The Transportation Security Administration is warning air travelers of something that should be obvious – a Costco membership card is not a REAL ID substitute.
The TSA is again reiterating that the Costco card is not an acceptable alternative for REAL ID or other forms of federally acceptable identification.
“We love hotdogs and 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 TSA said in a social media post.
A TSA spokesperson said the agency issues routine reminders about acceptable IDs.
REAL ID requirements at airports and other federal facilities came into force a month ago.
Recently, Chowhound published an article online called, “How Your Costco Card Could Save You At The Airport.”
It later updated it with the disclaimer: “TSA does not explicitly state you can use a Costco card as a form of identification.”
According to TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers, said rumors about Costco cards being acceptable happen on a regular basis.
Other forms of Real IDs include passports, permanent resident cards and DHS trusted traveler cards are acceptable at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.
A valid passport is required for international travel.
