Travelers trying to use their Costco membership cards as legitimate identification have been an exceptionally persistent—and, to be honest, perplexing—problem for TSA officials at airport checkpoints over the past week. In response, the agency made it very clear on all of its communication channels that Costco cards are not and have never been a valid form of identification for travel by air.
A surge in false information on the internet in recent days had led to a rush of flyers showing their warehouse cards with the same assurance that someone might flash a license from the government. Speaking to various media, such as CBS News and SFGate, TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers stated that this isn’t an isolated incident. Rumors that Costco cards can be used in place of real identification cards resurface about once every 12 to 18 months. These rumors are frequently sparked by inaccurate online information or misquoted articles.
TSA Costco Card Ban – Key Facts for Travelers
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | June 4, 2025 |
| Reason for Attention | Widespread misuse of Costco cards as ID at TSA checkpoints |
| TSA Clarification | Costco cards are not federally accepted identification |
| Acceptable IDs | Real ID, Passport, Military ID, DHS Trusted Traveler Cards |
| Impact on Travelers | Delays at security checkpoints due to identity verification procedures |
| TSA Spokesperson | Lorie Dankers |
| Media Sources Reporting | CBS News, VICE, AL.com, 6ABC, CTV News |
| Social Media Involvement | TSA used X (formerly Twitter) to clarify the issue |
| Misinformation Trigger | Misleading headlines and viral content claiming Costco cards could work |
| TSA’s Public Statement | “Costco cards are not Real ID. Stop trying to use them at security.” |
By June 9, the TSA had started a social media campaign that was surprisingly funny but also pointed, using pop culture allusions and images of food to break through the clutter. According to one post, “Your Costco card won’t get you on a plane, but we love hot dogs and rotisserie chickens as much as the next person.” Given how rapidly these myths were causing operational friction at airport gates, it was an essential step.
The Real ID requirement was implemented by the federal government on May 7, 2025, for both domestic flights and access to secure federal facilities. Passed in 2005, the Real ID Act took almost 20 years to fully implement due to its uneven state-by-state implementation. There is still a lot of confusion in spite of the lengthy lead time. Real IDs are distinguished from conventional state-issued IDs by a tiny star in the corner, along with improved security features meant to thwart counterfeiting.
The Costco card incident is especially noteworthy because of how frequently it has affected check-in lines. Travelers who present their membership cards at security—sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly—have been known to cause frequent disruptions, according to TSA officers. Despite having a name and photo, a Costco card does not have the verification features needed for identity confirmation and is not linked to any official state or federal database.
It can only be used as a secondary artifact in a more involved verification process if someone shows a Costco card at a checkpoint without a legitimate ID. Dankers claims that TSA officers are then forced to start a more laborious identity verification process, which considerably slows down the screening process for all passengers.
Recognizing the origins of this problem is crucial. A portion of the confusion stems from a Chowhound article that first implied that a Costco card could “help” in the event that you had no other form of identification. Even though the article has since been revised to comply with TSA’s regulations, the original headline and copy quickly went viral, particularly on sites like TikTok where brief bursts of false information frequently outnumber corrections.
The TSA communications team took a particularly creative approach to addressing the issue head-on by utilizing humor and directness. They have managed to educate without using dry bureaucratic language by using a tone that is both corrective and interesting. This tactic is proving incredibly successful, particularly in a time of ubiquitous distraction and disseminated false information.
This case illustrates a broader social trend: our growing reliance on convenience and informal knowledge of formal procedures. Many passengers, particularly the younger ones, have become accustomed to using digital passes and scanning QR codes. The physical Costco membership card format, complete with name and photo, can remarkably resemble a business badge or student ID. However, federal law—rather than aesthetics or social logic—is the foundation for TSA’s requirements.
It’s interesting to note that influencers and celebrities have unintentionally helped people view Costco as a lifestyle brand rather than merely a store. Due to public references from Snoop Dogg, Kim Kardashian, and Kristen Bell, the chain’s $1.50 hot dog and membership culture has become somewhat of a cultural icon. However, a Costco card is still a retail access credential and not a travel document, even with its pop relevance.
One of the busiest summer travel seasons in recent memory coincides with TSA’s crackdown. This correction comes at a perfect time, as airport crowds are increasing and wait times are increasing. Passengers’ adherence to current rules, such as ID verification procedures, is crucial to the agency’s attempts to streamline operations. Even a seemingly minor disruption to that rhythm, like a Costco card accident, can have repercussions across security lines.
The best advice for anyone who intends to travel in the upcoming months is very clear: bring patience and, above all, a valid ID, passport, or other form of official identification. The TSA has a regularly updated list on their website if you’re not sure what qualifies. You can avoid the extra hassle of correcting another Costco-card hopeful and save yourself time by checking in advance.
From a wider perspective, the problem emphasizes how important it is to communicate responsibly in the digital age. Agencies like the TSA are now entrusted with both policy enforcement and widespread myth-busting as more people turn to social media for news. Their current approach, which combines accessibility, humor, and firm clarity, provides other agencies dealing with similar digital misunderstandings with an especially effective model.