Required Documents: Unlocking The Travel Id Mystery

When travelling, the documents you need to bring with you will depend on where you are going and your age. If you are travelling internationally, you will need a valid passport or passport card. If you are travelling domestically, you will need a driver's license or another form of government ID with your photo on it. If you are travelling with children, the requirements vary depending on their age and whether you are travelling internationally or domestically. In most cases, children under the age of 18 do not need an ID to fly domestically as long as they are accompanied by an adult. However, they will need a passport for international travel.

Domestic and international travel ID requirements

Domestic Travel ID Requirements:

As of May 7, 2025, all domestic travelers in the United States aged 18 and above will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board commercial flights. This means that a traditional driver's license or state ID will not be sufficient for air travel within the US. REAL ID-compliant cards are usually marked with a star in the upper portion of the card, but the style of the star may vary by state. It is recommended to check with your state's department of motor vehicles to determine if your license is compliant.

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. Some states may have additional requirements, so it is advisable to check with your state's driver's licensing agency before visiting them in person.

It is important to note that REAL ID cards cannot be used for international travel, including border crossings into Canada or Mexico. For international travel, individuals will need a passport or other accepted form of identification.

International Travel ID Requirements:

When travelling internationally, a passport is typically required. However, some countries may have specific requirements or accept alternative forms of identification. It is important to check the entry requirements for your destination country before travelling. Additionally, some countries may require a visa or other travel authorization, which can usually be obtained from the country's embassy or consulate.

In summary, for domestic travel within the United States, individuals will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport. For international travel, a passport is typically required, but it is important to check the specific requirements of your destination country.

Documents needed for a Real ID

As of May 7, 2025, all US state and territory residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board a commercial aircraft. This is in addition to the existing requirement for adult passengers (18 and older) to show valid identification at the airport.

To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out the exact documentation required. However, at a minimum, you must provide documentation showing:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
• Lawful Status

States may impose additional requirements, so it is important to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific guidance and requirements before visiting them in person.

It is worth noting that REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada or Mexico or for international travel, including international sea cruise travel. For international travel, a passport is required.

Documents needed for a passport

To apply for a passport, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A completed Form DS-11. This can be filled out online and printed, or filled out by hand.
• Original proof of citizenship. This can be a U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a full validity, undamaged U.S. passport.
• A photocopy of your citizenship document.
• An acceptable photo ID. This can be a valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or card, a fully valid in-state driver's license or enhanced driver's license with a photo, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, a government employee ID, a U.S. military or military dependent ID, a current (valid) foreign passport, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), a Trusted Traveler ID, an enhanced Tribal Card, or a Native American tribal photo ID.
• A photocopy of your photo ID.

If your photo ID is from a different state than the one in which you are applying, you will need to bring a second photo ID.

You will also need to provide a photo that meets the following requirements:

• Printed on glossy or matte photo-quality paper
• One photo only
• Do not attach or staple your photo to the form

Please note that there may be additional documentation requirements if you are applying for a child.

Documents needed for children to travel

For children travelling on domestic flights, the requirements for identification are less stringent than for international flights. The TSA does not require children under the age of 18 to show ID when travelling with an adult companion within the United States. However, some airlines may request a copy of the child's birth certificate as proof of age and as identification. This is especially important if the child will be travelling alone or with a companion with a different surname. In this case, a signed and notarized consent letter from the child's parent or parents is also recommended. This should include the child's name, the companion's name, the dates of travel, the destination, the parents' names and contact information, and a statement of permission from the parents.

For international flights, the requirements are more stringent. All children, regardless of age, require a passport. If the child is travelling with only one parent, a notarized consent form signed by both parents, along with a copy of the non-travelling parent's passport or valid identification, is necessary. If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse's death certificate. If the parent has sole custody, they may be required to present a copy of the custody agreement signed by both parents. If the child is travelling alone, they may also be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents.

Additional documents for international travel

When travelling internationally, you will need a passport. If you don't have one, apply for it in advance so that your application can be processed in time. Check the expiry date; it shouldn't expire in the next 6 months or until you come back. It's also preferable to carry a copy of your passport.

Another important requirement is a visa. This is a stamp on your passport which provides permission to enter another country. Some countries provide visas on arrival, but for others, you need to apply in advance. Check the visa conditions and, if you cannot obtain a visa on arrival, apply for a tourist visa in advance as the process might take some time.

You might require identification documents while travelling or during check-in at your hotel. Therefore, it is best to carry your original documents, as well as a copy of your identification documents.

Air tickets and proof of accommodation bookings are crucial documents without which you might not be able to continue your trip. Also, it is advisable to have a soft copy of these documents. While travelling to certain countries, proof of accommodation might even be required at the immigration counter.

It is important to have your travel itinerary details handy. It takes a lot of time and effort to plan your itinerary, and generally, you make your bookings for accommodation, events, adventure activities, etc., according to it. Therefore, to have an organized trip and visit maximum places in your destination country, it is important to have your itinerary handy. So, again, don’t forget to have a soft copy of the same!

If there are exciting events or adventurous activities happening in your destination country/state during your trip, for which you make the booking in advance, don't forget to have the related details handy.

If you are travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might have to carry a few additional documents, like a COVID-19 report, vaccination certificate, etc. This requirement might vary across different countries and carrier companies. Therefore, you should enquire and check the documents required before a couple of days.

One of the important things to carry is a considerable amount of local currency of your destination country. This way, you might be able to save time on getting it exchanged and avoid conversion charges.

Travel insurance is an important document to carry while travelling to foreign nations, as it might get difficult to handle uncertainties during your international trip. These adversities might even bring your trip to an abrupt standstill. Therefore, it is in your best interest to purchase a travel policy well in advance.

Frequently asked questions