Airline Travel: Required Id Documents

Traveling by air often requires passengers to show identification. The type of identification needed varies depending on the country and the airline. In the United States, the deadline for passengers to have a federally-required Real ID to fly is May 7, 2025. After this date, commercial airline passengers ages 18 and older will be required to show identification that complies with the Real ID Act to clear Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at all U.S. airports.

REAL ID requirements for US air travel

From May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that if you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver's license to fly within the US, it must be REAL ID-compliant. REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star in the top right corner, though the design varies from state to state. For example, California has a gold bear surrounding a white star, while other states have a gold circle with a white star.

To obtain a REAL ID, you will need to provide documentation showing your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address, and lawful status. In some states, you will need to visit your state's DMV in person to complete the process, while other states may have different requirements. For example, in Missouri, you will need to provide proof of your social security number, one identity document, one lawful status document, and two proofs of residency. It is recommended that you check the requirements for your specific state.

If you do not have a REAL ID, you can use other forms of identification to fly within the US, such as a passport, a DHS-trusted traveler card, a US Department of Defense ID, or a permanent resident card. However, it is important to note that these forms of identification may not be accepted for entry into certain federal facilities.

It is also important to note that the REAL ID requirement only applies to adults over the age of 18. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the US, although individual airlines may have their own ID requirements for minors.

Foreign passports

When travelling by air, it is important to carry a valid form of identification. For foreign passports, here are some key considerations:

Firstly, ensure your passport is valid and not expired. The validity period typically ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on your age and country of issue. It is important to renew your passport before it expires to avoid any travel disruptions. Some countries have specific requirements regarding the validity period of your passport. For example, certain countries in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, such as China, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates, require passports to have at least six months of validity remaining. On the other hand, countries like Hong Kong and Macau only mandate one month of validity. Additionally, some countries require a minimum of three months of validity, including several European nations in the Schengen Area, such as France, Germany, and Italy.

It is essential to check the specific requirements of your destination country, as rules can vary. The US Department of State's international travel data page is a valuable resource for researching these requirements. Furthermore, some airlines may have their own rules regarding passport validity, so it is worth verifying their policies as well.

In addition to validity, other factors come into play when using a foreign passport for air travel. For instance, some countries may require blank visa pages in your passport. This is because certain countries mandate two to four blank visa or stamp pages for entry. Therefore, it is crucial to review the entry requirements of your destination country and renew your passport if necessary.

Moreover, it is important to note that a foreign passport alone may not be sufficient for air travel. Depending on your destination and citizenship, you may need to obtain a visa or an electronic travel authorization. For example, if you are planning to travel to the United States under the visa waiver program, your passport must have an electronic chip.

Lastly, always carry your passport with you when travelling and keep it secure. It is a good idea to make a copy of your passport and store it separately from the original document as a backup. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your foreign passport meets the necessary requirements for air travel and facilitates a smooth journey.

State-issued IDs

Firstly, the ID must be a REAL ID, which is indicated by a star on the front of the card. This star can be gold or black and is usually located in the top right corner. This star signifies that the ID meets the security standards set by the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005. The Act was established to increase security and make identification documents more consistent. It is important to note that not all state-issued IDs are REAL IDs, and some may even state "Not for Real ID Act Purposes".

Secondly, the REAL ID deadline has been extended multiple times due to various roadblocks and the COVID-19 pandemic. The current deadline for having a REAL ID to fly domestically within the US is May 7, 2025. After this date, a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification will be required to board domestic flights.

Thirdly, the requirements to obtain a REAL ID vary slightly by state, but generally, individuals must provide proof of identity, proof of their Social Security number, and at least two proofs of residency documents. In some cases, proof of a name change may also be required. It is recommended to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific requirements and to make an appointment, as wait times can be long.

Finally, it is important to note that state-issued IDs are only valid for domestic travel within the US. For international travel, a passport or other approved form of identification is required. Additionally, state-issued IDs are not accepted as identification for entering certain federal facilities, such as military bases.

TSA identity verification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers (18 and older) to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States.

From May 7, 2025, all travellers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that a standard driver's license will no longer be enough for airport security checkpoints. A REAL ID-compliant identification card will need to list the person's full name, date of birth, gender, and principal residence. They will also need to include a digital front-facing photograph, an identification number, and the person's signature, as well as security features to prevent tampering or duplication. Compliant identification cards will need to include technology that makes the cards scannable.

REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star in the top corner of the identification card. If your driver's license or ID card has a star (and/or a flag) or says "Enhanced", then you are REAL ID-ready.

If you arrive at the airport without a valid identification document, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but will be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on property.

Children's ID requirements

When travelling with children, it is the responsibility of the accompanying adult to ensure that all the required travel documents are in order. This includes documents for entering, exiting, and transiting through each country on the itinerary. It is important to note that the required documents for outbound travel may differ from those required for the return journey. Therefore, it is recommended to verify the requirements for each country individually.

Travel Within Canada

Children under 18:

• One piece of government-issued identification is strongly recommended but not mandatory. This can include an original birth certificate, health card, passport, or non-government-issued ID (e.g. student card).
• If travelling as an unaccompanied minor, a photocopy of government-issued identification showing their name, gender, and date of birth must be presented.
• If the child appears to be under 12 years old and is travelling alone, they may be denied boarding if they cannot present proof of age.

Travel to, from, or through the United States

Children and infants:

• A valid passport is required.
• Additional documents that are strongly recommended but not required include:
• The child's birth certificate showing the names of both parents.
• Any legal documents pertaining to custody.
• A parental consent letter or affidavit authorizing travel. If the child is travelling with one parent, the letter must be signed and dated by the other parent. If travelling without parents, the letter must be signed by both parents.
• A death certificate if one of the parents is deceased.
• For children travelling as unaccompanied minors, some airlines, such as WestJet, do not offer this service for international destinations.

International Travel

Children and infants:

• A valid passport is required.
• The specific requirements for international travel can vary depending on the country of destination or transit. It is recommended to consult the nearest embassy or consulate of each country for detailed information.

In all cases, the name on the child's ID must match the name on the boarding pass. It is also important to note that the requirements mentioned above are general guidelines, and specific airlines may have their own policies and requirements for child travellers. Therefore, it is essential to check with the airline directly for their specific regulations.

Frequently asked questions