Photo ID for Minors?

Travel Q&A

You can submit your own question to us at askgeorge@airfarewatchdog.com. We will try to answer as many as possible. If we use your question in a future newsletter, we will send you a free Airfarewatchdog T-shirt. We do not print your name or other details in our newsletters.

To post a comment to one of our Q&A's please click on "read more" and then "post a comment."

Current posts

Q. I will be traveling with my 12 year old granddaughter this summer. She does not have a photo ID. Will passing through security without an ID be a problem for her? Do we need a state issued photo ID before taking this trip?

A. The TSA does not require ID for travelers under 18 years of age. Some airlines, however, do ask for ID as proof of age, so be sure to check with your airline. And of course, if you'll be traveling internationally, she'll need a passport.

Post a Comment

Speaking from experience, I strongly suggest that you get a notarized letter from your granddaughter's parents saying that she is authorized to travel with you and that you have temporary guardianship during your travels. I have traveled numerous times with my underage nieces and nephews, and each time that letter came in very handy and made passing through security/customs go smoothly. In prior travels with that letter, we were detained temporarily each time.

In addition, when a child is traveling with one parent, it is helpful that the other parent provide a letter. This was the case when my sister, her 13-yr-old son, and I traveled together, because my nephew was questioned if he was traveling with his mother of his own free will and if his father knew about it (yes my sister and brother-in-law are very happily married). I guess this is the way of the world now, and it's a good thing to cover all the bases.

by MJ on Tuesday, April 07, 2009

My 11 yo daughter and my wife (her step-mom) just visited me in DC and she used her school ID and she used her school ID for Southwest and TSA.

by rock1961 on Tuesday, April 07, 2009

This isn't necessary for clearance at the airport, but I would suggest you also carry an authorization from your granddaughter's parent(s) that she is authorized to travel with you and that you can seek medical treatment for her and make other legal decisions as necessary while traveling.

by SandyBee on Monday, April 06, 2009

Popular Destinations

Popular Routes

Photo ID for Minors?

Travel Q&A