Children under the age of 18 traveling with an adult are not required to show ID at time of check-in. If you don't present an acceptable ID you may be subject to additional screening.
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Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
TSA agents may ask a child how old he or she is. Those 18 and older need a government-issued ID just like everyone else -- and a student ID with a photo won't do. I recently was caught off guard when I was flying with a high school senior to Northern California to check out a college that had accepted her.
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requests written consent from both parents or the parent who is not accompanying the minor for minors (those less than 18 years of age) traveling to the U.S. alone or accompanied by only one parent. This written consent must be in English.
Child age at the time of unaccompanied travelChildren ages 15-17 are permitted to travel as a standard passenger, Go to footer note, provided they can present a valid ID to security personnel. If parents or guardians prefer, they can also travel as an unaccompanied minor.
Yes, TSA is able to verify your identity without an ID if you are flying domestically. They may ask you additional questions and request additional forms of identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, to confirm your identity.
The U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card are both accepted as ID for domestic flights. You may not have heard about the U.S. passport card before. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel, but it is still a great ID to have in your wallet.
TSA will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025.
You do need your parents' consent. Your friend could get in big trouble taking you someplace without the knowledge and agreement of your parents. And they should put it in writing including giving him or her permission to seek emergency medical treatment for you while traveling.
Unaccompanied minors can travel on both domestic and international flights, as long as it is nonstop on United or United Express. Young adults ages 15 to 17 can travel alone on any United or United Express flight, or they can choose to opt into the unaccompanied minor service.
Passengers over the age of 16 may travel without an adult. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. the best seats and in-flight amenities.
All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children. If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.
Child age at the time of unaccompanied travelChildren ages 15-17 are permitted to travel as a standard passenger, Go to footer note, provided they can present a valid ID to security personnel. If parents or guardians prefer, they can also travel as an unaccompanied minor.
Generally, no ID is needed: Babies and kids (or, those under the age of 18) do not need to present any identification for domestic travel within the United States (or its territories, like Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands).
The officer will insert each photo ID into the CAT unit where the ID is scanned and analyzed. CAT is linked electronically to the Secure Flight database, which confirms travelers' flight details, ensuring they are ticketed for travel that day.