News TSA warns fliers about another major chain membership card that can’t be used as REAL ID Published: Jul. 02, 2025, 12:16 p.m.

The TSA is clarifying that one type of identification — a Costco membership card — is in fact not a valid form of Real ID accepted at the airport security checkpoint.

Chicago is pausing online applications for its municipal ID program, known as CityKey, after receiving a subpoena for records from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The TSA clarified that a Costco membership card is not a valid Real ID for airport security checkpoints, despite some travelers' confusion after new Real ID rules took effect.

TSA said a Costco membership card does not meet Real ID requirements, saying it will get you a cheap hot dog but won't get you on a flight.

Yes, it does have your picture, your name and a star, but a Costco membership card is not a replacement for a Real ID.

Costco membership cards will not function as Real IDs at airports, the TSA said on social media.

Last week, TSA debunked a rumor that claimed airport security agents would accept the grocery store membership card in place of a Real ID.

The administration clarified what counts as REAL ID in a social media post, after the act was implemented last month.