Lois Larson
When travelling, it is important to carry valid identification documents. While birth certificates are not considered a valid ID for adults, they may be required for children under the age of 2 travelling as lap children. For domestic travel within the US, children do not need an ID if accompanied by an adult with a valid ID. However, some airlines may request a birth certificate or passport for proof of age. For international travel, a passport is mandatory for all individuals, regardless of age. It is always advisable to carry acceptable forms of identification to ensure a smooth travel experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptable IDs for minors under 18 | Not required when travelling with an adult. However, some airlines may request a birth certificate for children under 2. |
| Acceptable IDs for minors between 2 and 18 | Not required when travelling with an adult. However, some airlines may request a birth certificate. |
| Acceptable IDs for minors travelling alone | Required. A passport is mandatory for international travel. For domestic travel, a birth certificate or government-issued photo ID may be used. |
| Acceptable IDs for adults | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, etc. |
| Use of birth certificates for adults | Not accepted as a primary document. May be used with other documents to confirm identity if ID was lost or stolen. |
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What You'll Learn
- Adults cannot use birth certificates as primary documents when flying
- Minors between 2 and 18 don't need a photo ID when accompanied by an adult
- Children under 2 may need a birth certificate when flying as a lap child
- A birth certificate may be used to confirm identity if ID is lost or stolen
- TSA accepts alternative forms of ID for domestic travel
Adults cannot use birth certificates as primary documents when flying
When it comes to air travel, the requirements for identification documents can vary depending on factors such as age, destination, and the specific regulations of the airline and the country. While birth certificates are essential documents, their acceptance as valid identification for adults at airports is limited. Here's why adults cannot use birth certificates as primary documents when flying:
For Domestic Travel in the US:
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) outlines the requirements for acceptable identification at airport checkpoints. For adults aged 18 and older, a valid form of identification is mandatory for domestic travel. The list of acceptable IDs includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, U.S. passports, passport cards, and other forms of identification issued by federal or state authorities. Notably, birth certificates are not listed as an acceptable form of primary identification for adults. This means that adults cannot solely present their birth certificates to pass through TSA security checkpoints at domestic airports.
For International Travel:
When it comes to international travel, the requirements are more stringent. A passport is universally recognized as the primary form of identification for individuals of all ages. This means that adults must possess a valid passport when travelling internationally. While a birth certificate can be used as supporting documentation for minors under the age of 2 or in certain cases where additional proof of identity is required, it is not sufficient as a primary document for adults.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances:
While adults cannot generally use birth certificates as primary documents when flying, there are a few exceptional circumstances to consider. In the rare case that an adult has lost their ID or had it stolen, a birth certificate may be used alongside other documents to help confirm their identity at the airport. However, this is not guaranteed, and the TSA officer has the discretion to allow or deny passage through the security checkpoint. Additionally, some airlines or countries may have specific requirements or exceptions for identification documents. It is always advisable to check with the relevant authorities and be prepared with alternative forms of identification.
Alternative Forms of Identification:
It is worth noting that, in the absence of a primary form of identification, adults may still be able to fly by presenting alternative forms of ID. These can include a driver's license, military ID, state-issued ID card, or other documents that bear the individual's name and address, such as a credit card, business card, or voter registration card. However, it is important to arrive at the airport early in such cases, as additional identity verification processes and screenings may be required.
In summary, adults cannot use birth certificates as primary documents when flying, either for domestic or international travel. Valid, government-issued identification, such as a passport or driver's license, is typically required. However, in exceptional circumstances, such as a lost or stolen ID, a birth certificate may be used as supporting documentation to help confirm an adult's identity at the airport. It is always advisable to check the specific requirements of the destination, airline, and local authorities before travelling to ensure a smooth journey.
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Minors between 2 and 18 don't need a photo ID when accompanied by an adult
As per TSA guidelines, adult passengers aged 18 and older must produce a valid government-issued photo ID at the airport in order to travel. This includes a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued photo identity card, a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, or a DHS trusted traveler card.
