What is REAL ID to fly on a plane as TSA clarifies Costco cards confusion

As the TSA confirms Americans cannot use their Costco membership cards to board domestic flights, let's take a look at what REAL ID is and why you need it.

Getting on a plane can be stressful, whether you're traveling on a short-haul flight or even all the way to Hawaii.

When you've got check-in and security to worry about, you most certainly don't want to be delayed for having the wrong form of ID.

And as of May 2025, US citizens have had to ensure their IDs are REAL compliant in order to travel.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been forced to clarify that people can't use their Costco membership card to board a flight either, as per a post on the TSA’s Facebook page.

The government agency posted on June 4: "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."

Elsewhere on its website, the TSA explained exactly what REAL ID is and why it's been put into motion.

We all want our airport experiences to to run as smoothly as possible (Ijubaphoto/Getty Images)

The REAL ID Act was actually passed in Congress back in 2005, enacting the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government 'set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses'.

The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.

So, people need them not only to board federally regulated commercial aircraft, but to access certain federal facilities as well as nuclear power plants.

And as of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs - that are not REAL ID compliant - are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.

What is a REAL ID?

REAL ID in airports came into force in May (Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

REAL IDs are subject to more enhanced security standards, including documentation like birth certificates, proof of Social Security number, and proof of US residency.

They are marked with a star at the top of the card, indicating compliance with federal standards.

So, passengers need to travel with a REAL ID, or an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport.

"Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening," the TSA warns.

"This includes TSA PreCheck passengers."

How to get a REAL ID

It's simple enough to apply for a REAL ID (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

The TSA advises visiting your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID.

To obtain a REAL ID, you must provide your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two documents that prove your address of principal residence, and proof of lawful status.

States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website, before visiting them in person, for additional guidance and assistance.