Latest news with #EnhancedDriver'sLicense
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
No, your Costco card cannot be used as a substitute for a REAL ID. What Tennesseans should know about travel
While a Costco membership has multiple perks, including bulk discounts and savings on gas, there are a few things the card can't provide. For example, access to board domestic flights or certain federal facilities, unlike the REAL ID. Since the May 7 implementation date, travelers in Tennessee and across the United States have relied on REAL ID — or other acceptable forms of identification — to pass through security and travel domestically. Some, however, have opted for other methods of identification, which has led the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to recently debunk the rumor that customers' warehouse club cards can substitute for a REAL ID. "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," wrote the administration in a post to social media. Despite some membership cards displaying a star and digital options displaying a photo, that doesn't qualify the cards as a valid form of identification. In order to fly, travelers must have either a REAL ID, a valid passport or another federally issued photo ID. As previously reported by USA TODAY, TSA Pacific spokesperson Lorie Dankers told SFGate that the rumor of Costco cards being accepted as official identification pops up every year or so. When people try to use their warehouse club cards at airports, for instance, it could lead to delays and travel headaches, she added. No — Tennesseans are not required to obtain a REAL ID compliant license or identification credential. A REAL ID is not necessary to drive, vote, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, access hospitals, visit the post office, access federal courts or apply for or receive federal benefits such as social security or veterans' benefits. If you don't have a REAL ID, here is the complete list of TSA acceptable IDs: State-issued Enhanced Driver's License U.S. passport U.S. passport card DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation worker identification credential U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) Yes — Tennesseans can still obtain a REAL ID, with or without an appointment, although walk-in applicants should anticipate potentially long wait times. Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@ or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Can you travel with a Costco card instead of a REAL ID in Tennessee?
USA Today
07-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Costco cards good for 'hot dogs & rotisserie chickens,' not airports, TSA says
Costco cards good for 'hot dogs & rotisserie chickens,' not airports, TSA says The deadline for travelers to obtain a Real ID for domestic flights and accessing federal facilities was May 7. Show Caption Hide Caption Real ID explained: what it is, why it matters, and how to get yours Real ID requirements: everything you need to know about getting compliant for travel and ID. Costco memberships come with a variety of perks, including access to discounted products and services; however, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently debunked the rumor that customers' warehouse club cards substitute for a Real ID. TSA proclaimed in an X post on Wednesday, 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." TSA Pacific spokesperson Lorie Dankers told SFGate that the rumor of Costco cards being accepted as official identification pops up every year or so. When people try to use their warehouse club cards at airports, for instance, it could lead to delays and travel headaches, she added. Travel: You don't need a passport at these 7 US destinations that feel international As of May 7, travelers need a Real ID or other acceptable identification for domestic flights and accessing federal facilities. Those who haven't gotten one yet may be scrambling to figure out what they need to do before booking their next trip. One thing is for certain: They should probably leave their Costco membership cards at home. Here are the acceptable forms of identification, according to the TSA, as well as some background on how the most recent version of the Costco card rumor originated. Acceptable identification at the TSA checkpoint According to the TSA, valid forms of ID at airports include: Real ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) U.S. passport U.S. passport card DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) How did the Costco card rumor come back up? Food blog Chowhound claimed in the initial version of an article titled "How Your Costco Card Could Save You At The Airport," that people's Costco cards could pass through TSA because it is considered a photo ID. The article cited Reddit, where users claimed their warehouse club cards helped them through airport security when they forgot or lost their regular ID. On June 4, the day TSA debunked the rumor on social media, Chowhound issued an update to the article, saying, "A previous version of this article stated TSA is likely to accept a Costco membership card in lieu of a valid form of ID. TSA does not explicitly state you can use a Costco card as a form of identification, explaining, 'The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.'" The update concludes with: "Now with the Real ID requirements, (a Costco card) is even less likely to get you through TSA quickly or successfully." If someone tried using a Costco card at an airport, they would likely be pulled from the TSA checkpoint line for further questioning about other personal information, such as their two previous home addresses, Dankers told SFGate. Contributing: Chad Murphy/ Akron Beacon Journal
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ready, set, REAL ID is a go starting today
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Wednesday's the day, Real ID is being enforced at airports across the country. Our crews at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) were there as the first passengers went through TSA. Agents are not turning people away, but giving them stern directions to have the ID next time. 51-thousand people will travel through SEA security on Wednesday, with around 9,700 of them expected to not have a Real ID or the Washington equivalent, 'Enhanced Driver's License'. TSA Spokesperson Lorie Dankers tells KIRO 7, if you don't have the Real ID, there will be delays. 'They can expect to be delayed, they can expect additional screening, and if they can't verify, they risk being turned away from the checkpoint,' Dankers said. But TSA isn't quite turning anyone away yet. KIRO 7 watched the agents handing out little purple cards to anyone without a Real ID. They let agents know who needs extra screening. For people like Doug Thompson, it wasn't for lack of trying when it comes to following the rules. 'I have paperwork that says I have an Enhanced License. I went to the DOL, got everything done, but I haven't received my new license in the mail yet,' Thompson said. He tells us he tried to get an appointment sooner, but the next appointment wasn't until late July. 'I got there before the door opened, and there were 100 people in line in front of me. They said it's been this way for four months,' Thompson said. Don't worry, he did make it through security, just with extra screening. We found that most people followed the new requirements. 'I got it about two years ago, just went online and did it,' passenger David Lautermilch said. Or at least prepared accordingly, like Francis Mahurin. 'I've got my passport and that's all I need, I don't have my Real ID, I have my passport until '28, until then I'll use that,' Mahurin said. TSA says a regular license is no longer acceptable, but many other forms of ID are.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Real ID requirement kicks in today at airports across U.S.
