Real ID Not Substitutable with Costco Membership Card, Government Warns
As the deadline for Real ID compliance approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (T.S.A.) is issuing a warning to travelers: a Costco membership card is not a valid form of identification for domestic flights. With the October 1, 2021 deadline quickly approaching, many Americans are scrambling to ensure they have the proper identification to board a plane. The T.S.A. is urging travelers to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to avoid any issues at airport security checkpoints.
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, making them more secure and harder to counterfeit. Starting on October 1, 2021, all travelers will be required to present a Real ID-compliant form of identification in order to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities.
According to the T.S.A., a Costco membership card does not meet the requirements for a Real ID-compliant form of identification. While a Costco membership card may be a convenient way to access bulk discounts on groceries and household items, it is not a valid form of identification for air travel. The T.S.A. is urging travelers to check their identification documents and ensure they have a Real ID-compliant form of identification before heading to the airport.
In a statement issued by the T.S.A., Administrator David Pekoske emphasized the importance of obtaining a Real ID-compliant form of identification. “We want to make sure that all travelers are aware of the upcoming deadline and have the proper identification to board a plane,” said Pekoske. “A Costco membership card is not a substitute for a Real ID-compliant form of identification, and travelers should make sure they have the proper documents before heading to the airport.”
The T.S.A. has been working with state governments to increase awareness of the Real ID requirements and encourage travelers to obtain a compliant form of identification. Many states have been issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards for several years, but there are still many Americans who have not yet upgraded their identification documents.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, only about 43% of Americans have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. This means that millions of travelers could potentially be turned away at airport security checkpoints if they do not have the proper identification.
In order to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, travelers must visit their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and provide documentation such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residency. The process can be time-consuming and may require multiple trips to the DMV, so travelers are encouraged to start the process as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute issues.
As the deadline for Real ID compliance approaches, the T.S.A. is reminding travelers that a Costco membership card is not a valid form of identification for air travel. With just a few months left until the October 1, 2021 deadline, travelers are urged to check their identification documents and ensure they have a Real ID-compliant form of identification before heading to the airport. Failure to do so could result in delays and missed flights, so it is important for travelers to take the necessary steps to upgrade their identification documents as soon as possible.
In conclusion, the T.S.A. is emphasizing the importance of obtaining a Real ID-compliant form of identification for air travel. While a Costco membership card may be a convenient way to access discounts on bulk items, it is not a valid form of identification for domestic flights. With the deadline for Real ID compliance quickly approaching, travelers are urged to check their identification documents and ensure they have the proper identification before heading to the airport. Failure to do so could result in delays and missed flights, so it is crucial for travelers to take action now to avoid any issues in the future.
Sources:
– Transportation Security Administration (T.S.A.)
– Department of Homeland Security
Is your identification ready for the Real ID deadline?