Ruth Haines
A birth certificate is a crucial document for travel and other legal and official purposes. It can be used to obtain a passport, prove a child's age for flying, and confirm one's identity if other ID documents are lost or stolen. While birth certificates are essential for obtaining passports and can be used as supporting evidence of identity, they are typically not accepted as primary identification for adults flying domestically or internationally. However, there may be exceptions for minors under the age of 18, who may not always need photo ID when travelling with an adult. This varies by country, airline, and the minor's age, so it is essential to check the specific requirements before travelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I use my birth certificate at the airport? | Only as supporting evidence if your original identification was lost or stolen. |
| Can my child use their birth certificate at the airport? | Yes, if they are under the age of 2 and flying as a lap child. |
| What are the requirements for a birth certificate to be used at the airport? | It must be a long-form, U.S. state/territory-issued certified/sealed birth certificate with the seal of the issuing authority. |
| What other forms of identification are accepted at the airport? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL), U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and more. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a birth certificate for a child under two
If you are travelling with a child under two, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate. While children under 18 do not typically need to show ID when passing through security, at check-in, the airline may require proof that the child is under two. This is because, if they are not, the airline will want to charge you for their seat. In addition, a birth certificate can be used to obtain a boarding verification document, which confirms that the child's age has been authenticated by an airline representative. This can be useful for accounting for all travellers on the passenger manifest.
For domestic travel, a birth certificate is generally required if your child is under two and flying as a lap child. However, some airlines may be more lenient than others, so it is always best to check with your airline in advance. For example, Southwest Airlines always requires a copy of the birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in if you want your child under two to fly as a lap child.
For international travel, a passport is always required, regardless of the child's age. In addition, some countries may require additional documentation, such as a visa or a notarized consent letter from a non-travelling parent. It is important to check the specific requirements of your destination well in advance of travel to ensure you have the necessary documents.
While it is not required for children under two to have a photo ID, it may be useful to have some form of identification for them when travelling. This could include a printed copy of their birth certificate or passport, or a photo of their passport on your phone.
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Birth certificates as supporting evidence
A birth certificate is a crucial document for several official and legal purposes, including air travel. While birth certificates are not considered valid primary identification documents for adults, they can be used as supporting evidence in certain situations. Here are some scenarios where birth certificates can be used as supporting evidence at airports:
For Children Under Two Years of Age:
Children under two years of age are typically allowed to travel as lap infants without a ticket. To prove their age and eligibility for the lap infant program, a birth certificate can be presented. Airlines often request identification for infants to ensure they meet the age requirement for this program. The birth certificate clearly displays the child's full name and date of birth, making it an ideal document for this purpose.
Minors Travelling Domestically Accompanied by an Adult:
Minors under the age of 18 who are travelling within their country and are accompanied by an adult generally do not need to provide identification beyond a valid boarding pass. However, it is recommended to carry some form of identification, such as a birth certificate, as certain airlines may have specific requirements or request it for verification.
As Supporting Evidence for Lost or Stolen Identification:
In the unfortunate event that your original identification is lost or stolen, a birth certificate can be used as supporting evidence to confirm your identity. In this case, presenting your birth certificate along with other documents can help establish your identity and facilitate your travel.
For Obtaining a Passport:
Birth certificates are essential when applying for a passport, which is a primary identification document for air travel. Both adults and children can use their birth certificates to obtain passports, which are then used for domestic or international travel.
It is important to note that while birth certificates can be valuable supporting evidence, they are not accepted as primary identification for adults when flying domestically or internationally. Adults are advised to carry valid, approved identification documents, such as passports, driver's licenses, or other forms of ID accepted by the TSA or relevant authorities.
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Obtaining a passport with a birth certificate
A birth certificate is a crucial document for several official and legal purposes, including obtaining a passport. While birth certificates are typically used for obtaining passports for minors, adults without approved IDs may also use them to obtain passports at passport acceptance facilities, such as a post office. However, it is important to note that birth certificates cannot be used as primary identification documents when flying domestically.
When applying for a passport, individuals must submit proof of citizenship. In some cases, a birth certificate can serve as proof of citizenship. Here are the steps and requirements for obtaining a passport using a birth certificate:
- Document Requirements: To be accepted as proof of citizenship, birth certificates must meet specific requirements. For US citizens, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) specifies that a long-form state/territory-issued certified/sealed birth certificate is required. This certificate must bear the seal of the issuing authority, although it may be embossed or raised as a security feature. Alternatively, a state/territory-issued certified/sealed birth abstract or an electronic "Birth Certify" birth record obtained through NAPHSIS/EVVE may be accepted. For Canadian citizens, a detailed (long-form) birth certificate issued by the provincial or territorial vital statistics office is required. This certificate must include the full names of the parents or legal guardians.
