TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey is one of the toughest states to get a Real ID in America, but the notion of using your Costco card as a Real ID has ruffled a few feathers in the federal government.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a lighthearted but firm reminder to travelers: your Costco membership card, no matter how much you love those hotdogs and rotisserie chickens, is not a valid form of identification under the REAL ID Act.
The statement comes in response to a surprising wave of misinformation circulating on social media, where some have jokingly—or perhaps seriously—suggested that a Costco card could serve as a compliant ID for air travel.
In a recent post on X, the TSA addressed the confusion with a touch of humor, stating, “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.” The agency’s message aims to curb the spread of false information as the deadline for REAL ID compliance has passed.
The REAL ID Act, enacted in 2005 and went into effect on May 7, 2025, requires travelers to present a federally compliant form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport marked with a star, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. While a Costco card may grant you access to bulk groceries and unbeatable deals, it lacks the security features and verification processes required for a REAL ID.
In New Jersey, it’s easier to hit a pothole or have the road in front of you closed by a sinkhole than finding an available Real ID appointment. This comes as the state has been ranked last in its effort to roll out the Real ID system.
The Costco card confusion appears to have gained traction online, with some users on social media platforms playfully touting their membership cards as a catch-all solution for identification.
While the TSA’s response was tongue-in-cheek, it underscores a broader effort to educate the public about REAL ID requirements amid a mix of genuine misunderstandings and internet jest.
