Children under 18 do not need a Real ID or passport to fly domestically within the United States
A child can board a domestic flight with just a birth certificate or school ID. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require Real ID for passengers under 18 on flights within the U.S., even after the Real ID important date. Your child will still go through security screening, but they do not need a government-issued photo ID to pass through.
This applies to all domestic flights—short regional hops and cross-country trips alike. The TSA agent at the checkpoint will ask for proof of age, and a birth certificate works. A school ID, passport, or state ID also works, but none of these are required. You as the parent or guardian will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport to board, but your child does not.
The one exception is if your child has their own Real ID or passport already. If they do, you can use it, but you are not required to get one for them just to fly domestically.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 18 flying domestically need only a birth certificate or school ID—no Real ID or passport required.
- You as the adult traveler must have a Real ID-compliant ID or passport to board a domestic flight.
- International flights require a passport for all passengers, including infants and children, regardless of age.
- A birth certificate alone is not enough for international travel; a passport is the only document accepted at the border.
- Passport processing for children takes four to six weeks for routine service, so plan ahead if you are booking international travel.
International flights require a passport for every child, including infants
If your child is flying outside the United States, they must have a valid U.S. passport. This applies to all ages—newborns, toddlers, teenagers. A birth certificate, Real ID, or any other domestic ID will not work at the border or for international airlines. The passport is the only document U.S. Customs and Border Protection accepts to prove citizenship and identity for exit and re-entry.
Even if your child is traveling on your passport (which is allowed for very young children in some countries), you still need to check the destination country's rules. Many countries require each person, including children, to have their own passport. Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean all require a passport or passport card for U.S. citizens of all ages.
Passport cards are an option for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel. If you are flying internationally, you need a full passport book.
How to get a passport for a child
Both parents or guardians must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility with the child. You will need the child's birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of citizenship, a photo ID for each parent, and a completed Form DS-11 (for a new passport) or DS-82 (for renewal). The child must be present for the appointment, and the passport agency will take a photo there.
Routine passport processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited service takes two to three weeks but costs extra. If you need a passport in less than two weeks, you must explore in person at a passport agency office, not a post office or library. Passport agencies are located in major cities; you can find the nearest one on the State Department website.
The cost for a child's first passport book is $130 (plus a $35 execution fee if explore in person). Passport cards cost $50 (plus the $35 execution fee). These prices do not include expedited processing fees if you choose that option.
Real ID requirements for adults traveling with children
You must have a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or military ID to board a domestic flight. A standard driver's license without the Real ID star or marking will not work. If you do not have Real ID yet, you can still fly domestically by showing a passport, passport card, military ID, or Enhanced Driver's License instead.
Real ID-compliant licenses have a gold or black star in the upper right corner. You can check your state's DMV website to see if your current license has it. If not, you will need to visit your local DMV to upgrade. You will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The process usually takes a few weeks.
Your child does not need Real ID, so you only need to worry about your own ID when flying domestically. For international travel, you need a passport regardless of Real ID status.
What to bring to the airport for your child
For a domestic flight, bring your child's birth certificate or school ID. You do not need to print anything or bring extra documents—the TSA agent will look at the original document at security. If your child does not have a birth certificate with them, a school ID, passport, or state ID will work.
For an international flight, bring your child's passport and any required travel documents for the destination country (such as a visa). Some countries require a notarized letter from both parents if only one parent is traveling with the child, so check the destination country's entry requirements before you leave.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Children sometimes take longer at security, so the extra time helps avoid stress.
Common mistakes parents make when traveling with children
The biggest mistake is assuming a birth certificate works for international travel. It does not. Many parents show up at the airport with only a birth certificate and are turned away. If you are flying internationally, order the passport at least six weeks in advance to avoid expedited fees or missed trips.
Another common error is bringing an expired passport. Even if the passport is only expired by a few days, it is not valid for travel. Check your child's passport expiration date at least two months before your trip. Renewal takes time, and some countries require the passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
Parents also sometimes confuse Real ID with a passport. Real ID is only for domestic flights and is a marking on your driver's license—it has nothing to do with your child's travel documents. Your child needs a passport for international flights, not Real ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my baby fly without an ID?
Yes, for domestic flights. Infants and babies do not need any ID to board a domestic flight. The TSA does not require proof of age for very young children. However, you will need to show your own Real ID or passport, and your baby will need a ticket. For international flights, even newborns must have a passport.
What if my child's passport is expired?
An expired passport is not valid for travel. You must renew it before your trip. Renewal takes four to six weeks for routine service or two to three weeks for expedited service. If you are leaving in less than two weeks, you must explore at a passport agency office in person for emergency service.
Can my child use a school ID for international flights?
No. A school ID works only for domestic flights. International travel requires a passport for all passengers, including children. A school ID, birth certificate, or any other domestic ID will not be accepted at the border or by international airlines.
Do I need written permission from the other parent to travel with my child?
Not for domestic flights. For international travel, some countries require a notarized letter from both parents or a custody document if only one parent is traveling with the child. Check the destination country's entry requirements before you book. The U.S. does not require this letter for U.S. citizens leaving the country, but the destination country may.
How much does a child's passport cost?
A new passport book costs $130 plus a $35 execution fee. A passport card costs $50 plus the $35 execution fee. Expedited processing adds $60. These are the standard fees; some passport agencies may charge slightly different amounts, so check your local office.