Key Highlights
Planning a trip with kids? Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know about identification for your little travelers:
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to have an ID for domestic flights.
- For international travel, all children, including infants, must have a valid passport.
- Airlines may ask for a birth certificate as proof of age, especially for lap infants, to confirm they are under two.
- Adults traveling with children must have a valid form of ID, which will need to be a REAL ID starting May 7, 2025.
- Always check airline-specific policies before you fly, as their rules might differ from TSA guidelines.
Understanding Air Travel ID Requirements for Kids
Figuring out travel documents can feel complicated, especially when children are involved. Are you wondering what kind of identification is required for minors when flying? The rules for what travel documents you need largely depend on your final destination. For travel within the United States, the requirements set by official government organizations like the TSA are quite relaxed for kids.
However, the moment you plan to leave the country, the rules change significantly. International travel demands more stringent documentation for everyone in your party, regardless of age. We will explore the specific requirements for both domestic and international trips to ensure you are prepared.
Domestic Flights—When Is ID Required for Children?
When you are flying within the United States, the TSA makes things simple for families. According to their official guidelines, children under the age of 18 are not required to present an ID at the security checkpoint. The TSA will accept the valid identification of the adult traveling with the minor.
Even so, some airlines may have their own policies during the booking process or at the check-in counter. They might ask for proof of age to verify a child’s eligibility for a specific fare, particularly for infants traveling on an adult’s lap. It’s a good practice to carry a copy of your child’s birth certificate just in case.
To be safe, consider having these documents on hand:
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate.
- A school ID card, if they have one.
- For infants, a doctor’s note clearing them for travel, especially if they are newborns.
International Travel—What Documents Do Kids Need?
Planning a trip abroad? The identification rules are very different for international flights with children. For international travel, every traveler, no matter their age, must have the proper travel documents. In nearly all cases, this means every child needs their own passport.
A U.S. passport is the standard requirement for leaving and re-entering the country. Even infants need one. For some specific land or sea travel, such as to Canada, children under 16 may be able to travel with their U.S. birth certificate. However, a passport is always the safest and most universally accepted form of ID.
If your child is traveling with only one parent or guardian, you should also carry additional paperwork.
- A valid passport book is required for almost all international air travel.
- A signed letter of consent from the non-traveling parent is highly recommended to avoid issues at border control.
- If you have sole custody, bring a copy of the court order.
Age-Based Rules: Babies, Children, and Teens
The ID requirements for young travelers can vary slightly depending on their age. Do infants need any form of identification when traveling by plane? While TSA may not ask for it, the airline almost certainly will, usually in the form of a birth certificate to verify their age for ticketing.
For older children and teenagers, the rules remain lenient for domestic flights. However, carrying some form of identification can still be a good idea. The following sections break down the specific guidelines for infants, older children, and teens to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Infants and Lap Children: Identification Guidelines
When traveling with an infant under the age of two as a lap child, airlines have specific procedures. While the TSA doesn’t require an ID, the airline needs to verify that your child is indeed under two. This is why you will likely be asked for proof of age, such as a birth certificate, by the gate agent before boarding.
Is a birth certificate accepted as ID for children at airport security? For domestic travel, it’s not required by the TSA, but it is the most common document used to prove a child’s age to an airline. Without it, you could be forced to purchase a separate seat for your infant if their age cannot be confirmed. Remember that an infant must be safely held or in an approved carrier, especially during takeoff and landing.
Here are a few key guidelines for flying with infants:
- Airlines typically require proof of age, like a birth certificate, for lap children.
- Some airlines, like American Airlines, require a doctor’s letter for infants under 7 days old to be cleared for travel.
- Only one lap child is permitted per ticketed adult.
Older Children and Teenagers: What Counts as Acceptable ID?
For older children and teens flying domestically, the TSA’s rule stands: no ID is required for travelers under 18. This means your child does not need a REAL ID to travel by air within the United States. The REAL ID Act applies to adults 18 and over, who will need a compliant driver’s license or another approved form of ID starting May 7, 2025.