However, the rules for minors under 18 years of age traveling within the United States are different. When accompanied by an adult, minors between the ages of 2 and 18 do not need to provide a photo ID to board a domestic flight. They only need a boarding pass. This rule may vary by airline, so it is always best to contact the specific carrier directly for their requirements.
While photo ID is not required for minors accompanied by adults, there are some circumstances where an official document, such as a birth certificate, may be needed. For example, Southwest Airlines requires a birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in for lap children. Additionally, if you are traveling with an infant less than 2 weeks old, some airlines may require a note from your physician stating that the child is healthy enough to fly. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your airline before traveling to ensure you have the necessary documentation.
It is important to note that the requirements for international travel may differ. When flying to a different country, regardless of age, individuals will need to present their passports at check-in, the TSA security checkpoint, and upon arrival at the destination.
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Children under 2 may need a birth certificate when flying as a lap child
Children under the age of 2 can fly for free as a lap child on domestic flights. While you won't be required to show an ID for the child when passing through security, at check-in the airline may require that you prove the child is under 2. This is because, if they are older, the airline will want to charge you for their seat. Unless your child already has a passport that can be used to prove their birth date, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate. While some airlines are more lenient than others, it’s always best to come prepared. 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 to fly as a lap infant.
In the United States, nine out of ten times, you won't be asked for proof of age on most airlines when flying with a lap infant. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, Southwest Airlines will always ask for proof, even if your child looks under 2. It is Southwest's policy to check for age verification on lap infants regardless of appearance, so be prepared with an appropriate age-verification document.
International travel always requires a passport. Domestic travel generally requires a birth certificate if your child is under 2 and flying as a lap child. Some airlines may request additional documentation, such as a notarized consent letter from a non-travelling parent, for international flights. It’s important to check the specific airline and destination requirements well in advance of travel to ensure you have the necessary documents.
It's worth noting that, while a birth certificate isn't required for toddlers and older children to travel, it’s a good idea to have it with you when you’re heading out of state or out of the country. Birth certificates can be especially useful if one of their other forms of identification gets lost during your vacation.
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A birth certificate may be used to confirm identity if ID is lost or stolen
While a birth certificate can be used as proof of citizenship, it cannot be used as a standalone ID at an airport. This is because a birth certificate does not have a photograph or other identifying elements that are needed to confirm someone's identity in official situations.
In the US, acceptable forms of ID at the airport include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued photo identity card, a passport, a DHS trusted traveler card, a US Department of Defense ID, or a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
If your primary ID is lost, expired, or otherwise unavailable, you may need to explore secondary options to prove your identity. These include providing secondary forms of ID, using a notary, authorizing a trusted individual, or petitioning a court. Secondary forms of ID include documents such as a utility bill and a Social Security card. However, it is important to note that the requirements for secondary forms of ID vary across states, so it is recommended to check your state's vital records website for the specific requirements.
Additionally, the TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. Therefore, if your ID has recently expired, you may still be able to use it at the airport.
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TSA accepts alternative forms of ID for domestic travel
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. Passengers will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification. This includes a U.S. passport or passport card, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or a DHS-trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST). A U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents, is also accepted.
The REAL ID Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility, such as to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian. It also does not prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents, such as a U.S. passport or passport card. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may still be subject to additional screening.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the proper documentation.
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Frequently asked questions
For domestic travel, a birth certificate is generally required if your child is under the age of 2 and flying as a lap child. For international travel, your child will need a passport. However, some airlines may request additional documentation, such as a notarized consent letter from a non-travelling parent. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of the airline and destination in advance.
For adults, a birth certificate is not accepted as a primary document when flying. However, it may be used together with other documents to confirm your identity if your ID was lost or stolen. It is important to note that you will need to arrive at the airport early and complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer.
For domestic travel within the US, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a state-issued photo identity card is accepted. A passport is required for international travel. Other acceptable forms of ID include a DHS trusted traveler card, a U.S. Department of Defense ID, and a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID.
