Does Costco Check ID for Alcohol? What You Need to Know
Posted on: April 10th, 2025
If you've ever shopped at Costco, you know it's not like your typical grocery store. From bulk-sized everything to their legendary food court, Costco has its own way of doing things—including selling alcohol. But if you're hoping to grab a bottle of wine, a case of beer, or a bottle of your favorite spirit, you might be wondering: Does Costco check ID for alcohol?
The short answer? Yes, they do. But finding a clear policy directly from Costco's website can be tricky. Unlike some retailers that explicitly outline their ID-checking policies online, Costco doesn't provide much detail. That said, they must follow the same laws as grocery stores, liquor stores, and any other business that sells alcohol.
Whether you're shopping at a Costco in a state where alcohol is sold inside the warehouse or in a state with separate Costco liquor stores, the law requires ID checks for alcohol sales—just like anywhere else. But why are these checks so important? What happens if a business fails to check ID, or if someone tries to use a fake ID? Let's dive in.
Why Do Businesses Like Costco Check for ID?
Retailers selling alcohol—whether a small liquor store, a grocery chain, or a warehouse club like Costco—are required to check IDs to prevent underage sales and comply with state alcohol laws. But there's more to it than just following the law.
1. Legal Compliance
Each state sets its own laws for alcohol sales, and retailers must follow them. Some states have strict ID requirements, while others allow certain leeway (like accepting expired IDs for a short period). In all cases, selling alcohol to someone under 21 is illegal.
2. Liability and Fines
If a business sells alcohol to a minor, it could face heavy fines, suspension of its liquor license, or even permanent closure. Costco, like any other retailer, must ensure its employees properly check identification documents before selling alcohol.
3. Protecting Employees from Penalties
It's not just the store that gets in trouble—the cashier or employee who makes the sale can also face consequences. Many states hold individuals responsible for selling alcohol to a minor, which could mean fines, job loss, or even criminal charges.
4. Preventing Fake ID Use
One of the biggest challenges retailers face is spotting fake IDs. Many minors attempt to use invalid or altered IDs to purchase alcohol, and businesses must train their employees to recognize them. A failure to do so could result in accidental illegal sales.
5. Public Safety Concerns
Alcohol sales come with responsibilities. Ensuring that customers are of legal age helps prevent underage drinking, which is associated with increased risks of DUIs, alcohol poisoning, and other public safety concerns.
Does Costco Check ID For Alcohol Deliveries?
Costco partners with Instacart and other third-party delivery services to provide convenient same-day alcohol delivery in select locations. If you're ordering beer, wine, or spirits through Costco via Instacart, you should be prepared to present a valid, unexpired government-issued ID upon delivery.
Instacart has strict policies to prevent underage sales and only accepts official identification cards, such as a driver's license, state ID, or military ID, to confirm legal drinking age. Unlike in-store purchases, where a cashier quickly verifies an ID, Instacart drivers are required to investigate the customer's ID to ensure authenticity.
They cannot leave alcohol orders unattended, and if the ID is expired, fake, or does not match the name on the order, the delivery will be canceled. This policy aligns with state law requirements for alcohol sales and provides an additional layer of protection against fake IDs and unauthorized purchases.
What Happens if a Business Doesn't Check for ID?
Ignoring ID checks isn't just a minor oversight—it can have serious consequences.
Legal penalties: Retailers can be fined thousands of dollars for a single violation.
Liquor license suspension or revocation: Losing the ability to sell alcohol can significantly hurt a business's revenue.
Increased scrutiny from regulators: If a store is caught selling alcohol to minors, it may face more frequent audits and undercover compliance checks.
Harm to reputation: A store that repeatedly fails ID checks may lose customer trust, especially if incidents are publicized.
Costco, like other major retailers, is unlikely to take risks when it comes to ID verification. Their employees are trained to only accept valid IDs and to reject any that seem suspicious.
What Happens if You Get Caught Using a Fake or Invalid ID?
Trying to use an invalid, expired, or fake ID to purchase alcohol isn't just risky—it's illegal. Depending on state law, consequences for getting caught can include:
Confiscation of the fake ID
Fines ranging from $100 to over $1,000
Misdemeanor charges that could go on your record
Loss of driving privileges (some states suspend licenses for fake ID use)
Possible jail time (especially for those caught manufacturing or selling fake IDs)
Even if you aren't using a fake ID, an expired ID or damaged identification card can also be rejected if the store can't verify its authenticity. That's why it's important to keep your ID issued up to date and in good condition.
How Do Retailers Spot Fake or Invalid IDs?
When checking an identification card, retailers and bartenders look for key security features to confirm its validity. Here's what they focus on:
1. Expiration Date
A valid, unexpired ID is a must. Even if your ID shows you're of age, most businesses won't accept an expired ID because it's no longer legally valid.
2. Holograms and Security Features
Every driver's license and identification card has built-in security features, such as holograms, UV printing, and microtext. Clerks may use a magnifying glass to check these details.
3. Raised or Altered Text
If the birthdate, expiration date, or photo looks scratched off or tampered with, it's a red flag for a fake ID.
4. Matching the Person to the ID
Cashiers will check if the person handing over the ID matches the photo, height, and description. If anything seems off, they might refuse the sale.
5. Signs of Alteration
Any unusual bumps, tears, or inconsistencies in the font and layout can signal an altered ID.
What Should Retailers Do if Someone Hands Over a Fake ID?
If a store employee suspects someone is using a fake or invalid ID, they should follow these steps:
Refuse the sale. They should politely let the customer know they can't sell alcohol without a valid ID.
Follow store policy. Some stores are required to confiscate fake IDs and report them, while others simply refuse service.
Alert management or security. If a customer is argumentative, employees should call a manager rather than engage in conflict.
Avoid legal trouble. Employees should not accuse someone of a crime—just refuse the sale and follow company procedures.
FAQs About Costco's Alcohol ID Policy
Does every Costco location check ID for alcohol purchases?
Yes. Costco, like all alcohol retailers, is required to check identification documents before selling alcohol. Policies may vary slightly by location, but ID verification is always required.
Can I use an expired ID to buy alcohol at Costco?
No. Most retailers only accept a valid, unexpired form of ID for age verification. An expired ID is not considered legally valid, although stores in some states will accept them.
What forms of ID does Costco accept for alcohol purchases?
Typically, a driver's license, state-issued identification card, or military ID are acceptable. Other identification documents may be accepted depending on state law.
What happens if I try to buy alcohol at Costco with a fake ID?
You risk fines, legal trouble, and possible criminal charges. Costco employees are trained to spot fake IDs and may refuse service or report the incident.
How can businesses ensure they're checking IDs correctly?
Retailers should use the I.D. Checking Guide (U.S. & Canada) to verify security features and prevent accepting expired IDs or fake IDs by mistake.
Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant, Stay Protected
If you're responsible for checking IDs at work, you need the best tools for the job. The I.D. Checking Guide (U.S. & Canada) is the industry-standard resource for age verification and fake ID detection. Make sure you're checking IDs correctly—order your copies of the I.D. Checking Guide today!
