Owais Crawford
When travelling by air, it is important to carry valid identification documents. The type of ID required depends on the type of travel and the traveller's age. For domestic travel in India, a photo ID card with a valid ticket is required. Accepted forms of ID include a passport, voter ID, PAN card, driving licence, student ID, or nationalised bank passbook with an attested photograph. For international travel, a passport is required, and it must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel. Minors travelling alone or with someone other than their parents may need additional documents.
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What You'll Learn
Domestic and international travel requirements differ
For domestic travel, requirements vary depending on the country and airline. For example, in India, Air India requires passengers to carry their ticket and a valid proof-of-identity document, which can include a photo ID card issued by the government, a student ID card, or a nationalized bank passbook with an attested photograph. On the other hand, IndiGo, another Indian airline, accepts similar forms of identification but also includes voter IDs for travel to Nepal.
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to present valid identification at the airport checkpoint for domestic travel. A driver's license or state-issued photo ID is typically accepted. However, starting May 7, 2025, travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport, to board domestic flights. This change will align with the requirements of many other countries that already require a valid passport for international travel.
For international travel, most countries require a valid passport, and some may also require a visa or other supplementary documents. For instance, foreign nationals traveling to Dubai or Muscat need to have their visas verified, and those traveling to Imphal, India, must carry a Protected Area Permit. Additionally, some countries may require specific health certificates or embarkation forms to be submitted before boarding. It is always advisable to check with the relevant embassy or consulate of your destination country to understand their specific entry requirements.
It is important to note that requirements can vary based on your country of origin, destination, and specific airline policies. Therefore, it is recommended to review the documentation requirements before traveling to ensure a smooth journey.
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Accepted forms of photo ID
- A valid passport.
- A state-issued driver's license or ID that is REAL ID-compliant.
- A student ID card.
- A military ID.
- A birth certificate, although this must be accompanied by a government-issued photo ID.
- A national identity card.
- A disability ID card.
- A tribal identification card.
- A marriage license.
- A credit card with your photo on it.
- A utility bill or bank statement with your name and address.
- A digital ID on your mobile phone.
From May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. Passengers travelling after this date should either use an acceptable alternative form of ID or enrol for a state-issued REAL ID.
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ID requirements for minors
While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling with a companion within the United States, it is recommended that minors carry some sort of identification. This could be a printed copy of their birth certificate or passport, or a photo of their passport on a mobile phone.
Some airlines may require children to have a copy of their birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID at check-in if they are to fly as a lap child. In the case of international travel, children may also be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents, or a living parent/guardian in the case of a deceased spouse, along with a copy of the death certificate.
If a child is travelling alone, they may be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents or legal guardians. This is often referred to as an Unaccompanied Minor Service Form, and is provided by the airline. The form includes information about who is dropping off the child and who will pick them up at the final destination.
It is important to note that some countries, like Nepal, only accept a valid Voter ID or Passport for citizens, and a valid passport for foreign nationals. It is always best to contact the airline directly to understand the specific requirements for minors, as they may vary.
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Exemptions for senior citizens
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID will be required for air travel within the US. This applies to all adult passengers, including senior citizens. However, there are alternative forms of identification that senior citizens can use if they do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID.
Senior citizens who do not drive or possess a state-issued ID have several options for acceptable identification. Firstly, they can use their valid United States passport as an alternative form of identification. A passport can serve as official identification and is accepted by TSA checkpoints and airlines such as Air India. Additionally, Air India accepts proof of identity and travel documents stored in DigiLocker for travel within airports in India, providing an option for senior citizens who prefer to avoid carrying physical documents.
For senior citizens who may have difficulty obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID due to a lack of original identifying documentation, there are other alternatives. One option is a DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST). Another option is a 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), is also permitted. Furthermore, a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) is an acceptable form of identification.
It is important to note that some of these alternative forms of identification may have specific requirements or limitations. For example, DHS trusted traveler programs like Global Entry have certain eligibility criteria and application processes. Additionally, some forms of ID may not be accepted by all airlines or airports, so it is always advisable to check with the specific airline or airport before assuming that an alternative form of identification will be accepted. Senior citizens should also be aware that facial recognition technology is currently being tested at TSA checkpoints, but participation is voluntary, and they can opt for the standard ID verification process if preferred.
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Digital ID verification
For domestic flights, airlines typically require passengers to carry a valid ticket along with a proof-of-identity document. This could be a government-issued ID card with a photo, a student ID card, a nationalized bank passbook with a photo, or a disability ID card. Some countries, like India, also accept proof of identity stored in a DigiLocker at the airport.
For international flights, passengers are generally required to carry a valid passport, visa, entry permit, and necessary health certificates. The name on the e-ticket must match the name on the passport or other proof of identity presented at the airport for entry, check-in, and boarding.
In recent years, digital ID verification has been introduced at select airports and is gradually being adopted worldwide. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, for example, accepts digital IDs for identity verification through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. Passengers can use their smartphones for identity verification with digital identity solutions like mobile driver's licenses or ID passes. This provides a faster and more secure travel experience while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents.
It is worth noting that the acceptance of digital IDs is still evolving, and passengers are advised to carry a physical ID as a backup. Additionally, the list of acceptable IDs can change without notice, so it is recommended to check the latest requirements before traveling to ensure a smooth airport experience.
Some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, have partnered with TSA to offer TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at select airports. This program utilizes facial matching technology, allowing enrolled passengers to move through bag drop and security lines without presenting a traditional photo ID.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a physical ID is required at the airport.
Some acceptable forms of physical ID include a passport, driving license, PAN card, voter ID, birth certificate, nationalized bank passbook with an attested photograph, and a disability ID card.
Digital forms of ID such as the Mobile Aadhaar or Aadhaar card in digital form using the mAadhaar app are accepted at some airports.
Yes, the requirements for domestic and international travel differ. Domestic passengers should carry an ID card, while international passengers must carry a passport.
Unaccompanied minors need to submit a designated form at least three days before departure. On certain international routes, the upper age limit for unaccompanied minors is 16 years. Minors under 18 travelling internationally with someone other than their parents may need to submit additional documents.
