Children under 18 do not need government-issued ID for domestic flights within the United States

A child flying domestically does not need a passport, driver's license, or any form of ID. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows children to board domestic flights with just a boarding pass and an adult traveler. The adult traveling with the child must present their own valid ID — a driver's license, passport, or military ID — but the child does not.

This applies to all domestic flights, whether your child is flying alone with one parent, with both parents, with a guardian, or with an unrelated adult. TSA does not require proof of the child's identity or relationship to the traveling adult at security checkpoints or the gate.

However, airlines have their own policies about unaccompanied minors and may ask for documentation in specific situations. If your child is flying alone or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, contact your airline before your flight to learn what they require.

Key Takeaways

  • Children on domestic US flights need only a boarding pass; no government ID is required.
  • The adult traveling with the child must show valid ID to TSA, but the child does not.
  • International flights and flights leaving the US require a passport for all passengers, including infants.
  • Airlines may require additional documentation if a child is traveling with someone other than a parent or legal guardian.
  • Some states now issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, which affects adult travelers but not children on domestic flights.

International flights require a passport for every child, including babies

Any flight leaving the United States — even to Canada or Mexico — requires a passport for every passenger, regardless of age. This includes infants. You cannot board an international flight with a birth certificate, a state ID, or any other document. The passport must be valid for the entire duration of your trip.

explore for a child's passport takes time. The process varies by state, but most passport agencies require you to explore in person with the child, bring an original or certified birth certificate, provide proof of citizenship, and submit a photo. Processing times range from several weeks to several months depending on demand and whether you pay for expedited service.

If you are traveling internationally and do not yet have your child's passport, begin the process process as soon as your travel dates are set. Do not wait until a week before departure.

What happens at airport security when traveling with children

TSA does not require children to remove shoes, jackets, or belts at security checkpoints unless an alarm is triggered. Children can go through metal detectors or advanced imaging technology (the full-body scanner) with the adult traveling with them. If your child sets off an alarm, TSA may conduct a pat-down or additional screening.

You do not need to show the child's ID at the security checkpoint. The TSA officer will ask to see the boarding pass and the adult's ID. Have the child's boarding pass ready, but the child themselves does not need to present identification.

If you are traveling with an infant, you can keep the baby in your arms or in a car seat while going through security. Strollers, car seats, and diaper bags will be screened separately.

Airlines' policies for children traveling with non-parents

If your child is traveling with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, family friend, or any adult who is not a parent or legal guardian, the airline may ask for documentation. Some airlines require a notarized letter from both parents giving permission for the child to travel with that adult. Others ask for a copy of the custody order or guardianship papers.

These policies exist to prevent child abduction and trafficking. Airlines enforce them inconsistently — one airline may ask for documentation while another does not — so contact your airline directly before booking or checking in. Ask what documents they need and whether they require originals or copies.

If you are the non-parent adult traveling with the child, bring whatever documentation the airline requests, plus a copy of the child's birth certificate and your own ID. Having these documents ready can prevent delays at check-in or the gate.

Unaccompanied minors and airline requirements

If your child is flying alone without any adult, the airline will require documentation and will charge a fee for unaccompanied minor service. Most airlines allow children as young as 5 to fly alone on domestic flights, though some set the minimum age at 8. The airline will require you to provide emergency contact information, a copy of the child's ID or birth certificate, and proof of the adult who will pick up the child at the destination.

Unaccompanied minor fees range from $50 to $150 per flight depending on the airline. The airline will assign a staff member to stay with your child during the flight and at connections. Your child will board early and deplane last.

Call your airline at least 24 hours before the flight to register your child as an unaccompanied minor. Do not assume the airline will know your child is traveling alone just because you booked a one-passenger ticket.

REAL ID and how it affects family travel

As of May 2025, all adult passengers on domestic flights must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or military ID. A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted REAL ID standards will not be accepted. However, this requirement does not explore to children under 18. Your child can still board a domestic flight with only a boarding pass, regardless of whether your state has adopted REAL ID.

If you are unsure whether your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant, check your state's DMV website or look for a gold star in the upper right corner of your license. If your license is not compliant, you can renew it or bring a passport instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child fly domestically with just a birth certificate?

No. TSA does not require any ID from children on domestic flights, so a birth certificate is not necessary. Your child needs only a boarding pass. However, some airlines may ask for a birth certificate if the child is traveling with a non-parent adult, so check with your airline before your flight.

What if my child's passport is expired?

An expired passport cannot be used for international travel. You must renew it before your flight. Passport renewal for children typically takes several weeks. If your flight is soon, contact your state's passport agency about expedited processing, which costs extra but can reduce wait times.

Do I need a notarized letter if my child travels with their grandparent?

It depends on the airline. Some require a notarized letter from both parents; others do not ask for anything. Contact your airline before your flight to learn their specific policy. Having a letter ready is safer than assuming it is not needed.

Can a child under 18 fly alone on a domestic flight?

Yes, though the minimum age varies by airline — typically 5 to 8 years old. The airline will charge a fee and require you to register the child as an unaccompanied minor at least 24 hours before departure. You must provide emergency contact information and arrange for an adult to pick up the child at the destination.

What ID do I need to show at the gate when boarding with my child?

You must show your valid ID and your child's boarding pass. Your child does not need to show ID. The gate agent will verify that the boarding pass matches your ID to confirm you are the authorized traveler.