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The Viral Myth: Why The TSA 'Banned' Costco Cards And 6 IDs You *Must* Carry For 2025

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Travelers are often confused by viral social media posts, and one of the most persistent myths circulating in late 2025 is the claim that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has "banned" the use of Costco membership cards as a form of identification at airport security checkpoints. This claim is misleading and inaccurate. The reality is that a Costco card has never been, and will never be, an acceptable form of primary identification for boarding a domestic flight in the United States, a fact the TSA has repeatedly clarified in recent public statements to combat the misinformation.

The confusion stems from a misunderstanding of what constitutes a federally acceptable ID, especially in light of the impending REAL ID Act enforcement deadline. The TSA's recent warnings are not a new "ban," but a firm reiteration that non-government-issued membership cards, regardless of whether they feature a photo, do not meet federal security standards for identity verification. With the crucial May 7, 2025, REAL ID deadline fast approaching, it is vital for all air travelers to understand the official rules to avoid being denied boarding at the TSA checkpoint.

The Truth Behind the 'Ban': Costco Cards and the REAL ID Act

The rumor that the TSA has "banned" the Costco card gained traction as the deadline for the REAL ID Act implementation was once again extended, keeping the topic of acceptable identification top-of-mind for millions of Americans. The TSA took to social media and official channels to address the misinformation, specifically telling travelers that a Costco card will not function as a REAL ID at airports.

A Costco membership card is a private, commercial form of identification. The security requirements for air travel demand a government-issued photo identification that includes specific security features and is issued by a federal or state authority. The TSA's directive is clear: a membership card, even one with a photograph, does not meet the criteria for a federally acceptable form of ID to fly.

This clarification is particularly important as the final, non-negotiable deadline for REAL ID enforcement is set for May 7, 2025. After this date, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another federally acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight.

The 7 Federally Acceptable Forms of ID You Need to Know

To ensure a smooth journey through the TSA checkpoint, you must present one of the following forms of identification. These are the only documents that meet the stringent security standards of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for domestic air travel. Do not rely on a Costco card or any other private membership card.

Here are the primary forms of identification accepted by the TSA for domestic flights, effective for the May 7, 2025, REAL ID deadline and beyond:

  • State-issued REAL ID-compliant Driver's License or ID Card: This is the most common form of ID. It is marked with a star (usually a gold or black star) at the top of the card.
  • U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card: These are always considered a federally acceptable form of ID and serve as an excellent alternative to a REAL ID.
  • DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: This includes Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards. These programs expedite the screening process and are valid forms of ID.
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID: This includes ID cards issued to active-duty military personnel, military retirees, and dependents.
  • Permanent Resident Card: Also known as a Green Card, this is a valid document for flying.
  • Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): Issued by a few U.S. states, an EDL is a border-crossing document that is REAL ID-compliant.
  • Foreign Government-Issued Passport: Accepted for international visitors and non-U.S. citizens traveling domestically.

Using one of these documents ensures swift identity verification, allowing you to proceed to the security screening process without delay. The key takeaway is to carry a government-issued document, not a commercial one like a Costco membership card.

What Happens If You Forget Your ID (and Try to Use a Costco Card)?

Even with the best preparation, travelers sometimes arrive at the airport without an acceptable primary form of identification, whether due to a lost, stolen, or simply forgotten ID. In this scenario, attempting to use a Costco card or any other non-acceptable ID will not grant you immediate access to the security checkpoint.

However, the TSA does have a procedure for travelers without a valid ID. The process is not a guarantee of flight but offers a path forward:

  1. Inform the TSA Officer Immediately: You must explain the situation to the TSA agent at the checkpoint.
  2. Identity Verification Process: The TSA officer will ask you to complete an identity verification process. This typically involves using a public database to confirm your identity. You may be asked to provide information such as your name, address, and other personal details.
  3. Enhanced Screening: If your identity is successfully confirmed, you will be allowed to proceed to the screening checkpoint, but you will be subjected to additional, enhanced security screening. This may include a pat-down, a thorough bag search, and other security measures.
  4. Refusal to Cooperate: If the TSA cannot confirm your identity, or if you refuse to cooperate with the verification and enhanced screening process, you will not be permitted to enter the security checkpoint and will be denied boarding.

While the TSA may allow you to fly without a physical ID in rare circumstances, the process is time-consuming and stressful. Using a Costco card is not a shortcut; it will simply initiate the "forgotten ID" procedure, adding significant time to your pre-flight routine. Always carry a federally acceptable ID, such as your U.S. passport or REAL ID-compliant driver's license, especially as the REAL ID deadline looms on May 7, 2025.

Entities for Topical Authority

REAL ID Act, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Costco Wholesale Corporation, Costco membership card, airport security checkpoints, domestic flights, U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST, Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), state-issued identification, driver's license, identity verification, security screening process, viral myth, non-government-issued ID, May 7, 2025 deadline, federal security standards, public database, TSA checkpoint.

The Viral Myth: Why the TSA 'Banned' Costco Cards and 6 IDs You *Must* Carry for 2025
tsa banned costco cards
tsa banned costco cards

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