Lois Larson
When it comes to air travel, the identification requirements for minors can vary depending on their age, the airline, and the destination country. While each adult traveller must carry a valid photo ID, the rules for children are more flexible. In general, children under the age of 18 travelling with their parents are not required to provide identification when flying within the United States. However, for international travel, all passengers, regardless of age, need to present a passport or other accepted form of identification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age limit for ID requirement | 18 years |
| ID requirement for domestic travel | Not required |
| ID requirement for international travel | Required |
| Acceptable IDs for domestic travel | Birth certificate, passport, state-issued ID, driver's license |
| Acceptable IDs for international travel | Passport, visa |
| Additional documentation for international travel | Notarized consent letter from a non-traveling parent, notarized parental consent form signed by both parents, copy of the non-traveling parent's passport or valid identification, death certificate of a deceased parent, proof of sole custody |
| Documentation for newborn infants | Physician's note stating the child is healthy enough to fly, medical form, birth certificate |
| ID requirement for unaccompanied minors | Not required, but recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Minors under 18 flying domestically
Minors under 18 do not need ID to pass through security when flying domestically within the United States. A boarding pass is sufficient for minors accompanied by adults. However, it is recommended to carry some form of identification for minors, such as a birth certificate or a passport. Some airlines may require proof of age for children under two years old, as they can fly for free as lap children. In rare cases, a physician's note may be required for infants less than two weeks old.
For international travel, the requirements differ. Children of all ages, including infants, need a passport and, in some cases, a visa. If only one parent is travelling with the child, a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-travelling parent's passport or ID may be necessary. If a parent is deceased, a death certificate and the consent of the living parent or guardian are typically required. In cases of sole custody, proof of custody granted to the travelling parent may be presented instead.
It is important to note that while ID is not mandatory for minors under 18 when flying domestically, it can still be beneficial to have some form of identification. This could be especially useful in situations where proof of identity or age is required. Additionally, each airline may have its own specific requirements for minor travellers, so it is always a good idea to check with the airline in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Furthermore, starting May 7, 2025, any state-issued ID or license used for domestic air travel within the US must be REAL ID-compliant. This applies to both adults and minors. If you are unsure whether your ID meets the REAL ID requirements, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles.
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Minors under 18 flying internationally
Minors under 18 who are flying internationally will need a passport, and maybe a visa, regardless of their age. This is needed at check-in, the TSA security checkpoint, and when arriving at the destination. A printed copy of their birth certificate or, at the very least, a photo of their passport on an accompanying adult's phone may also be accepted. If the child is under two weeks old, a note from a physician stating that the child is healthy enough to fly may be required. If the child is under two years old, proof of age may be required to show that they are eligible to fly as a lap child.
If the child is travelling with only one parent, some countries may require additional permission forms. This usually includes a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-travelling parent's passport or valid identification. If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse's death certificate. The only exception is if the parent has proof of sole custody, in which case a copy of the custody agreement signed by both parents may be required.
It is important to check the specific requirements of the airline and destination well in advance of travel to ensure all the necessary documents are in order. While TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States, individual airlines may request additional documentation, such as a notarized consent letter from a non-travelling parent.
TSA recommends that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time. If you arrive without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. 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 be subject to additional screening.
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Minors under 18 flying without parents
Minors under 18 travelling without parents
If you are a minor under 18 and travelling without your parents, you may be able to fly alone with your airline's unaccompanied minors service. American Airlines offers this service to children aged 5-14, while Delta Air Lines' service is for children aged 5-14 and, optionally, 15-17.
When checking in a child for unaccompanied travel, parents or guardians will need to provide:
- A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age
- The adult's government-issued photo ID with their current address
At check-in, you will need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. An adult must take the child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne.
If your child is travelling internationally without both parents, you will need to provide some additional permission forms. The most important piece will be a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-travelling parent's passport or valid identification. If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse's death certificate. The only exception is if the parent has proof of sole custody.
For children under the age of 2, you may be required by the airline to provide a note from your physician stating that the child is healthy enough to fly. This is usually only required if the child is less than 2 weeks old. Children under the age of 2 can fly for free as a lap child on domestic flights as long as they are flying with an adult.
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Minors under 18 flying with non-parent adults
In the United States, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the country. However, if a child is travelling internationally, they will need a passport (and possibly a visa) regardless of their age.
Domestic Travel
For domestic travel, children under the age of 2 can fly for free as a lap child and do not need an ID at the security checkpoint. However, at check-in, the airline may require proof that the child is under 2. If your child is between the ages of 5 and 14, they can fly alone with the unaccompanied minors service on most flights. Children younger than 18 travelling alone to or from Mexico must have a travel authorisation letter.
International Travel
For international travel, children of any age will need a passport. If both parents are not travelling together, you may need to provide additional permission forms, such as a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-travelling parent's passport or valid identification. If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse's death certificate. If the parent has proof of sole custody, they may be required to present a copy of the custody agreement signed by both parents.
Additional Requirements
Some airlines may have additional requirements for minors flying with non-parent adults. For example, American Airlines requires children travelling alone to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary customs and immigration documents. At check-in, parents or guardians must provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, as well as the adult's government-issued photo ID with their current address. Delta Air Lines also has an Unaccompanied Minor Program, which requires a fee of $150 USD/CAD/EUR each way for children ages 5-17.
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Minors under 2 flying domestically
Minors under the age of 2 do not need an ID when passing through security for domestic flights. However, at check-in, the airline may require proof that the child is under 2 years old. This is because children under 2 can fly for free as a lap child on domestic flights as long as they are accompanied by an adult. If the child has no passport, a birth certificate can be used to prove their date of birth. Some airlines, like Southwest Airlines, always require a birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in for lap children. For children under 2 weeks old, a note from a physician stating that the child is healthy enough to fly may be required by the airline.
For international flights, a passport (and possibly a visa) is required for children of all ages. Additional permission forms may be needed if both parents are not travelling together. It is recommended to check specific airline and destination requirements in advance to ensure that all the necessary documents are available.
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Frequently asked questions
Children under the age of 2 can fly for free as a lap child on domestic flights. However, some airlines may require documentation from a newborn's paediatrician confirming that the child is healthy enough to fly. A birth certificate is also generally required for domestic travel if your child is under the age of 2.
Children under the age of 18 do not need to provide identification when travelling with an adult companion who has acceptable identification. However, if the child is travelling without a parent, a signed consent form and sometimes a consent letter may be required. It is also recommended to carry their birth certificate or passport.
Adult passengers aged 18 and above must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. A REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID or driver's license can be used for domestic flights within the US until May 7, 2025. Other acceptable forms of ID include a US passport, passport card, or a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
