Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Understand the particulars

Do you want to travel with your child on an upcoming journey? Are you looking forward to spending a great vacation with them? Then, there are certain requirements that you must consider before you head for your trip. Make sure that you have booked your flight tickets and hotel rooms in advance so you do not have to worry later. However, one major question that arises in the minds of parents is whether they need any identification cards or any major documents for their children, as this is something that is not discussed often. Therefore, be sure to read the article until the end as we have shared the major details that will definitely give you an answer to your question: Do Kids Need ID to Fly? 

Children Traveling with an Adult 

With the discussion below, you will have a clear idea of the document requirements of a child traveling with an adult. This will help you to plan your journey accordingly.

Domestic Travel

As per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), children under the age of 18 do not require any ID card if they are flying with an adult. However, the adult must have a valid ID such as a license, passport, identity card, or any other government-recognized identification.

In certain instances, you must provide some documents for your minor to fly within the country. Let us take a look at these important details based on different age groups. 

Infant (0- 2 years old)

Many airlines allow infants as young as 2 weeks old to fly with them, but you must present a statement from your healthcare provider indicating that the child is in good health and able to fly. Therefore, before you board a flight, it is better to get in touch with your airline and acquire further details.

If your baby has not turned 2 years old yet, he can travel as a lap child without any fare charges. In this case, your airline will ask you to prove your child’s age, for which you will need a passport or a birth certificate. 

Children between 2 to 18 Years 

Once your child reaches 2 years, they will be required to pay for a full airfare ticket as they will no longer be permitted to travel as a lap child. Make sure that your kid has the boarding pass for their next flight. But you must also ensure that you have some ID cards for your kid, as you might need them when you reach your destination. 

International Travel

In the context of international travel, your child must have a passport available during check-in, while passing through the TSA security checkpoint, and upon reaching the final destination. If your child, who is under the age of sixteen, is traveling to Canada, all he needs is a birth certificate or any proof of US Citizenship. 

Passport 

No matter your child’s age, the most important document he requires is a passport if he is traveling to an international destination. Furthermore, if you are traveling to a place that requires a Visa, you will have to apply for a kid’s visa, too. As you know, making a visa requires time, so, it is better to apply for this in advance. 

Minors Traveling with single-parent 

For minors traveling with a single parent, having a notarized letter of consent is recommended to avoid any difficulties at border control checkpoints. If one of the parents is deceased, the living guardian will have to sign the consent form and will be required to attach the late spouse’s death certificate. If you are a divorced parent and have sole custody of your child, you must present the custodial documents during the trip. It is beneficial to carry this information when traversing borders, regardless of whether the journey is by land or air.

Traveling Rule for Unaccompanied Minors

For unaccompanied minors, the rules differ from those traveling with an adult. Therefore, it is important to gain insights before you let them travel alone. Keep reading for more details. 

Domestic Travel

If your kid travels solo domestically, he will not require any ID. However, any person who will be taking the child to the airport must have an identification card. For unaccompanied minors, every airline has different requirements; therefore, ensure to communicate with your airline’s official for major updates.

As you already know, there is no need for a kid to have an ID, but if he does have a valid identification card or even a passport, it will be better to bring it for the upcoming journey. 

International Travel

Unaccompanied children must have the appropriate documentation for international journeys, including a passport. 

Many countries require that minors traveling alone present a letter of consent, so it is prudent to inquire with the airline and the officials of your destination. Additionally, if the flight includes a layover in a third country, it is important to ensure that your child has all the necessary documents. For this, you must acquire all the essential details before your trip. 

Final Thoughts

All the details you need to know about whether your kid requires an identification card are listed above. For a better experience, contacting your airline before the journey and seeking assistance is important. The officials of your carrier will give you much- needed details about the subject.

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