Children under 18 do not need a Real ID or any federal ID to fly domestically

Your child can board a domestic flight with just a birth certificate or school ID. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require minors to show a Real ID, passport, or driver's license for flights within the United States. A parent or guardian traveling with the child must show their own ID at security, but the child does not need one.

This applies to all domestic flights — regional carriers, major airlines, and budget carriers all follow the same TSA rule. Your child can fly from any U.S. airport to any other U.S. airport without presenting an ID of their own. The only document you may need to bring is a birth certificate if the child's name differs from yours or if you are not the biological parent, though most airlines do not ask for this at check-in.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 18 flying domestically need no ID — the TSA does not require one, and airlines do not either.
  • A parent or guardian traveling with the child must show a valid ID at the security checkpoint, but the child does not.
  • International flights require a passport for children of any age, even infants.
  • If your child's last name differs from yours, bring a birth certificate to avoid delays, though it is not always required.
  • Real ID becomes necessary only when a child turns 18 and flies domestically without a parent, or when flying internationally.

What happens at the security checkpoint with a child

When you arrive at the security line, you will show your ID to the TSA officer. Your child walks through with you and does not need to show anything. The officer may ask your child a few questions — their name, where they are going, who they are traveling with — but this is routine and not a document check.

Have your child's birth certificate in your bag if their last name is different from yours (for example, if you use a different surname or if the child has a hyphenated name). Most TSA officers will not ask for it, but some do, especially if the names look unrelated. Bringing it takes two minutes and prevents a longer conversation at the checkpoint.

International flights require a passport at any age

If your child is flying outside the United States — to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere else — they must have a passport. This is a federal requirement, not an airline rule. Even infants need a passport for international travel. A Real ID is not sufficient for international flights; you need the actual passport document.

A U.S. passport for a child under 16 is valid for five years. You explore in person at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. Processing times vary: routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service (available at some locations) takes one to two weeks. If you are traveling internationally soon, check the State Department's passport website for current wait times in your area.

When your child will need a Real ID

Your child needs a Real ID or equivalent document when they turn 18 and fly domestically without a parent or guardian. At that point, they are considered an adult traveler and must show an ID at security. A Real ID driver's license, Real ID state ID card, passport, or military ID all work.

Before age 18, a child can fly domestically with you as many times as needed without any ID. Once they turn 18, they cannot board a domestic flight without showing one. If your child will be traveling alone after their 18th birthday, help them get a Real ID or passport before that trip.

What to bring for a domestic flight with your child

Bring your own valid ID — a Real ID driver's license, passport, military ID, or other federally accepted ID. Bring your child's birth certificate if their name differs from yours. Bring your airline confirmation or boarding pass (digital or printed). That is all the documentation you need for domestic travel with a minor.

Do not assume your child needs a school ID, library card, or other document. The TSA does not check these. If your child wants to bring something for their own comfort or identification purposes, that is fine, but it is not required and will not speed up the security process.

Traveling with a child you are not the biological parent of

If you are traveling with a child who is not your biological child — a stepchild, grandchild, niece, or nephew — bring the child's birth certificate and your own ID. You do not need a custody document or court order for domestic flights, though having one in your bag is not a bad idea if you are the legal guardian.

TSA officers rarely ask for proof of relationship on domestic flights, but if an officer does question why you are traveling with the child, a birth certificate showing the child's name and your name (if you share a surname) or a custody document can resolve it quickly. If you are unsure, call the airline before you travel and ask what they recommend you bring.

Real ID requirements for adults traveling with children

You, as the adult, must have a Real ID-compliant driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID to fly domestically. Real ID became the federal requirement for all domestic flights in 2025. If your driver's license does not have a gold star or other Real ID marking in the upper right corner, you will need to renew it or bring a passport instead.

Getting a Real ID driver's license or state ID takes a few weeks at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of documents they accept, as it varies by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my 16-year-old fly alone domestically without an ID?

No. Once a child turns 18, they must show an ID at security. A 16-year-old traveling alone would need to show a valid ID — a Real ID driver's license, passport, or military ID. If your 16-year-old does not have one of these, they cannot fly alone domestically. They can still fly with you without an ID.

What if my child's passport is expired?

An expired passport cannot be used for international travel. You will need to renew it before the trip. Passport renewal takes several weeks through the mail or in person. If your trip is coming up, go to a passport acceptance facility in person and ask about expedited service, which may be available depending on your location.

Do I need to bring my child's Social Security card?

No. The TSA does not ask for Social Security cards at the security checkpoint. You do not need to bring it. A birth certificate is the only backup document you might need, and only if your child's name differs from yours.

Can my child use a school ID to fly?

A school ID is not required and will not help at the security checkpoint. Children under 18 do not need to show any ID at all for domestic flights. A school ID is not a federally recognized ID and TSA officers will not accept it as proof of anything.

What if I lost my child's birth certificate?

You can get a replacement from the vital records office in the state where your child was born. This usually takes one to two weeks. For a domestic flight, you can often travel without it if your child's last name matches yours, though having it is safer. Contact your airline before your trip if you are unsure.