Jazmin Li
Minors who are travelling with an adult guardian typically do not need to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. However, unaccompanied minors may need to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, such as a driver's license, state photo identity card, or passport. Since ID requirements for minors vary by airline, it is important to contact your airline well in advance of your travel date to determine their specific policies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA requirement for minors under 18 | No ID required for travel within the U.S. |
| TSA requirement for unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck | Acceptable ID required to receive expedited screening |
| TSA requirement for international travel | Same travel documents as adults |
| Airline-specific requirements | Varies, contact the airline in advance |
| REAL ID requirements | REAL ID-compliant license/ID or alternative form of ID |
| REAL ID alternatives | Passport, passport card, state-issued Enhanced Driver's License |
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What You'll Learn
Minors travelling with an adult
As per TSA guidelines, minors under 18 do not need to provide identification when travelling with an adult within the United States. However, the specific ID requirements for minors depend on the airline they are travelling with. Hence, it is advisable to contact the airline well in advance to determine their policies for minors.
For international travel, including travel outside the United States, minors under 18 must present the same travel documents as adults. This means that a valid passport is required for international travel.
It is worth noting that TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. Additionally, TSA has specified that REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state-issued photo identity cards are accepted. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by certain states, such as Washington, Michigan, and New York, are also considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards.
While not mandatory, it is generally recommended to carry some form of identification for minors when travelling, as there may be circumstances where it is required. This could include a child travel consent form, which provides proof that the minor is authorized to travel and includes information about the responsible adult(s). This form is typically provided by the airline and may vary depending on the carrier.
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Minors travelling alone
As per the TSA, minors under 18 do not need to provide identification when travelling within the United States, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. However, the specific ID requirements for unaccompanied minors may vary by airline, so it is best to contact the airline directly. Typically, if a minor is travelling alone, they will need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight. Some airlines may also require a child travel consent form, which provides proof that the child is authorised to travel alone. This form is often provided by the airline and includes information about who is dropping off the child and who will pick them up at the destination. Additionally, the minor may also be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents.
For international travel, including travel outside the United States, the TSA requires valid passports for travellers of all ages. Minors under 18 must present the same travel documents as adults. It is important to note that REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings or international travel and are only valid for domestic flights within the United States.
It is always recommended to check the TSA website for the latest information on acceptable forms of identification, as the requirements are subject to change. Additionally, some states have specific requirements, such as Illinois, which requires residents to have a REAL ID or a valid passport for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.
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TSA PreCheck
Generally, children under 18 do not need to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, TSA PreCheck is available for minors who are 13 to 17 and are travelling alone. This will allow them to use the expedited screening lanes. When travelling as a family, children 17 and under are eligible for TSA PreCheck without needing their own Known Traveler Number (KTN), as long as one of the adults has their own TSA PreCheck. Children 12 and under can travel on a parent's TSA PreCheck membership, and infants do not need their own TSA PreCheck membership.
Children between 13 and 17 who are travelling with a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck may use the expedited security lanes, but they could be randomly excluded from PreCheck and have to pass a standard Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening. If they are not travelling on the same reservation as a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck, minors of any age will need their own membership to access PreCheck lanes. The TSA PreCheck application fee is $78 for both adults and children.
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International travel
Minors Travelling with an Adult:
In most cases, minors under the age of 18 travelling with an adult do not need to present identification when flying internationally. Instead, the accompanying adult's identification and travel documents are usually sufficient for the minor to be included on the same travel itinerary. However, it is always a good idea for minors to carry some form of identification during travel, such as a passport or birth certificate. This can be helpful in emergencies or if their identity needs to be verified.
Unaccompanied Minors:
For unaccompanied minors, the requirements are more stringent. Most airlines do not allow children to fly alone unless they are enrolled in the airline's unaccompanied minor service. As part of this service, the airline will often require a completed form with details of the individual dropping off the child and the person who will be receiving them at the destination. Additionally, a consent letter signed by both parents or legal guardians may be mandatory, especially for international travel. In cases where one parent is deceased or the minor is under the sole custody of one parent, appropriate documentation, such as a death certificate or custody agreement, should be provided.
Identification Documents:
While passport requirements may vary based on the destination country, it is generally recommended that minors travelling internationally have a valid passport. This is because a passport is universally recognised as a form of identification and can facilitate a smoother travel experience. Some countries may also accept alternative forms of identification, such as a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, but this is not always the case. It is crucial to research the specific requirements of your destination country to ensure compliance.
Additional Considerations:
It is worth noting that some airlines may have their own unique requirements for unaccompanied minors, so it is essential to check with your carrier beforehand. Additionally, certain countries may have visa requirements for minors, which must be obtained in advance. Finally, when travelling with infants, some airlines may request additional documentation, such as a medical form or a physician's note confirming the infant's health and fitness to travel.
In summary, while the specific ID requirements for minors travelling internationally may vary, it is generally advisable for minors to carry some form of identification. For unaccompanied minors, the process is more intricate, involving additional forms, consents, and documentation. Being proactive in understanding the requirements of your specific destination and airline will help ensure a seamless travel experience for minors.
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REAL ID
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting non-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards for certain official purposes. This means that IDs must include the REAL ID-compliant star marking in the upper right corner to be accepted.
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 will need to travel with an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. A state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is also an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID-compliant card. Currently, only five states issue EDLs: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. These can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. To prove identity, individuals can bring a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if they are not U.S. citizens.
It is important to note that 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. For international travel, minors under 18 must present the same travel documents as adults.
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Frequently asked questions
Minors under 18 do not need to provide ID when travelling within the US. However, this depends on the airline and the age of the minor. It is best to contact the airline to check their specific requirements.
If a minor is travelling unaccompanied, they will need an acceptable form of ID to receive expedited screening. This could be a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or a TSA-approved security plan ID.
If the minor does not have any ID, they may still be able to travel as long as they are accompanied by an adult with valid ID. The adult may also need to sign a consent form and provide proof of sole custody if the other parent is deceased.
For international travel, minors will need to present the same travel documents as adults, which is usually a passport.
The TSA accepts expired ID for up to two years after expiration. However, this may not be the case for other forms of ID, so it is best to check with the relevant authority.
