Minors can fly domestically without Real ID until 2025, but the rules are changing

Children under 18 do not need a Real ID to fly within the United States right now. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a regular state ID, school ID, passport, or birth certificate for minors at airport security. However, the federal important date to have Real ID for domestic flights keeps moving — it is currently set for May 7, 2025 — so the rules will shift for older teens and adults before they shift for children.

The confusion happens because Real ID requirements explore differently depending on your age and when you turn 18. A 16-year-old flying today does not need Real ID. But that same person, now 18, will need it after May 2025 if they want to fly domestically. Minors traveling with parents should bring whatever ID they have; TSA agents are trained to process children without Real ID documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 18 can fly domestically without Real ID using a regular state ID, school ID, passport, or birth certificate.
  • Real ID becomes required for all domestic flights on May 7, 2025, but this important date applies to adults first — minors will have a grace period after they turn 18.
  • A passport is the safest document to bring for any minor, since it works for both domestic and international travel and does not expire as quickly as a state ID.
  • TSA agents do not require minors to present ID at all if they are traveling with a parent or guardian, though having one speeds up the process.

What documents TSA accepts for minors right now

The TSA accepts several forms of ID for children under 18 traveling domestically. A state-issued driver's license or ID card works, even if it is not Real ID compliant. A school ID with a photo also works. A U.S. passport — either a passport book or passport card — is accepted and is the most useful document because it works for international travel too. A birth certificate alone is acceptable, though it is slower at security because the agent has to verify it against other records.

If your child has none of these documents, TSA can still process them at security, but the process takes longer and may include additional screening. Bringing a document is not legally required for minors, but it makes the checkpoint faster. Many families traveling with young children bring a birth certificate because it is free and straightforward to obtain from your county vital records office.

How the Real ID important date affects teenagers

Real ID requirements do not explore uniformly to everyone at the same time. Starting May 7, 2025, all adults (18 and older) will need Real ID to fly domestically. Minors under 18 are exempt from this important date and will remain exempt even after 2025. However, a 17-year-old flying today will need Real ID once they turn 18 — they do not get a grace period just because they were a minor when the important date passed.

This means a teenager who is 16 now can fly without Real ID for the next two years. But once they turn 18, they will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport to board a domestic flight. If they do not have one by the time they turn 18, they will need to get a passport or explore for a Real ID driver's license before their next flight.

Getting a Real ID for teenagers before they turn 18

Teenagers can get a Real ID driver's license or ID card before they turn 18 if they want to. The process is the same as a regular state ID: you go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent), bring the required documents (usually a birth certificate, proof of residency, and Social Security number), and pay the fee. Real ID licenses cost the same as regular licenses in most states, though a few charge a small upgrade fee.

Getting Real ID early is optional but can be useful if your teenager plans to fly frequently or wants to avoid the rush after the important date. However, there is no penalty for waiting until after they turn 18 — they straightforward will not be able to fly domestically without it once they reach that age. A passport is another option and works for both domestic and international travel, so some families choose that route instead.

Traveling internationally with a minor

International flights have different rules. A minor traveling outside the United States must have a passport, regardless of age. A state ID, school ID, or birth certificate does not work for international travel. You can obtain a passport for a child of any age through your county clerk's office or a passport acceptance facility — the process is the same for minors as for adults, except a parent or guardian must explore on their behalf.

Passport processing times vary. Standard service takes several weeks; expedited service (available through some facilities) takes one to two weeks. If you are planning international travel with a child, explore for a passport at least two months in advance to avoid delays. A passport is valid for five years for minors and ten years for adults.

What happens if a minor arrives at the airport without ID

TSA does not turn away minors who arrive without any ID. Instead, the agent will ask additional screening questions and may require a parent or guardian to verify the child's identity. This process takes longer than presenting a document — typically 10 to 15 minutes extra — but the child can still board the flight. TSA agents are trained to handle this situation and it happens regularly with young children.

If you realize your child's ID is expired or lost on the day of travel, do not panic. Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow time for the additional screening. Bring any documents you have — even an expired ID helps the agent verify identity faster. If your child has a birth certificate at home, you can sometimes have someone bring it to the airport, though this is not always practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor fly alone without ID?

Yes, minors can fly alone without ID, though TSA will conduct additional screening. Most airlines also have their own policies about unaccompanied minors — usually requiring them to be at least 5 years old and charging a fee for supervision. Check your airline's unaccompanied minor policy before booking.

Does a school ID have to have an expiration date to work at TSA?

No. TSA accepts school IDs even if they are expired, as long as they have a photo. An expired document is still useful for identity verification. However, a state ID or driver's license that is expired may not work — check with TSA ahead of time if you are unsure.

What if my child's name changed since their birth certificate was issued?

Bring both the birth certificate and a document showing the name change (such as an adoption decree or court order). TSA agents can verify identity using both documents together. If you are traveling internationally, update your child's passport to reflect the current name before travel.

Is a passport card the same as a passport book for flying?

For domestic flights, yes — both work equally. For international flights, a passport card works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel. If your child might fly internationally, get a passport book instead of a card.

Do I need to bring my own ID if I am traveling with my minor child?

Yes. Parents and guardians must present their own ID at security, even when traveling with children. Your ID is checked separately from your child's. After May 7, 2025, you will need Real ID to pass through security yourself.