By Newspot Nigeria News Staff
🛂✈️ Think you can breeze through airport security with your Costco card? Think again.
As the United States ramps up enforcement of the REAL ID Act—now officially in effect as of May 7, 2025—federal authorities have issued a firm warning: Costco membership cards are NOT valid identification for domestic air travel or entry into federal buildings.
The clarification comes in response to a viral trend where some travelers, influenced by misleading online claims, attempted to present store membership cards like Costco’s as a substitute for a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or passport.
“Let us be clear: a Costco card is not a REAL ID,” a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told reporters. “While we love a good hot dog deal like everyone else, Costco is not in the business of issuing federally approved identification.”
Under the updated regulations, travelers must now present a REAL ID–compliant document marked with a star, a U.S. passport, military ID, or other approved federal identification when boarding domestic flights or accessing certain government facilities.
While there have been anecdotal reports of TSA agents accepting unconventional forms of ID in emergency situations, the agency emphasized these are not standard practice and could lead to delays, extensive screening, or denied boarding.
🧳 What Should Travelers Use Instead?
- REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or ID card
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Military ID, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI cards
- Enhanced Driver’s License (available in select U.S. states)
🎯 What’s the REAL ID Act All About?
Passed by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, the REAL ID Act aims to establish uniform security standards for state-issued IDs. Full enforcement was delayed multiple times—until now.
📝 How to Get Yours:
To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles with documents proving:
- Legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Two proofs of address
- Lawful status
With summer travel season already underway, U.S. airports are bracing for confusion at checkpoints. Travelers are urged to double-check their IDs before heading to the airport.
🚫 Bottom Line: Don’t gamble your flight plans on your favorite wholesale retailer. TSA might smile at your Costco loyalty—but they won’t let you through security because of it.
📰 For more fact-checked updates, practical travel tips, and federal policy news, stay informed with Newspot Nigeria.
