TSA Reminds Travellers: Costco Card is Not an ID

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a public reminder that retail membership cards — including those issued by Costco, a US-based warehouse club and wholesale retailer — do not constitute valid identity documents for use at airport security checkpoints.

The clarification follows a number of reported incidents in which US travellers attempted to use Costco cards as proof of identity when passing through security screening. The TSA confirmed that these cards do not meet the standards required under the REAL ID Act, which came into full enforcement in May 2025.

REAL ID-compliant identity documents include state-issued driving licences and ID cards, US passports, and other federally recognised credentials. These are issued through a verified identity proofing process and incorporate physical and electronic security features designed to protect against forgery and unauthorised alteration.