’s licenses are not accepted as valid forms of identification.
• If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID standards, check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages you to check this list again before traveling to ensure you have an acceptable form of ID.

About REAL ID Compliance

Starting May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted at airport checkpoints.

Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant license or ID must:

• Present an acceptable alternative form of ID (such as a passport).
• Or enroll for a REAL ID through their state DMV office.

Travelers who present a non-compliant ID and lack an alternative will:

• Be informed of their non-compliance.
• May be directed to a separate screening area.
• May undergo additional security screening, including TSA PreCheck passengers.

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