The agency’s social media reminder ends confusion as REAL ID enforcement nears.
Since May 7, 2025, every U.S. flyer has needed a REAL ID‑compliant driver’s license or state ID to pass domestic airport security. This week the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) hammered the message home, telling travelers—politely but firmly—that a Costco membership card will not get them through the checkpoint.
The light‑hearted warning appeared on TSA’s Facebook page: “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.” Within hours, more than 15,000 users had reacted, with quips like “At least it has a STAR on it!” and “Should we just bring you a chicken instead?”
What travelers need to show at checkpoints after the Costco card crackdown
So, what counts? TSA officers will accept any identification that meets Department of Homeland Security REAL ID standards or other federally approved credentials (think U.S. passports or military IDs). Anything else—even that shiny warehouse‑club card with its gold star—will send you back to the ticket counter.
Acceptable documents at airport security:
- REAL ID‑compliant driver’s license or state ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted‑traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- U.S. military ID (active duty or retired)
- Permanent resident card or federally recognized tribal ID
Not sure whether your license qualifies? Look for a single star in the upper right corner (some states place it inside a circle or a bear outline). No star, no boarding pass—simple as that.
How to get a REAL ID before the May 2025 enforcement deadline
The REAL ID Act became law in 2005 after a 9/11 Commission recommendation, but full implementation took two decades. All 50 states now issue compliant cards, and the application process is straightforward—if you gather the right paperwork first.
| Key step | What you must bring | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Certified birth certificate or valid passport | Confirms your legal name and date of birth |
| Social Security evidence | SSN card or W‑2 | Links the license to your tax record |
| Two proofs of address | Utility bills, lease, or bank statements | Verifies where you live |
| Proof of lawful status | U.S. passport, immigration docs | Shows legal presence in the country |
After collecting the documents, schedule an appointment (or walk in, if allowed) at your state’s driver‑license office. Fees vary by state, but most charge the standard license renewal rate. Processing times are running three to six weeks, so applying sooner rather than later will spare you a last‑minute scramble—nobody wants to be turned away while juggling suitcases at 6 a.m.
Wondering whether your Costco card is still useful? Absolutely—for bulk snacks. Just don’t flash it at a TSA officer and expect a wink.
Millions of travelers have already upgraded to REAL ID, yet social‑media chatter shows confusion lingers. The takeaway is clear: if your ID doesn’t have that federally approved star, it’s time to visit the DMV. Better to handle it now than argue with security on travel day.