Although not mandatory, it can be helpful for teenagers to carry some form of ID, like a school ID, driver’s license, or a state ID card issued by the department of motor vehicles. This documentation can be useful in unexpected situations or if an airline has a specific policy for unaccompanied minors.
While your child won’t need an ID, you will. Here are some acceptable forms of ID for adult travelers at the TSA checkpoint:
| Acceptable ID Type | Details |
|---|---|
| REAL ID-Compliant Driver’s License | State-issued photo ID that meets federal security standards. |
| U.S. Passport or Passport Card | Federally issued ID for domestic and some international travel. |
| DHS Trusted Traveler Cards | Includes Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards. |
| U.S. Department of Defense ID | Includes IDs issued to military members and their dependents. |
Airline-Specific Policies for Child Identification
While the TSA sets the security screening standards, it’s crucial to remember that airlines can and do have their own rules. Do airlines have their own rules about kids’ identification for flights? Absolutely. These airline-specific policies can relate to proof of age, documentation for unaccompanied minors, or requirements for infants.
Before your trip, always visit the airline’s official websites to review their policies. Unlike a general .gov website, the airline’s secure websites will provide the most accurate and detailed information for your specific booking. This simple step can prevent major headaches at the airport. The next sections will cover how rules can differ and what to know about unaccompanied minors.
Major U.S. Airlines—How Their Rules May Differ
Although an official government organization like the TSA provides baseline rules for the United States, major U.S. airlines often add their own layers of requirements. For example, American Airlines states that you may have to present proof of age, such as a birth certificate, for any child under 18.
This is a perfect example of why checking with your carrier is so important. What works for one airline might not be sufficient for another. These policies are in place to ensure the safety and proper ticketing of all passengers, especially the youngest ones.
Based on policies from carriers like American Airlines, here’s what you might encounter:
- A request for a birth certificate to verify a child’s age.
- A requirement for a doctor’s note for newborns to be cleared for travel.
- For international flights, children must have the same travel documents as adults, typically a passport.
Special Considerations for Unaccompanied Minors
Are there different ID requirements for unaccompanied minors flying alone? Yes, the rules are much stricter when a child is traveling without a parent or guardian. The responsible adult dropping the child off and the one picking them up at the final destination must present their own valid government-issued photo ID.
Airlines also have detailed paperwork that must be completed. This often includes contact information for the adults on both ends of the journey and sometimes a medical form. Some airlines may also require the unaccompanied minor to carry a form of identification, like a birth certificate or passport. For international flights, a letter of consent from both parents is often mandatory.
Key points for unaccompanied minor travel include:
- The guardian must fill out specific airline forms.
- Some airlines require the child to have their own ID, such as a birth certificate.
- For international trips, a notarized letter of consent is often necessary.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of air travel with kids can be daunting, especially regarding identification requirements. As we’ve explored, each airline and flight type has its own set of rules, so understanding the specifics is essential for a smooth journey. From infants who may not need ID to older children who might require certain documentation, being prepared ensures you won’t face surprises at the airport. Always check with your airline for the latest policies to guarantee a hassle-free travel experience. Remember, ensuring you have the right documents can transform travel from stressful to enjoyable. If you have more questions or need assistance planning your travels, feel free to reach out for a consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a birth certificate enough for kids to fly?
For domestic flights, a birth certificate is not required at the TSA checkpoint but is excellent as proof of age for the airline, especially for infants. It is generally not sufficient documentation for international travel, where a passport is almost always required for boarding.
What does the TSA require for children under 18?
The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide a form of ID when traveling within the United States. They only need to be accompanied by an adult who has valid travel documents. The child will go through the screening process with their traveling companions.
Do kids need a REAL ID when flying within the U.S.?
No, children under 18 do not need a REAL ID to pass through the TSA checkpoint in the United States. The REAL ID requirement, which takes full effect on May 7, 2025, applies only to adult travelers aged 18 and older.