Waffle House post about 'realest ID' goes viral, prompting TSA response on social media
Share and Follow

This week, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) engaged in a social media discussion to make it clear that possessing Waffle House IDs from the popular restaurant is not sufficient as a form of personal identification for air travel.

A flight passenger posted a photo on X of his yellow Waffle House ID with the caption, “TSA might want REAL ID, but I have the realest ID.” 

The post garnered some 2.1 million views, with thousands of reposts and likes. 

TSA responded to the social post by saying the ID does not comply with federal rules and will not be accepted at security check points. 

“Respectfully, no … Waffle House IDs will not suffice as a REAL ID alternative (sorry),” TSA responded on X.

Fox News Digital reached out to Waffle House for further details. 

Many X users took to the comments section to weigh in on the post.

“How does one even acquire this?” asked a man. 

Another user commented, “And I thought this was America.”

Said yet another person, “I have never been so jealous of an internet stranger.”


Miami, Florida, Miami International Airport, Homeland Security REAL ID message.
A sign in Miami International Airport, Homeland Security advertising the REAL ID. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Imag

A user asked, “Where do I get my Waffle House identification?”

“Honestly, takes a lot more documentation to get that badge than REAL ID does,” commented an X user.

One man joked, “I thought [the] Costco card was the realest ID.”


a Waffle House restaurant on July 30, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
A Waffle House restaurant on July 30, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Getty Images

A few weeks ago, the TSA advised travelers not to use a Costco card as identification. 

The agency took to Facebook stating, “We enjoy hotdogs and rotisserie chickens just like everyone else, but please refrain from asserting that a Costco card is a valid REAL ID because it is not.”

Starting on May 7, travelers are now required to have a REAL ID, which displays a star in the upper right corner, to be able to fly.

Other forms of identification that are accepted in lieu of a REAL ID include a valid US passport or passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry, Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards and border crossing cards, according to the TSA.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Thwarted Michigan Halloween terror plot had connection to ISIS, Fox News learns

Unveiled: How an ISIS-Linked Halloween Terror Plot Was Thwarted in Michigan

In a significant security operation, the FBI has reportedly foiled a potential…
Bishop's village attacked, 20 slain after recent testimony to Congress on Christian persecution

Trump Labels Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Due to Extensive Christian Persecution and Violence

In a significant announcement on Friday, President Trump declared Nigeria a “country…
Zohran Mamdani, who Trump calls 'communist lunatic', set for NYC mayor

Zohran Mamdani, Labeled a ‘Communist Lunatic’ by Trump, Poised to Enter NYC Mayoral Race

In the best disaster films, there is almost always a moment when…
I was shocked to learn the reason behind my daughter's weight gain

Uncovering the Hidden Factors Behind My Daughter’s Unexpected Weight Gain

A concerned mother has shared her story about how her young daughter’s…
West Milton Police, Ohio BCI and other agencies investigate a murder-suicide outside the West Milton Municipal Building, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

Tragic Air Force Incident: Community Struggles with Grief and Questions After Killings and Suicide

Editor’s Note: This article includes discussions about suicide, which some readers may…
Travis Kelce's ex accused of shading NFL star with Halloween outfit

Did Travis Kelce’s Ex Subtly Troll the NFL Star with Her Halloween Costume? Discover the Buzz!

Speculation is swirling among fans that Travis Kelce’s former girlfriend may have…

Mayor Karen Bass Demands Probe into LAFD’s Response to Escalating Palisades Fire

In a move to ensure accountability and safety, Los Angeles Mayor Karen…
'People were listening': Prosecutor says Charlie Kirk was targeted for his influence

Prosecutor Highlights Charlie Kirk’s Influence as Key Factor in Targeting

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was tragically shot…