When traveling with children, there are many things to arrange, and one thing always comes to mind: do kids need ID to fly? Knowing the regulations makes your trip more manageable and less stressful. Airports always make sure to mention clear rules. It is regarding identification for children, based on age, if they are traveling unaccompanied, etc.
These regulations can differ by airline, so it’s good to check in advance. Knowledge of all the requirements will prevent surprises at the airport. This article details the ID requirements for children, identifies what you should know for your family’s safe travel, etc. Prepare for a hassle-free flight with transparent information about what identification your children will need to get on the plane.
Get an overview of the crucial things to understand better:
Airports and airlines use identification to verify who you are and make traveling safe. IDs assist in matching the passengers to their tickets, guaranteeing security, and following the government rules. In children, these regulations are usually less burdensome but necessary. Understanding what’s required makes your journey stress-free and seamless.
Adults will always require a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to get on planes. Children usually have changing rules. Airlines & the TSA revise requirements based on a child’s age and whether the flight is within the country or internationally. Babies and little children don’t always need any ID for domestic travel. But international travel nearly always requires a passport.
A few things define what ID your child will need:
Taking children on a flight within the nation? Knowing the answer to the question, whether kids need an ID to fly, and the ID requirements makes your travel easier. Guidelines from airlines and the TSA get picked by age and travel plan. Below is an easy-to-follow explanation of what you need to understand.
Most airlines allow babies under 2 to travel for free as lap children on domestic flights. You don’t need an ID for them, but airlines will ask for some proof of age to ensure they’re under 2. Keep a birth certificate or passport to save yourself trouble. If your baby has a booked seat, ask the airline; some will require a ticket but not an ID.
Children under 18 usually don’t require an ID on domestic flights. The TSA does not demand that children have IDs when traveling with a parent or guardian at security checkpoints. The parent or guardian’s ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, serves for the group. Airlines also have this policy, so your child’s name on the ticket is enough. There are exceptional cases, though:
Kids traveling alone follow different rules. Most airlines offer unaccompanied minor programs for children ages 5 to 14. These programs usually require an ID or paperwork. You’ll need to provide:
Screening is simple for families at TSA.Children under 18 do not need identification at security checkpoints. They undergo the same procedure as grown-ups, like removing shoes, jackets, and electronics. But the officers use kid-sized ways. Security checks are even easier for children under 12 years old. They can leave their shoes on and have lighter checks. If you’re moving a stroller or baby supplies, announce it at security. The screeners will scan it apart.
Although most carriers follow TSA restrictions, some have special rules:
Traveling internationally with children is fun, but it requires specific ID rules. Any child requires proper documentation to fly internationally. These regulations confirm travel safety and legality. Check out how it works.
All children, including infants, will need their passports when they travel internationally. Not so with domestic flights, where infants may not need to present ID. Global travel always means a valid passport. Get your child’s passport several weeks in advance, as processing will take that long. Confirm that the passport is valid for at least six months after your return date.
Go to your country’s passport office or website. Take a birth certificate, pictures, and parental permission forms. According to their country’s rules, parents must appear in person for children under 16. Check entry requirements for your destination as well. Some places need blank pages in the passport for stamps.
Some nations require a visa for children as much as for adults. Look at your destination country’s embassy website to determine if your child requires one. For example:
When traveling without both parents, most countries require a parental consent letter. They use it to confirm that the missing parent agrees to the trip. It is for children traveling with grandparents or other relatives, or unaccompanied children. Develop a straightforward letter that contains:
Each country has its own rules for kids entering. Research these rules before booking flights. Some countries include:
Touring with children can be smoother if you know what identification they need. TSA has regulations regarding ID for children. The rules change with the child’s age, local or international flight, and the airline’s policies. Know the types of acceptable identification for children below to make it easier to prepare.
A passport is a must for kids of all ages when flying internationally. Every child, even a newborn, needs their passport. It proves their identity and citizenship when entering another country.
