Key Takeaways
• Minors under 18 do not need a REAL ID or any identification for domestic U.S. flights, even after May 7, 2025.
• REAL ID becomes mandatory for adults on domestic flights starting May 7, 2025; adults must show compliant identification.
• Optional documents like birth certificates for minors can help with airline questions but aren’t required by TSA for domestic travel.
The following FAQ addresses common questions and concerns about the REAL ID requirement for travel in the United States 🇺🇸, especially focusing on minors under 18 and what families need to know before the May 7, 2025, deadline. This guide aims to provide clear, accurate information by directly referencing details from federal agencies, state departments, and trusted resources.
Most Popular Questions
- Do minors under 18 years old need a REAL ID to fly within the United States?
- When will the REAL ID requirement start for domestic flights?
- What does the REAL ID Act mean for adult travelers?
- What forms of identification are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration?
- Are there any situations where airlines or TSA might ask minors for identification?
- How does this rule affect families traveling together?
- Is there anything else minors should bring when flying, even if a REAL ID is not required?
- What are the REAL ID features, and how do I know if my ID is compliant?
- Why was the REAL ID Act created in the first place?
- Where can travelers find more information or official guidance?
Introduction
This FAQ provides straightforward answers to key questions about the REAL ID requirement for domestic air travel in the United States 🇺🇸, with a strong focus on how it affects minors under 18. The answers are based on official statements from the Transportation Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and state agencies. This guide will help you prepare your family for the new rules taking effect on May 7, 2025.
1. Do minors under 18 years old need a REAL ID to fly within the United States 🇺🇸?
No, minors under the age of 18 are not required to show a REAL ID or any other form of identification when flying on domestic flights within the United States 🇺🇸. This is stated clearly by the Transportation Security Administration: “Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States.” This rule holds true for travel with airlines and through all federal checkpoints, as confirmed by state DMVs such as California.
Key points:
– No REAL ID or any form of identification required for minors under 18 on domestic flights.
– Applies to all U.S. airports and airlines.
– This exemption is expected to remain stable even after the REAL ID deadline.
Example: If your 12-year-old child is flying with you inside the United States 🇺🇸, they do not need to bring a REAL ID or a passport.
2. When will the REAL ID requirement start for domestic flights?
The REAL ID requirement for domestic air travel starts on May 7, 2025. From this date, adults age 18 and older must show a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another accepted form of identification to board domestic flights within the United States 🇺🇸.
Note: The deadline has changed several times in the past, but agencies now stress that the new date is final.
For up-to-date information and official deadlines, check the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page.
3. What does the REAL ID Act mean for adult travelers?
All adults age 18 or older will need to show identification that meets REAL ID requirements beginning May 7, 2025, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. This ID is usually a state-issued driver’s license or identification card marked with a star on the upper part of the card. Other forms of federally accepted ID, like a U.S. passport, military ID, or permanent resident card, are also accepted at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
Consequences for not having REAL ID after the deadline:
– Adults without a REAL ID or other accepted identification may not be allowed to board their domestic flight.
– Entry to federal buildings may also be denied without proper identification.
If you are flying with minors under 18, they still do not need a REAL ID, even after the new rules take effect.
4. What forms of identification does the Transportation Security Administration accept?
According to the Transportation Security Administration, accepted IDs for adult travelers include:
– REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state IDs (identified by a star marking)
– U.S. passport or passport card
– Permanent resident card (“green card”)
– U.S. military ID
– DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
For a complete and current list, visit the Transportation Security Administration’s official list of accepted IDs.
Tip: Even though minors do not need identification for domestic flights, all adults in the travel party must meet these requirements.
5. Are there situations where airlines or TSA might ask minors for identification?
For domestic flights only, the general rule is that minors under 18 are not required to show identification when flying with an adult. Airlines accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the child. However, in rare cases—such as ticketing problems or to verify age for lap infants—airline staff may ask for proof of age, like a birth certificate for very young children.
Important: Rules may differ for international flights. For travel outside the United States 🇺🇸, all passengers, no matter their age, must have a valid passport or approved travel document.
6. How does this rule affect families traveling together?
The exemption for minors under 18 means families can travel more easily, as there is no need to worry about getting a REAL ID or special documentation for their children for U.S. domestic flights. Only the accompanying adults are responsible for having the correct identification at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
What families should remember:
– Adults must have REAL ID-compliant identification or another accepted document.
– Minors under 18 need no identification for the Transportation Security Administration at U.S. airports.
– For international trips, everyone, including infants and children, needs a passport.
