Can my child travel with me without a passport?

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 travel within the U.S. in 2026, a child under the age of 18 typically does not need a passport or even a photo ID when traveling with a parent. TSA does not require minors to show identification at the security checkpoint. However, for international travel, a passport is strictly required for everyone, including newborn infants. If you are traveling by land or sea to Canada or Mexico, children under 16 can use an original birth certificate instead of a passport. A critical "pro-tip" for 2026: if you are a single parent or traveling with a child who doesn't share your last name, you should carry a notarized letter of consent from the other parent. While not always asked for, airlines and border agents can request this "Minor Travel Consent" to prevent international child abduction, and having it on hand can prevent a significant travel delay at the gate.

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A passport is required to fly domestically in the UK if you have no other suitable form of photo ID. Nothing to do with immigration requirements. Infants do not need to produce ID,so you are ok. No form of ID required for anyone on BA domestics.

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If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents: If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents.

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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.

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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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Every US citizen, regardless of age, must have a passport to travel abroad. Newborn babies, infants, and toddlers all need a passport to leave and enter another country. Just as if an adult was applying for a passport, babies must have Form DS-11 filled out and submitted.

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Children under the age of 16 do not need to show identification when travelling on domestic flights. The adult they are travelling with must travel with photographic identification and be able to confirm their identity.

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Do children need ID to travel in UK? Children under the age of 16 do not need to show identification when travelling on domestic flights. The adult they are travelling with must travel with photographic identification and be able to confirm their identity.

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International Travel. Regardless of age, all children need a valid passport for air travel to another country. The application process for children under the age of 16 needs to be completed in person. To fill out this application, at least one parents needs to appear.

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You'll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide: A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age.

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The letter should say I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission. If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.

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Children traveling with grandparents, cousins, other relatives, or school groups will need to have a signed document, such as a Child Travel Consent, allowing them to travel without a parent or legal guardian.

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For example, British Airways, KLM and EasyJet permit children aged 14 and over to fly alone while Ryanair doesn't allow any child under the age of 16 to fly unless with someone over 18. On Lufthansa and Norwegian Air flights, children can travel without an adult from the age of 12.

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Children 12 and older are allowed to travel independently as Young Travelers. However, you should decide whether a Young Traveler is capable of and comfortable with doing all of the following independently: Navigating all airports. Going through the check-in and boarding processes.

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You can usually board a flight with a federal or state-issued ID. However, if the photo ID is your expired passport, you can still bring it along. But you will need to back up your identity with other documents, leaving you at the mercy of the TSA.

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An infant is considered fit to fly if: You can produce a passenger medical form, also known as a medical release for travel, signed by a physician stating that the baby is healthy enough to fly. You have a copy of the baby's birth certificate as proof of age.

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The American Citizen Services Section wants to remind all U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport. While dual citizens may be able to travel abroad with alternative documentation, all U.S. citizens are required to present a U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.

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