Jazmin Li
While birth certificates are essential documents for many official purposes, they are not considered a valid form of identification for adults travelling internationally. However, they can be used as proof of age for minors under the age of 2, who are travelling as lap infants. In some cases, adults may also use birth certificates to confirm their identity if their ID was lost or stolen. Additionally, for domestic travel within the US, adults and minors may not need to present identification, although this varies by airline. It is always recommended to check the specific requirements of the airline and destination in advance to ensure you have the necessary documents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can birth certificates be used as ID at the airport? | For adults, a birth certificate cannot be used as a primary document when flying. However, it may be used together with other documents to confirm a traveler's identity if their ID was lost or stolen. For children, a birth certificate may be used as a form of identification for domestic travel. |
| Who can use a birth certificate to fly? | Children under the age of 2 may be required to present a birth certificate to prove their age and eligibility for the lap infant program. Children under 18 do not need to provide identification if they are accompanied by an adult and flying domestically. |
| What other forms of ID are accepted at the airport? | TSA accepts REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, and photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations/Indian Tribes. |
| What if I don't have an accepted form of ID? | If you do not have an accepted form of ID, you may still be able to fly but will need to arrive at the airport early and undergo additional screening and identity verification. |
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What You'll Learn
Birth certificates are not valid ID for international travel
For adults, a birth certificate is not considered a valid form of identification for international travel. If you are travelling internationally, you must carry a passport. If you are flying domestically within your own country, you may not need to carry any identification at all, depending on local laws. However, if you are travelling with a child, you may need to bring their birth certificate as proof of age.
In the US, for example, children under the age of 18 do not need to provide identification if they are travelling with an adult. However, if you are travelling internationally, your child will need a passport. If they do not have one, you will need to bring a copy of their birth certificate. Some airlines may also request additional documentation, such as a notarised consent letter from a non-travelling parent. It is always best to check the specific requirements of your airline and destination well in advance of travel.
If you are an adult without a passport, you may be able to use your birth certificate to obtain one. You will also need to provide proof of identity, a social security number, and proof of residency. If you are travelling internationally without a passport, you may be able to use your birth certificate alongside other documents to confirm your identity. However, this is at the discretion of the TSA, and you will be subject to additional screening and identity verification.
In general, it is always a good idea to carry a valid form of identification when travelling, such as a passport or driver's license. This will ensure that you are able to pass through security checkpoints without issue.
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Birth certificates can be used to obtain a passport
While birth certificates are not a valid form of identification for international travel, they can be used to obtain a passport. This is especially useful for those who have lost or had their IDs stolen. In the case of minors, a birth certificate can be used as a form of identification to prove their age and eligibility for the lap infant program.
To apply for a passport, adults must submit a completed Form DS-11, pay two fees (one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the facility where the application is submitted), and provide evidence of U.S. citizenship. A birth certificate can be used as evidence of U.S. citizenship, but it must meet certain requirements. The birth certificate must include the official seal or stamp of the government office that issued it, the applicant's full name, date of birth, place of birth, parent(s)' full names, the date filed with the registrar's office (within one year of birth), and the registrar's signature. Additionally, the birth certificate must be submitted as a physical document, as digital or electronic birth certificates are not accepted.
For minors under the age of 16, the requirements for a passport are slightly different. The validity period for their passports is only five years, and they may need to provide additional documentation such as evidence of legitimation if their parents were not married at the time of their birth. If the minor was born outside the United States and gained U.S. citizenship through the naturalization of their parents, they must submit their foreign birth certificate along with evidence of their parents' U.S. citizenship.
It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a passport may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as age and citizenship status. Therefore, it is always recommended to check the official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Birth certificates can be used as ID for children under 2
For US domestic travel, a birth certificate is generally considered a valid form of identification for children under the age of 2. This is especially important if the child looks like they might be over the age of 2, as airline staff may request proof of age to confirm eligibility for the lap infant program. In this case, a birth certificate is a straightforward way to prove your child's age, as it clearly displays their full name and date of birth.
