Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

For domestic flights within the United States, a 7-year-old child does not need a passport or any form of government-issued photo identification. TSA does not require minors under the age of 18 to present ID when traveling with an adult companion; the adult's identification is sufficient to cover the minor. However, for international travel, a 7-year-old must have a valid U.S. Passport, regardless of the destination or the age of the child. Some airlines may also request a copy of the child's birth certificate for domestic travel if there is a dispute about the child's age (for example, if they are traveling as a "lap child" under age 2). If a 7-year-old is traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor (UM), the airline will require specific paperwork and a contact person with ID at both ends of the journey, but a physical passport remains strictly reserved for flights crossing international borders.