Lois Larson
The identification requirements for boarding a plane vary depending on the age of the passenger, the type of flight (domestic or international), and the specific airline. In the United States, passengers over the age of 18 are generally required to present a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport, to board a plane. However, for domestic flights, passengers under 18 travelling with an adult are usually not required to provide any photo ID. While some sources suggest that school IDs may be accepted for teens, others advise against relying on them as a valid form of identification. It is always recommended to check with the specific airline or refer to the TSA's guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do I need to bring ID to the airport? | Adults 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport. Children under 18 do not need identification when traveling within the US. |
| What forms of ID are accepted? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, US Department of Defense ID, photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, Registered Traveler Card, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, US Merchant Mariner Credential, US Military ID, and state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID). |
| Are school IDs accepted? | It depends. If you are under 18, you may not need a photo ID to board a domestic flight if accompanied by an adult. School IDs are acceptable for teens, but once you get your passport, it is recommended to use that instead. If your school is recognized by the government, you should be okay. |
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What You'll Learn
If you're under 18
If you are under 18, you do not need to provide a photo ID when travelling within the United States. However, some airlines may require infants below two weeks old to present a doctor's note stating that they are fit to fly. If you are under 18 and travelling without an adult, it is best to contact the airline to clarify their specific ID requirements. While some sources suggest that school IDs are acceptable for minors, others refute this claim. Therefore, it is advisable to bring an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate, or a government-issued photo ID. Additionally, having a debit or credit card with your name on it may help with identity verification.
It is worth noting that TSA ID requirements are subject to change, so it is always recommended to check their website for the latest information. Starting 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. Passengers are advised to carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or to obtain a REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
To avoid any delays or issues at the airport, it is generally advisable to travel with a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver's license, even if you are under 18. This ensures that your identity can be easily verified, and you can proceed smoothly through security checkpoints.
In summary, while school IDs may be acceptable for minors in certain cases, it is best to be prepared and carry alternative forms of identification when travelling to avoid any potential issues or delays. Checking with the specific airline and reviewing TSA requirements before your travel date will help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
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If you're over 18
If you are over 18, you must show a valid government form of ID at the airport to be allowed to travel. This applies to both domestic and international flights. For domestic flights, a driver's license or another form of government ID with your photo on it is required. For international flights, you will need to show your passport or passport card.
The TSA has a list of acceptable IDs, which includes:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- U.S. passports
- U.S. passport cards
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
This list is subject to change without notice, so it is recommended to check the TSA website before travelling to ensure you have acceptable ID.
University IDs are generally not considered valid identification for travel according to the TSA. However, there are some instances where individuals have been able to pass through TSA checkpoints using a university ID, particularly when combined with other forms of identification such as a debit/credit card with the same name. In some cases, a university photo ID may be sufficient if it meets "REAL ID" requirements.
It is important to note that if you do not have acceptable identification or decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint and board your flight.
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If your school is government-recognised
In the US, the TSA requires adult passengers (18 and older) to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. Acceptable forms of ID include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, US passports, and certain trusted traveler cards. If your school ID is government-recognised and includes a photo, it may be accepted as a valid form of identification. However, it is always best to check with the TSA or your airline directly to confirm.
For domestic travel within the US, children under 18 travelling with an adult generally do not need a photo ID to board a flight. However, specific ID requirements for minors vary by airline. Some airlines may require infants as young as two days old to have a physician's note stating they are healthy enough to fly. For older minors, a government-issued photo ID or passport may be required. Again, a government-recognised school ID with a photo may be accepted, but it is best to confirm with your airline in advance.
For international travel, including within the US, a passport or other government-issued photo ID is typically required for all passengers, regardless of age. If your school ID is not government-recognised or does not include a photo, it is unlikely to be accepted as a valid form of identification for international travel. In this case, a passport or other acceptable form of ID is necessary.
It is important to note that even if you are travelling domestically and are under 18, having a valid form of identification can help speed up the verification process and avoid any potential delays or additional screening. If you are unsure whether your school ID is acceptable, it is recommended to bring it along with any other supporting documents, such as a birth certificate or a debit/credit card with your name on it.
In summary, if your school is government-recognised and your school ID includes a photo, it may be accepted as a valid form of identification for domestic travel within the US, especially if you are under 18. However, for international travel or travel to/from the US, a passport or other government-issued photo ID is typically required for all passengers. Always check with the TSA, your airline, or local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding acceptable forms of identification.
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If you have other forms of ID
If you are under 18, you may not need a photo ID to board a plane, especially if you are accompanied by an adult. However, this may vary by airline, so it is always best to check with the airline directly. Some airlines may require infants under 2 weeks old to provide a note from a physician stating that they are healthy enough to fly. Additionally, some airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, may require a copy of a birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID for children under 2 who are flying as a lap child.
If you are travelling as an unaccompanied minor, a school ID may be sufficient to prove your identity, especially if it is a photo ID from a private school recognised by the government. However, it is still recommended to contact the airline directly to confirm their specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
In some cases, other forms of ID, such as a debit or credit card in your name, may also be accepted. Additionally, if you are travelling domestically within the U.S. and do not have a valid U.S. passport, a combination of an expired passport and a valid U.S. visa may be sufficient to prove your identity.
It is important to note that the requirements for acceptable identification at airports are subject to change, so it is always recommended to check the TSA's website or with your state department of motor vehicles for the most up-to-date information.
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If you're flying domestically
If you are flying domestically within the United States and are over the age of 18, you will need to present a valid government form of ID at the airport. This includes a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state photo identity card, or a passport. If you are under 18, you do not need to provide any photo ID if you are accompanied by an adult. However, some airlines may require infants under 2 weeks old to have a note from a physician stating they are healthy to fly.
It is worth noting that TSA guidelines state that school IDs are not considered acceptable forms of identification. However, there are some conflicting reports online of individuals using school IDs when flying domestically. In one instance, a user reported that their school ID worked, but only because they also had a debit/credit card with the same name. Another user commented that their school ID worked because their private school was recognised by the government.
If you are a student without a valid form of identification, it is recommended to contact your airline directly to inquire about their specific ID requirements for travelers under 18. It is also suggested that you arrive at the airport earlier than required to account for any additional checks and to bring whatever form of ID you have, as the TSA may attempt to verify your identity through other means.
To summarise, while it appears that some individuals have successfully used their school IDs when flying domestically, the official TSA guidelines do not list school IDs as acceptable forms of identification. Therefore, it is best to contact your airline directly and come prepared with whatever other forms of identification you may have.
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Frequently asked questions
No, adults over the age of 18 need a valid government form of ID to board a plane in the U.S. This includes a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, or other forms of identification listed by the TSA.
It depends on the airline and country. In the U.S., children under the age of 18 do not need a photo ID if they are accompanied by an adult. However, some airlines may require a government-issued photo ID or birth certificate for infants and minors. School IDs are sometimes accepted for teens, but it is recommended to contact the airline directly to confirm.
It depends on the country and airline's requirements. In the U.S., school IDs are generally not considered valid forms of identification for adults. However, there have been instances where individuals have used school IDs as minors or when combined with other forms of identification. It is best to carry a government-issued ID, such as a passport, driver's license, or state ID, to avoid any issues.
