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For adults, a birth certificate is not considered a primary form of identification when flying. However, it may be used as supporting documentation, in conjunction with other forms of ID, if your primary ID has been lost, stolen, or left at home. For domestic flights, minors under the age of 18 do not need ID to pass through security, only a boarding pass, and they must be accompanied by an adult. For international travel, regardless of age, a passport must be presented at check-in, the TSA security checkpoint, and upon arrival at the destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a birth certificate be used as a primary document when flying? | No |
| Can a birth certificate be used as a form of ID for adults? | No |
| Can a birth certificate be used as a form of ID for children? | Yes |
| Can a birth certificate be used as a form of ID for children travelling internationally? | No |
| Can a birth certificate be used as a form of ID for children under 2 travelling domestically? | Yes |
| Can a birth certificate be used as a form of ID for minors under 18 travelling domestically? | Yes |
| Can a birth certificate be used as a form of ID for adults if they have lost their ID? | Maybe |
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What You'll Learn
Adults cannot use birth certificates as primary documents
For domestic travel within the US, adults must produce a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued ID, or a passport. From 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 with non-compliant IDs will be directed to a separate area for additional screening and will have to undergo an identity verification process.
For international travel, adults must carry a passport. If an adult does not have an approved ID, they will have to undergo an extensive security process, including filling out a form explaining why they don't have an approved ID, providing alternate IDs, and undergoing extensive luggage and body screening. Even then, they may or may not be allowed to travel at the discretion of the TSA.
In some cases, adults may be allowed to board a flight without an approved ID. For instance, if an adult has lost their ID, the TSA has other ways of confirming their identity using publicly available databases. However, they must arrive at the airport early, preferably two to three hours ahead of their flight, and be prepared for a lengthy interrogation and pat down.
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Minors under 18 only need a boarding pass
For minors under 18 who are travelling with an adult, a boarding pass is all that is required to get through airport security and board a plane. However, it is worth noting that some airlines may request proof of age for children, so it is always a good idea to carry a copy of their birth certificate. For example, Southwest Airlines always requires a copy of the birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in if a child is flying as a lap child. Additionally, if a minor is travelling unaccompanied by an adult, they will need a photo ID to board a plane, and it is recommended to contact the airline directly to understand their specific requirements.
While a birth certificate is not considered a primary form of identification for adults, it can be used as supporting documentation to confirm a traveller's identity if their ID was lost or stolen. In such cases, individuals may need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer, which includes providing information such as their name, current address, and other personal details. This process can be time-consuming, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport well ahead of the scheduled departure time.
For domestic travel within the US, children do not need an ID to fly as long as they are accompanied by someone over 18 with acceptable identification. However, for international travel, including US citizens travelling to Puerto Rico, everyone, regardless of age, needs to present a passport at check-in, the TSA security checkpoint, and when arriving at the destination. It is important to note that only Puerto Rican birth certificates issued on or after July 1, 2010, are accepted as primary evidence of US citizenship due to enhanced security measures.
To summarise, while minors under 18 travelling with an adult only need a boarding pass, it is beneficial to carry additional forms of identification, such as a birth certificate or passport, to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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TSA has other ways to confirm identity
For US domestic flights, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. However, if you have lost your ID, the TSA has other ways to confirm your identity.
Firstly, you will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer. This will involve providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details. The TSA officer will then confirm your identity against a database. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed through to the security screening, although you may be subject to additional screening.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your scheduled departure time to allow for this process.
Additionally, TSA PreCheck Touchless ID uses facial recognition technology and digital IDs to verify passengers' identities. This enhances the security and efficiency of the screening process, allowing enrolled travelers to move through dedicated lanes without the need for physical documents. However, this is currently only available to current TSA PreCheck travelers with valid passports at select security checkpoints and airports.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so it is always best to check before traveling and ensure you have acceptable identification.
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Adults must show valid identification
The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so it is recommended that you check the list before traveling. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State-issued photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- 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)
If you have lost your ID, it is still possible to confirm your identity with the TSA using publicly available databases. However, you will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address. This process can be time-consuming, so it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your flight's scheduled departure time.
In some cases, a birth certificate may be used together with other documents to confirm a traveler's identity if their ID was lost or stolen. However, this is not guaranteed, and it is always best to carry an acceptable form of ID when traveling.
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International travel requires a passport
For international travel, a passport is required for all passengers, regardless of age. This means that each passenger must have their own passport to board an international flight and enter the country. Some countries may also require additional documentation, such as proof of return travel, a visiting address, and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay. It is important to check the specific requirements of the destination country, as well as any countries being transited through, to ensure compliance with all necessary regulations.
In the case of international travel with infants and children, specific requirements must be met. All children, regardless of age, must possess a valid passport. Accompanying adults may also be required to present documentary evidence of their relationship to the child, as well as a Letter of Consent or permission from the child's parent(s) or legal guardian if they are not travelling with the child.
It is worth noting that some countries mandate that passports remain valid for at least six months beyond the intended travel dates. Additionally, certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, require visitors to obtain specific authorizations, such as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), prior to entry. It is imperative to consult official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding passport requirements and other necessary documentation for international travel.
While a birth certificate is not sufficient for international air travel as a stand-alone document, it may be used as supporting documentation in certain circumstances. For example, in the event of a lost or stolen passport, a birth certificate can aid in confirming an individual's identity. However, this is typically a supplementary measure, and a valid passport is the primary requirement for international travel.
To summarize, international travel mandates the possession of a valid passport for all individuals, regardless of age. This is a universal requirement for boarding international flights and entering foreign countries. It is crucial to consult official sources for specific country requirements and to ensure compliance with all necessary documentation, including passports, visas, and other relevant authorizations.
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Frequently asked questions
No, 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 domestic travel, TSA-approved forms of ID include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a U.S. passport, a DHS trusted traveler card, and a U.S. Department of Defense ID. For international travel, a passport is required.
If you do not have any approved forms of ID, you will have to go through an extensive security process to get onto a plane. This process will involve filling out a form, explaining why you don't have an approved ID, providing alternate IDs, and undergoing a more extensive luggage/body screening.
If you lost your ID, the TSA has other ways of confirming your identity using publicly available databases. You will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer, which may include providing information such as your name and current address.
Children under the age of 18 do not need ID to pass through security and only need a boarding pass if they are accompanied by an adult. However, for international travel, children will need a passport. For domestic travel, a birth certificate may be required if the child is under the age of 2 and flying as a lap child.
