Do Kids Need ID To Fly? A Parent’s 2025 Guide

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.

ID Rules for Flying: Overview

Get an overview of the crucial things to understand better:

Why is Identification Important for Flying?

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.

How Do Adult & Child ID Rules Change?

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.

Factors Affecting ID Requirements

A few things define what ID your child will need:

• Age– Infants under 2, children under 18, and teenagers have different limitations.
• Flight Type– Domestic flights have more relaxed ID requirements than international flights.
• Airline Policies– Airlines have policies, so checking with them is necessary.
• Traveling Companions– Unaccompanied minors might require other documentation, such as a birth certificate or permission slips from parents.

Domestic Travel ID Conditions for Kids

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.

Infants 

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 

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:

• Name difference in spelling– If your child’s name on the ticket is not their legal name, have a birth certificate or other documentation.
• Custody issues– If at least one parent isn’t with you, take a letter as proof from the parent or guardian. This shows that you have permission to transport the child.
• Special situations– A school ID card or other identification might get requested by some airlines. It is for older teenagers (15–17) traveling without parents.

Unaccompanied Minors 

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:

• Contact information for the adult dropping off and picking up the child.
• Carry your child’s birth certificate or passport to prove age.
• A form completed at the airport, with the child’s name, flight information, and guardian information.

TSA Security Screening for Children

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. 

Airline-Specific Rules

Although most carriers follow TSA restrictions, some have special rules:

• Southwest Airlines– No identification is necessary for children under 18. But they check the age of lap children with a birth certificate. The airline also have many amenities onboard, but Does the Southwest Airline have Tv’s onboard? Know about that too!
• Delta Airlines– Unaccompanied minors require a birth certificate and a completed form. Adolescents 15–17 can travel unattended without identification.

International ID Rules for Children Travel

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 Require a Passport

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.

Getting a Passport for Your Child

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.

Visas for Kids

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:

• Schengen nations in Europe require visas for non-EU kids.
• India or China might require visas based on your nationality.

Parental Consent Letters

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:

• The name and passport number of the child.
• Travel dates and destinations.
• The name of the traveling adult.
• Contact information for the non-traveling parent.

Special Rules for Specific Countries

Each country has its own rules for kids entering. Research these rules before booking flights. Some countries include:

• Canada requires proof of custody for kids traveling with one parent.
• Brazil asks for a birth certificate for kids under 12, even with a passport.
• South Africa needs detailed documents for kids traveling without both parents.

Types of Acceptable Identification for Children

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.

Passports for International Travel

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.

• How to get one– Apply at a passport office or online through your country’s government website. You’ll need a birth certificate, a photo, and parental consent.

Birth Certificates for Domestic Flights

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.

• When it’s needed– Carry a birth certificate copy if your child looks older than their age or you’re claiming a lap-child fare.

School IDs or Other Photo IDs

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. 

Parental IDs for Verification

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.

Approval Letters for Unaccompanied Minors

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.

• What to put on it– Child’s name, travel dates, destination, and guardian’s contact information.
• When required– Usually for unaccompanied minors (5–14 years old) or international travel.

Other Documents for Special Cases

Some situations need extra documents:

• Medical ID cards– If your child has a medical condition, carry a card or bracelet with their details.
• Custody papers– Bring court documents to show your authority if you travel with a child in custody.

Common Challenges Faced By Parents During Travel

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:

Mismatched Names on Tickets and Documents

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. 

Lost or Left Behind Documents

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.

Last-Minute Travel Plans

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. 

Unaccompanied Minor ID Issues

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. 

Confusion at Security Checkpoints

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. 

Recent Developments or Regulation Updates: Kids Travel 

Check out the recent developments about identification regulations for kids traveling by air:

• No ID Required for Children Under 18 on Domestic Flights- The TSA says children under 18 don’t require identification on domestic U.S. flights. But only when attended by an adult. The identification of the adult takes care of the child. This policy does not change.
• TSA PreCheck for Unaccompanied Minors- Unattended children (under 18) traveling with TSA PreCheck must produce an acceptable ID. It includes a passport or a school ID to receive quick screening. This is a new security requirement. Check with the airline for details.
• International Travel Requires Passports- All children, including infants, require an actual passport for international flights. Some countries also require visas or permission letters for kids. This regulation remains the same, but gets implemented tightly.
• REAL ID Does Not Apply to Kids- Started in May, 2025, adults require a REAL ID-compatible license or some other authorized ID to fly within the country. Children under age 18 flying with an adult are not subject to this requirement, since they don’t need to carry ID.
• Airline-Specific Rules- Airlines set their policies for minors. For example, some may require a birth certificate for infants under 14 days or additional forms for unaccompanied minors. Contact the airline directly to confirm requirements.

FAQs About Kids’ ID for Flying