Costco membership unlocks so many things. For example, you can access a large number of oversized muffins and a vat of smoked salmon dip for (very) low prices. We offer discounted tires, car insurance and even holidays. (This author may have bought a full-size arcade-style Pac-Man game at Costco.)
It may get you bulk snacks, but Costco membership is definitely I’ll do it do not have Get your boarding pass. That’s not what Reddit is saying.
Recently, the Reddit thread began as a joke and turned into a full-fledged conversation about people who claim to have used their Costco membership cards (photo IDs) as a backup option to go through TSA Airport Security. Similarly, on May 25th, the self-proclaimed “Food Nerd” website Chowhound published an article titled “How Costco Cards Save You at the Airport.” (The site updated its article in qualifying on June 3rd. “The actual ID requirements make (Costco membership) even less likely to make TSA quick or successful.”)
“We love hot dogs and rotisserie chickens as much as the next person, but Costco cards are definitely not, so stop telling people that Costco cards will count as their actual ID,” TSA posted on Facebook on June 4th. TSA is known for its sense of humor (as we are fortunate enough to stop people from trying to get their weapons through security every day). In social media feeds, agents are known to create pannie jokes, usually related to the 3.4 oz rule and prohibited items. Several TSA posts have been posted Tonight’s show and Today’s show.
The 2025 Great Costco Card Clarification follows the rollout of the highly realistic TSA rules effective on May 7th. Travelers over the age of 18 must have another acceptable identification format, such as a license or passport, compliant with their actual ID, to board commercial flights. (Requirements deadlines have been extended many times.) Actual IDs are state-issued driver’s licenses or identifications that comply with federal security standards established by the Real Identification Act of 2005, based on recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission following the attack on September 11, 2001. The new standard aims to ensure that identification cards are safer (passports will be well-behaved for domestic travel).
The Costco posts have caused laughter and sharing across social media, but it’s not clear whether the post was meant to be easy, or addressing issues facing real issues. The TSA responded to a distant request for comments in this statement. “Our amazing social media team has noticed a lot of misinformation and has had the opportunity to educate the identification cards accepted at checkpoints through social media platforms.” The agency also states, “Now that real IDs are actually in effect, TSA routinely reminds travelers that various forms of IDs are not accepted at TSA checkpoints, including Warehouse Club membership cards. There is a list of acceptable IDs on the TSA website.”
According to the latest advice on TSA’s actual ID landing page, “We can expect passengers who do not yet have an actual ID or an ID in another TSA acceptable format may not be allowed for delays, additional screenings, and security checkpoints, including passengers from TSA Precheck.”
Here’s what you need to know about the actual ID and how to get it:
How can I know if I have an actual ID?
Given how many times the deadline has been pushed back, it is possible that if you physically go to the DMV office and renew your license, you already have your actual ID. (Some exceptions include situations like Arizona, where licenses do not expire for decades.) According to the TSA, compliant cards are usually marked with a star (gold or black) on the top of the card. A compliant California ID has a star in the image of a bear. Agents recommend that those who are unsure whether they have a compliant ID or not contact their state driver’s license authority regarding how to obtain a compliant card.
How to get the actual ID
To apply for your actual ID, please visit the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and provide the following documents:
- Proof of identity (e.g. US passport or birth certificate)
- Proof of Social Security Number (for example, Social Security Card or Tax Documents)
- Two evidence of state residency (e.g. utility invoice or lease agreement)
- Legal proof of US status (e.g. birth certificate or immigration document)
