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Do kids need identification to fly on U.S. domestic flights? If you've recently traveled with your kids under age 18 on a U.S. domestic flight, chances are you know that they don't need to present any identification at the TSA security check point or at the gate before boarding the flight. But what about if they travel alone, unaccompanied?
This is quite relevant for us and for some of our clients as we head into the summer, with teens who are still minors, but who will be flying to and from summer programs alone. Don't forget as well to ensure that, if your teen plans to use a driver's license as ID, that it's a permitted ID, since the TSA has required REAL IDs since May 7, 2025.
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Unaccompanied Minor Services
If you're paying for unaccompanied minor service, which may be required by the airline depending on the age of your child, then, for example in the case of Delta, the airline may require the parent or guardian (with valid ID) to check the child in and accompany the child to the departure gate and remain until the plane had taken off. The child does not have to have an ID, however.
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Teen Traveling Alone Without Unaccompanied Minor Services
A minor under age 18 is not required to carry an ID to go through standard security (but see more on TSA PreCheck below). But note that some airlines, such as Delta, state that teens that are not using the unaccompanied minor service must travel with ID. Delta's site states: “Children ages 15-17 are permitted to travel as a standard passenger, provided they can present a valid ID to security personnel.” The ID link indicates that it should be a government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport. This Reddit comment indicated that a 16-year-old was able to show his school ID instead, but we'd recommend carrying a driver's license or passport to avoid any potential issues.
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Unaccompanied Minor Using TSA PreCheck: ID Required
While your kids who have TSA PreCheck don't need to show an ID when going through TSA PreCheck with you on a U.S. domestic flight, as of June 7, 2025, they do need to show ID when using TSA PreCheck alone. VFTW received this clarification from the TSA:
“Everyone who receives expedited unaccompanied screening through a Trusted Traveler Program must have their identity verified…Since all unaccompanied minors with TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass must have enrolled in either the TSA PreCheck Application Program or one of DHS’ Trusted Traveler Programs with an identity document, they need to bring that proof document to the airport with them when they fly.”
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