For domestic flights in the U.S., kids under 18 usually don’t need an ID. But, airlines may ask for a birth certificate to verify a child’s age, especially for infants under 2.
On domestic flights, some airlines accept school or other photo IDs for older children, particularly teenagers (13–17). These IDs assist with verifying identity during security or check-in.
Minors under 18 with a parent do not require their ID for domestic flights. The adult’s ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, works as the child’s ID. The adult’s ID proves the child’s identity. They need it at the security checkpoints or check-in. Show your ID to confirm you’re the guardian.
If your child travels alone or with another person, you need a consent letter as evidence from the parents. This is not an ID but documentation that the child can travel.
Some situations need extra documents:
Flying with the kids can get pretty tiring, especially regarding their identity proof. Parents often run into problems at the airport that they never expected, which can stop or delay their trip. Below, the frequent issues that parents may have with their kids’ ID gets outlined:
It’s important that a child’s name on their plane ticket exactly matches their ID. Occasionally, parents may use a nickname, a misspelled name, or the child’s official documents. It shows a different name due to marriage or adoption. To correct this, always verify the ticket name with the child’s ID or birth certificate immediately. If you notice an error, call the airline as soon as possible. Airlines will normally allow you to correct names before flying, and it can be free if you realize it in advance. Also, always take backup documents such as birth certificates or adoption documents to the airport.
You can easily leave important documents for children, such as their passport or birth certificate. If you are traveling internationally, having no child’s passport makes you unable to travel. To fix this, create a travel checklist seven days before your trip. List all the documents each child will require, such as passports or travel letters for international trips. Store paper copies and digital copies in a secure location. If you do forget a paper, contact the airline or airport immediately. They may temporarily allow you to use a digital version or inform you what to do next.
If you must travel at short notice, you may worry about not carrying the required ID, especially for a child. You won’t have time to obtain a passport or search for a birth certificate. Keep in mind that for domestic flights, children under 18 generally don’t require an ID of their own. But always check with the airline just in case. You can have a passport issued quickly for travel outside your home country. If you’re short on time, take whatever ID you have, such as a school ID, and contact the airline directly.
Airlines have strict standards for unaccompanied children, including requirements that go as far as demanding their identification. A child with no proper identification or documents can be denied boarding or have travel delayed. To minimize problems, always review the airline’s policy regarding children traveling alone before purchasing a ticket. See that they carry a valid ID, even a passport or a school ID card. Be sure also to give the child a filled-out copy of the special unaccompanied children’s form. The form must contain visible phone numbers for both the adult sending the child and the adult receiving them.
Security checks can stress kids and cause delays if they look older or travel alone, as staff may question their ID. Explain to your children what will happen at security to make it easy. Always have a backup copy of their birth certificate or passport. Even though it is not strictly required, to make things quick. In U.S. air travel, remind security that kids under 18 usually don’t need an ID.
Check out the recent developments about identification regulations for kids traveling by air:
Children under 18 don’t need an ID for domestic flights if traveling with an adult.
Infants under two usually don’t need an ID but may require a birth certificate to verify age.
All kids, including infants, need a valid passport.
Yes, airlines often require ID and additional forms for unaccompanied minors.
No, kids under 18 don’t need a REAL ID for domestic flights when traveling with an adult.
For domestic flights, children under 18 don’t need an ID. But for international flights, all kids require a valid passport.
Kids under 18 generally don’t need an ID on a domestic flight. For international flights, all ages need a passport.
Allegiant requires proof of age, like a birth certificate or passport, for all lap children and unaccompanied minors aged 15-17.
For domestic flights, children under 18 generally don’t need ID, but international travel requires a passport for everyone, including infants, with birthdate details needed for lap infants even without a ticket.
No, for direct flights from the U.S. mainland to Puerto Rico, kids typically don’t need an ID if accompanied by an adult.
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