Example Scenario: A family of four—two parents and two children (ages 9 and 15)—flying from Dallas to Chicago after May 7, 2025. The parents show their REAL ID driver’s licenses at security. The children are not asked for IDs by Transportation Security Administration, though the parents keep copies of the children’s birth certificates just in case the airline staff asks for proof of age when checking bags.
7. Is there anything else minors should bring when flying, even if a REAL ID is not required?
While minors under 18 are not required to show ID for domestic flights, parents or guardians may choose to carry supporting documents, such as:
– A copy of the child’s birth certificate (to show proof of age if requested by airline staff)
– School ID (older children, though rarely required)
– Health insurance card (for emergencies)
These are optional and not required by the Transportation Security Administration.
Carrying simple proof of age for young children can help smooth out any rare questions from airline staff but is not a legal or security requirement.
8. What are the REAL ID features, and how do I know if my ID is compliant?
A REAL ID-compliant license or ID card will typically have a star symbol in the top portion of the card. This marking can look a little different from state to state, such as a gold or black star. If you do not see a star on your ID, check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm if you have a REAL ID or if you need to upgrade.
Ways to check if your ID is REAL ID compliant:
– Look for a star on the front of the card.
– Visit your state’s DMV REAL ID information page. For example, Oregon’s is at Oregon DMV REAL ID.
– Contact your local DMV or licensing office if unsure.
Reminder: Other accepted IDs, like a passport, do not need a star.
9. Why was the REAL ID Act created in the first place?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 after the 9/11 attacks, based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. Its goal is to make it harder for people to use fake IDs and to increase airport and federal building security across the United States 🇺🇸. The law sets minimum standards for the documents needed to get a state-issued driver’s license or ID. Only IDs meeting these standards will be accepted by federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration.
Main reasons:
– Prevent use of fraudulent IDs at airports and government buildings
– Improve the security of state-issued IDs
– Create a uniform standard for all U.S. states and territories
10. Where can travelers find more information or official guidance?
Always check official sources for the most reliable and updated information. These include:
- The Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page
- Transportation Security Administration REAL ID info
- Your airline’s travel policy section
- State DMV websites (for details on getting a REAL ID and required documents)
- For specific questions, contact your state DMV or the Transportation Security Administration directly
VisaVerge.com also provides updates and clear advice on domestic air travel, REAL ID, and family travel requirements. As reported by VisaVerge.com, families traveling domestically with children under 18 can continue to do so without worrying about extra paperwork or special IDs for their minors as long as they comply with adult requirements.
Common Misconceptions
- Myth: “All passengers, including children, will need a REAL ID to fly.”
- Fact: Only adults age 18 and older need a REAL ID or other accepted identification for domestic flights. Minors under 18 are exempt.
- Myth: “A passport is required for all domestic flights for children.”
- Fact: U.S. passports are not required for domestic flights, and minors under 18 do not need to show any ID at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints for these flights.
- Myth: “REAL ID is needed for bus, train, or car travel.”
- Fact: The REAL ID requirement only applies to air travel and entry into some federal facilities—not for travel by train, bus, or private vehicle.
Summary and Next Steps
- Minors under 18 do not need a REAL ID or any identification to fly domestically in the United States 🇺🇸. This rule is set by the Transportation Security Administration and applies even after May 7, 2025.
- Adults traveling with minors must have REAL ID-compliant identification or another accepted form of ID starting on the deadline.
- Optional: Carrying documents like a birth certificate for a child is not required but may help with airline questions.
- For questions or more guidance, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s official REAL ID page, reach out to your state DMV, or talk to your airline.
For further help on preparing your family’s travel documents or understanding specific requirements, consult official sites or travel with confidence knowing these simple rules. The most important step for families: adults should check that their ID is compliant before May 7, 2025, while minors remain exempt from the new rules.
If you need ongoing updates on REAL ID and other travel requirements, VisaVerge.com offers easy-to-follow advice and news to help travelers stay prepared.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally recognized form of identification for U.S. domestic flights and federal facilities, marked by a star on state-issued cards.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) → U.S. federal agency responsible for airport security, including enforcing ID and screening rules at checkpoints.
Domestic Flights → Air travel flights that operate only within the boundaries of the United States.
Birth Certificate → An official document used to prove age and parentage, sometimes requested for younger travelers by airlines.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. federal department overseeing REAL ID compliance and setting national travel security standards.
This Article in a Nutshell
Worried about the new REAL ID rules? Don’t be—minors under 18 won’t need a REAL ID or ID at all to fly domestically. Adults, however, must have a compliant REAL ID starting May 7, 2025. Carry optional documents for children just in case, and always check the latest guidelines before flying.
— By VisaVerge.com
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