As of Wednesday, U.S. travelers flying domestically are required to show a Real ID at airport checkpoints. The May 7 deadline for Americans to switch to the federally compliant identification comes after being delayed for more than 20 years. In the weeks before the new ID requirement was set to take effect on Wednesday, travelers gathered outside of state driver's license agencies across the country to secure their Real ID, which has a star marking at the upper-right part of the card. Five states — Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont — also issue what is called an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or Enhanced ID. This is considered an acceptable alternative to a Real ID card. CBS News captured long wait times at the Real ID Supercenter in downtown Chicago and the DMV in Pomona, California, with lines snaking around the block. Those without Real ID can still apply While the cards are required for domestic air travel starting Wednesday, officials have emphasized that May 7 is not the last day Americans can get a Real ID. "The vast majority of people do not need a Real ID before Wednesday," Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias told CBS News Chicago. People who aren't flying until later in the year can wait to make an appointment. Air travelers are also allowed to bring an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, to get through security checkpoints, according to the TSA. A list of alternative forms of identification that will be accepted at security checkpoints can be found on the TSA's website here. Texas resident Donna Barron made sure to secure her Real ID before boarding a flight at Dallas' Love Field airport. "I'm prepared," she told CBS News Texas. "It's my first time going through, so I'm very interested to see how it's going to go." The TSA said it's seeing about 81% Real ID-compliance at airports, but has encouraged travelers to show up early to avoid delays. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, during a congressional panel on Tuesday, said that air travelers who haven't yet secured a Real ID will still be able to fly, although they may face extra security hurdles. Such travelers "may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step," Noem said, according to the Associated Press. "You need to get there three hours ahead of your departure time for the domestic flight for this extra level of security," AAA senior manager Robert Sinclair told CBS News New York. Sneak peek: The Depraved Heart Murder Why Hegseth is calling for cuts to senior ranks across U.S. military Analyzing Trump's announcement of ceasefire with Houthi rebels in Yemen
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
The REAL ID deadline is May 7, 2025. How can I tell if I have one? What you can bring instead
The REAL ID deadline is May 7, 2025, which means after that date you'll need to have one or an approved alternative with you to pass through TSA checkpoints. While a passport is the most common acceptable alternative, there are a few others. Here's what to know. When is the deadline to get the REAL ID? If you're flying across the country, you'll need to have a REAL ID starting May 7, 2025, or start bringing an acceptable alternative (like your passport). While passports aren't usually required for domestic flights, if you don't have REAL ID, it is an acceptable alternative. What will happen if I don't have REAL ID? Travelers without a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025, will not be allowed through TSA checkpoints. Others are reading: The REAL ID deadline is here. Live look at process, issues across the USA What are all the REAL ID alternatives? If you don't have time to get a REAL ID before your next flight, these are the acceptable alternatives: State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) U.S. passport U.S. passport card DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation worker identification credential U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport? No. Any travelers who have an up-to-date passport, or any other TSA-approved form of identification, do not need a Real ID to travel domestically. What's needed to get a REAL ID? Proof of identity and lawful status (U.S. birth certificate, unexpired passport, Citizenship documents) Proof of Social Security (Social Security card, W-2 form) Proof of Residency (Two documents with your address: Computer-generated bill, bank statement, pre-printed pay stub) Cards typically arrive via mail within a week or two. You can find more information on necessary documentation — including for people who have changed their name, gender or date of birth — in the BMV's online documentation guide. What does a REAL ID look like? REAL IDs will have a stamped symbol (typically a star) on the upper corner to show that is federally compliant. Story continues after photo gallery. Can I get a REAL ID after the deadline? Yes; you can still get a REAL ID after the deadline. The deadline is the day TSA will begin requiring it for domestic travel. For example, if your next in-country flight isn't until July, you should make sure you have it before then. If you show up at the airport without it, or an acceptable alternative, you will be turned away. Bradley Hohulin and Kathleen Wong contributed to this report. Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@ Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How can I tell if I have a REAL ID? What are TSA-approved alternatives?
