Ruth Haines
Minors under the age of 18 are not required to show ID when passing through security at airports in the US. However, the specific ID requirements for minors depend on the airline and the destination. While TSA does not require minors under 18 to provide identification, some airlines may request a birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID at check-in. For international travel, a passport is always required. In some cases, a notarized consent letter from a non-travelling parent may also be requested. Unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. When in doubt, it is recommended to contact the airline directly to confirm their specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| ID requirement for minors under 15 for domestic US travel | No ID required. TSA accepts boarding pass and confirmation that the minor is under 18. |
| ID requirement for minors under 15 for international travel | Passport required. |
| Acceptability of school ID for minors under 15 | School IDs are acceptable for minors under 18. |
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What You'll Learn
Minors under 18 don't need ID for domestic US travel
For domestic US travel, minors under 18 don't need to show ID to pass through security. They only need a boarding pass if they are accompanied by an adult. However, the TSA strongly recommends that passengers over 18 carry acceptable identification, which includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, passports, passport cards, and other forms of ID. State-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid identification at airports.
While minors under 18 don't need ID for domestic US travel, it may be helpful to carry some form of identification for them, such as a printed copy of their birth certificate or passport, or a photo of their passport on your phone. This is because some airlines may request additional documentation, such as proof of the child's age or a notarized consent letter from a non-traveling parent. For example, Southwest Airlines always requires a copy of the birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID at check-in if a child under two is flying as a lap child.
It's important to note that each airline may have its own identification requirements for minors, so it's recommended to contact the airline in advance to determine their specific policies. Additionally, for international travel, minors under 18 must present the same travel documents as adults, which typically includes a passport.
In the case of unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck, they must show acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. This ID requirement also applies to children under two flying as lap children; the airline will want to confirm their age to avoid charging for their seat.
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International travel requires a passport
For children under 15 travelling with an adult, a school ID is not necessary for passing through security or boarding a plane for domestic U.S. travel. However, some form of ID may be required for international travel.
International travel always requires a passport. This applies to all travellers, regardless of age. A child's passport can be used to prove their date of birth, avoiding the need for a birth certificate. It is important to check the specific requirements of your destination and airline well in advance of travel to ensure you have the necessary documents. For instance, some countries require proof of return or onward travel, a visiting address, and sufficient funds for your stay.
If you are travelling internationally with a minor under 18, you may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter of Consent or permission for the child's travel from any parent or legal guardian not present.
In addition to a passport, some countries require an eTA or visa to enter. For example, the United Kingdom requires citizens of the United States and other countries to obtain an ETA for short stays of up to 6 months. Nationals of Chile travelling to the U.S. are required to have an E-passport in addition to a machine-readable passport.
It is recommended to make multiple copies of your travel documents and keep them separate from the originals. You should also take photos of your documents using your mobile phone. These measures will help you replace your documents if they are lost or stolen during your trip.
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TSA accepts expired ID up to two years after expiry
For US domestic travel, minors under the age of 18 do not need to present identification. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult accompanying the minor(s). However, some airlines may request additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or a notarized consent letter from a non-traveling parent. It is best to check with the airline well in advance of your travel date to determine if they have unique policies for minors.
For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as adults, such as a passport. While a child's passport can be used to prove their birth date, it is recommended to bring a copy of their birth certificate as well.
The TSA requires adult passengers aged 18 and older to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. Acceptable forms of ID include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued photo identity card, a U.S. passport, a DHS trusted traveler card, or a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after the expiration date for the above-listed forms of identification. This means that if your ID expired within the last two years, you may still be able to use it for domestic travel. However, it is important to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information, as the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice.
Unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Each airline may have its own specific ID requirements for travelers under 18, so it is recommended to contact the airline directly for more information.
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Airlines determine ID requirements for minors
The identification requirements for minors are indeed determined by the airline they are travelling with. It is recommended that you contact the airline well in advance of your travel date to determine their unique policies or procedures for minors. While minors under the age of 18 do not typically need to present identification for domestic U.S. travel, some form of ID may be required at check-in to prove the child's age. For example, if a child under the age of 2 is flying as a lap child, some airlines may require a copy of their birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID. This is to prove that the child does not require their own seat, which would be charged at full price. Minors under the age of 2 will only need a boarding pass to board the plane if they are accompanied by an adult.
For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as adults, which always requires a passport. Some airlines may also request additional documentation, such as a notarized consent letter from a non-travelling parent. If your child is travelling alone, they may also be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents. This form will often be provided by the airline and will include information about who is dropping off the child and who will be picking them up at the final destination.
While the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. It is worth noting that, as of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enrol for a state-issued REAL ID.
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School IDs are accepted for minors under 18
In the United States, each airline determines the identification requirements for minors. While adults over the age of 18 need a valid government form of ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state ID card, or passport, to board a plane, the rules are different for minors under 18. Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel and can use a school ID. They will need a boarding pass to board the plane if they are accompanied by an adult. However, for international travel, minors must present the same travel documents as adults, such as a passport.
It's important to note that while ID may not be required for minors under 18, it's still a good idea to carry some form of identification. This could be a printed copy of their birth certificate, a passport, or even a photo of their passport on a mobile phone. This is especially important if the minor looks very young, as they may be asked to prove their age. In such cases, a school ID can be useful.
When minors are flying alone, the requirements may vary. Some airlines may require unaccompanied minors under the age of 13 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the gate, and the same ID requirements may not apply. It's always best to contact the airline directly to understand their specific policies for minors traveling alone.
Additionally, TSA policies may also come into play. While the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States, they do assert that travelers can travel without ID only if they are "cooperative." In some cases, a valid photo ID may be requested, and a school ID may be accepted. However, it's important to check the latest TSA guidelines before traveling to ensure compliance with their identification requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
No, kids under 18 do not need ID to fly within the US. However, it is always good to carry some form of ID.
Yes, international travel requires a passport for all passengers, regardless of age.
Yes, kids under 18 can use their school IDs at the airport. However, it is recommended to carry a printed copy of their birth certificate or a photo of their passport on a mobile phone as well.
No, as long as a minor between the age of 2 and 18 is travelling with an adult, they will not need a photo ID to board a plane.
It depends. Some airlines may allow kids under 18 to fly without ID, but it is always best to check with the airline before travelling.