However, it is worth noting that some airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, may require additional documentation, such as a government-issued photo ID or a notarized consent letter from a non-traveling parent. Therefore, it is always recommended to check with the specific airline well in advance of travel to ensure you have the necessary documentation.
For international travel, the requirements differ. A birth certificate is typically not considered a valid form of identification for children or adults. Instead, a passport or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a state-issued Enhanced ID (EID), are usually required. If your child does not already have a passport, they will need to obtain one before travelling internationally.
In the case of lost or stolen ID, a birth certificate may be used together with other documents to help confirm a traveller's identity at the airport. However, this is at the discretion of the TSA, and travellers may be subjected to additional screening and identity verification processes.
It is important to stay updated with the latest TSA requirements, as these are subject to change. For instance, as of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
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Birth certificates can be used to confirm identity if ID is lost/stolen
While a birth certificate is not considered a valid form of identification for international travel, it can be used to obtain a passport, as proof of age for babies and children flying, and, in some cases, as a way to confirm your identity if your ID has been lost or stolen.
For adults, a birth certificate cannot be used as a primary document when flying, but it may be used together with other documents to confirm a traveller's identity. If your ID is lost or stolen, you will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer, which involves providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your flight's scheduled departure time for the identity verification process.
In the case of minors, the identification requirements for domestic and international travel differ. For domestic travel, minors under the age of 18 do not need to present identification if they are accompanied by an adult with an acceptable form of ID. Airlines may, however, ask for proof of a child's age, and a birth certificate can be used for this purpose. For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as adults, which typically includes a passport. If a child does not have a passport, a copy of their birth certificate may be required.
It is important to note that the TSA's list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so it is recommended to check the list before travelling to ensure you have acceptable ID. Additionally, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports starting May 7, 2025. Passengers should either obtain a REAL ID or travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport.
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TSA accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration
It is important to note that the rules for infant and child travellers differ from those for adults. Children who do not have a passport will be asked to obtain one before travelling out of the country. However, if your child is under the age of two, they are allowed to travel for free on your lap. In this case, you will need to prove their age, usually by providing identification that shows their date of birth. This is especially necessary if your child looks like they might be over the age of two.
For minors under the age of 18 who are travelling alone, an acceptable ID is required to receive expedited screening. However, minors under 18 who are accompanied by an adult and flying domestically do not need to provide identification. All they require is a valid boarding pass.
Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. According to the TSA, acceptable forms of ID include a REAL ID-compliant driver's licence, a state-issued photo identity card, a US passport, a US passport card, a DHS trusted traveller card, and a US Department of Defense ID.
TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. Passengers who do not have acceptable ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
It is worth noting that a birth certificate is not a valid form of identification for international travel. However, it can be used to obtain a passport, as proof of age for babies who are flying, and, in some cases, as a way to confirm your identity if your ID was lost or stolen.
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Frequently asked questions
A birth certificate is not considered a valid form of identification for adults travelling internationally. However, it may be used as supporting documentation if your ID was lost or stolen. For domestic travel, a birth certificate may be used as a form of ID for children under the age of 2.
For international travel, a passport is required for all passengers, regardless of age. For domestic travel within the US, other forms of ID such as a driver's license, passport card, trusted traveller card, and military ID are accepted.
Yes, you may still be able to travel without a valid ID, but you must arrive at the airport early and be prepared for an extensive identity verification process and additional screening.
Minors travelling alone, also known as unaccompanied minors, may require special documentation such as a child travel consent form, in addition to their ID. It is best to contact the airline directly to confirm their specific requirements.
Children under the age of 2 do not need a birth certificate if they are flying domestically and are not occupying a seat. However, some airlines may request a birth certificate to prove the child's age if they wish to take advantage of the lap infant program.
