TSA Releases NEW Warning for Costco Members

Costco might be a membership to savings, but it’s not a ticket to fly.

You might’ve seen a few posts floating around online lately that claim your Costco card could help you get through TSA checkpoints. It sounds kind of silly—but also just believable enough to make people try it. Now, the TSA is stepping in with a very clear message for anyone tempted to test it out. Here’s what you need to know about the new “warning” just issued to Costco members.

The Warning That’s Got People Talking

TSA’s Instagram is known for its dad jokes and travel tips, and they dropped a post that’s honestly hilarious—but also a real warning. Here’s what it said:

And if that wasn’t clear enough, the caption took it even further:

“Can’t fly on hotdogs and hope. Your Costco Gold Star Membership card might score you a 48-pack of TP, magical rotisserie chicken and a hot dog and soda that defies inflation, but it won’t get you through a TSA checkpoint. We get it, you’re a bulk-buying boss, the executive of excess, the sultan of samples. But unless your $1.50 hot dog has a passport, you’re gonna need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID to fly. Look for the ⭐ on your license, that means it’s REAL ID ready. That ⭐ on your membership card? It won’t work, no matter how elite your snack haul is. Don’t try to fly on snacks and swagger alone. You can bring the deals, but please bring a REAL ID too.”

Basically, what they’re saying is to bring your snacks, but not your Costco card as ID.

Why This Even Needs to Be Said

If this feels random, here’s the backstory. Every few months, Reddit threads pop up claiming you can get through TSA with just a Costco card if you forget your ID. The logic? It has your photo, your name, and that big shiny gold star. So it must count as some form of ID, right? Wrong.

The TSA’s post is a direct response to those threads—and even to articles that have made the rounds trying to argue the same thing. One site ran a headline saying your Costco card could save your travel day. That story got so much traction, it had to be updated with a disclaimer clarifying that no, the TSA does not accept Costco cards as a valid form of identification.

But It Has a Photo and a Gold Star?

Yes, Costco cards do have a gold star. But no, it’s not the right gold star. The gold star that matters here is the one on your driver’s license or state ID. That’s what makes it REAL ID compliant—a federal requirement that’s about to become very real for anyone flying within the U.S.

That Costco star? It may get you a $1.50 lunch, but it’s not getting you past airport security.

What Is REAL ID and Why Should You Care?

From May 7th, 2025, everyone 18 and older flying domestically in the U.S. needs to show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID.

This isn’t new—Congress passed the REAL ID Act after 9/11, but enforcement has been delayed multiple times. The goal is to standardize ID requirements across the country and strengthen security.

Here’s how to check if your ID is REAL ID-compliant:

• Look at your driver’s license or state ID.
• If there’s a gold star in the upper right corner, you’re good to go.

If there’s no star, or if you’re not sure, check with your state’s DMV or visit the TSA website to see what counts.

What Happens If You Show Up Without a REAL ID?

The TSA has made it clear: if you don’t have a REAL ID or another accepted form of identification—like a valid passport, passport card, green card, or trusted traveler ID (like Global Entry or NEXUS)—you could be denied entry past the security checkpoint.

They might still let you through, but you’ll be pulled aside for additional screening. That means delays, stress, and possibly missing your flight.

Yes, a Costco card might help verify your identity if you have nothing else, but it is not guaranteed to work. It’s a backup to the backup, not a replacement.

Getting a REAL ID in Florida (and What It Costs)

If you’re in Florida and still need to get a REAL ID, you’ll need to make an in-person appointment at a driver’s license service center or a tax collector’s office.

Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

• A certified birth certificate (not the hospital kind)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two documents showing your Florida residence (like a utility bill or lease)

Cost-wise:

• A Class E license costs $48
• A commercial license is $75
• An ID card is $25
• Most local offices add a $6.25 service fee

Once you’ve got it, you can renew online—unless your name has changed or you’ve moved.

Can I Still Bring My Costco Card to the Airport?

Totally. In fact, you should.

Costco has locations all over the world, and your membership card works at all of them. So if you’re flying somewhere with a Costco nearby and plan to stock up once you land, don’t forget it. Just don’t expect it to do the heavy lifting at TSA.

The Bottom Line

Costco’s Gold Star card is great for grabbing deals on snacks, cleaning supplies, and a lifetime supply of peanut butter. But it is not a government-issued form of ID—no matter what Reddit says.

REAL ID finally went into effect in May 2025, which means it’s the time to double-check your license and make sure you’re ready to fly. Because while you can fly with a carry-on full of trail mix and beef jerky, you can’t fly on hotdogs and hope.

For more news, make sure to stay tuned to AllEars.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

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