The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reminding travelers that a Costco membership card is not enough to get through security checkpoints. The agency’s warning comes as some people mistakenly believe that their Gold Star membership card can replace a government-issued identification.
While the TSA acknowledges that the card includes your photo and name, which may help confirm your identity, it is not a substitute for a Real ID. If you don’t have a Real ID, you should instead use alternative forms of identification such as a state-issued enhanced driver’s license, a permanent resident card, or a valid passport.
TSA agents would likely need to take additional measures to verify your identity if they see a Costco membership card alone, which may result in extra screening. So, it’s best not to rely on your Costco card to get you through security and always carry the required ID with you.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/08/travel/costco-tsa-real-id.html