- Application Process: The process of obtaining a passport varies depending on the country of citizenship. In the United States, individuals can apply for a passport at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office, by submitting the necessary documents and filling out the required forms. In Canada, individuals can apply by mail, in person at a passport office, or at a Government of Canada office outside Canada. When applying in person, the original documents will be reviewed and returned immediately, while applying by mail will result in the documents being mailed back separately from the passport.
- Additional Requirements for Minors: When applying for a child's passport, additional requirements may apply. In Canada, as of November 5, 2024, proof of parentage is required with every child passport application, even for renewals. This proof can include a detailed birth certificate, a court-issued adoption order, or a foreign birth certificate, all of which must include the name of the parent(s). Consent letters may also be required for children travelling alone or with only one parent or guardian.
- Other Considerations: It is important to note that laminated proof of citizenship documents may not always be accepted, as lamination can hide original security features. Additionally, for US citizens, the Government of Puerto Rico has invalidated all birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, due to passport fraud and identity theft concerns. Only Puerto Rican birth certificates issued on or after this date will be accepted as primary evidence of US citizenship.
In summary, while a birth certificate can be used to obtain a passport, it is important to ensure that the birth certificate meets the specific requirements of the issuing authority and that all necessary additional documents are provided, especially for minors.
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Domestic travel ID requirements
For domestic travel in the US, a birth certificate cannot be used as a primary document. However, it may be used as supporting evidence if your original identification was lost or stolen, in conjunction with other documents to confirm your identity.
Children under the age of 2 can travel for free on an adult's lap, but they will need identification to prove their age, such as a birth certificate. Minors under the age of 18 do not need to provide identification if they are accompanied by an adult, but it is recommended to keep some form of identification on hand. Unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
For adult passengers 18 and older, a valid identification document is required at the airport checkpoint. From May 2025, US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, US passports, US passport cards, DHS trusted traveler cards, and US Department of Defense IDs. If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, you may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
It is important to check the TSA's list of acceptable IDs before traveling, as the list is subject to change without notice.
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International travel ID requirements
Adults:
For adults, a valid passport is universally accepted as a primary form of identification for international travel. This is the most common and recommended form of ID to use when travelling internationally. Some countries may also require a visa or travel authorization, such as the eTA for New Zealand or the ETIAS for the EU, which you should research before your trip.
In some cases, if your primary ID is lost or stolen, you may be able to use alternative forms of identification, such as a driver's license, as long as it meets certain requirements. For example, from May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant to be accepted at TSA checkpoints in the US. Other acceptable forms of ID at TSA checkpoints include a U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
Minors:
The requirements for minors differ based on their age and whether they are accompanied by an adult. Generally, for international travel, minors will also need a passport. However, if your child is under the age of 2 and travelling as a lap infant, some airlines may request a birth certificate to prove their age. This is especially important if your child looks like they might be over the age of 2. Some airlines may also request additional documentation, such as a notarized consent letter from a non-travelling parent.
For minors between the ages of 2 and 18 travelling with an adult, a photo ID is typically not required. However, it is always a good idea to carry some form of identification for them, such as a birth certificate, ID card, or a copy of their passport. If a minor is travelling alone, additional documentation, such as a child travel consent form, may be required.
In summary, while a birth certificate can be useful for obtaining a passport or as supporting evidence if your primary ID is lost or stolen, it is generally recommended to carry a valid passport when travelling internationally, regardless of your age. Always remember to check the specific requirements of your airline and destination well in advance of your trip to ensure you have the necessary documentation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot use your birth certificate as a primary form of identification when flying domestically. However, it may be used as supporting evidence if your original ID was lost or stolen.
The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. However, some standard forms of ID include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
Children under the age of 2 are not required to have identification if they are accompanied by an adult. However, some airlines may request a copy of their birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in if they are flying as a lap child. Children over the age of 2 are considered minors and will need their own seat and identification.
It is not recommended to fly without an approved ID, as you will be subject to additional screening and interrogation. However, it is possible to fly without an ID if you have other documents that can confirm your identity, such as a birth certificate, student ID, or Social Security card.
