Id's for Kids When Traveling

If you are flying international(Mexico, Canada, Bahamas, etc.) they need a passport. For domestic travel carry a copy of their birth certificate.

Unless you're traveling overseas the *technical* answer is no. BUT... if there's an amber alert they CAN require that all adults traveling with children furnish a govt ID &/OR a birth certificate as well.

I've never run into it. But my friends are cursed. The fly at least 10 times a year, and EVERY SINGLE TIME there's an amber alert at some point in their travels. (I know it doesn't work this way, but I sometimes joke with the mum that the way to stop child abduction is for THEM to stop traveling).

In addition to passports & BCs... I also am a huge fan of sharpies. I write my phone number in sharpie on my son's arm when we're both traveling or somewhere crowded. I've periodically debated writing "my parents will pay my ransom" on his chest ;) but never actually have. It's not useful for planes if you have connecting flights, but at places like baseball games, I also write down out section, aisle, and seat number on his arm.

i don't know if id's are required but i ahve done when we go to the fairs and such is laminate a card that can go in their shoe with my name and cell phone # on it. we also did this when we went to disney just in case the kids got separated from us!

No, I've been travelling with my daughters who are both under 10. Despite carrying their passports with me, I've never been asked for id for either of them.

It is amazing how little you need for your children to travel, with you or another adult!

My daughter is now 9 and we frequently fly to visit family. She has just recently begun to be asked her name by security as we approach the x-ray machines. She has a nickname that she is always called and I have had to remind her to use her "long name" when asked.

My parents flew with her two years ago and my mother was very anxious since her last name is different from theirs. I had a notarized letter stating that my parents had both my husband and my permission to fly with our daughter as well as her birth certificate (which lists our names as her parents). The airline and security asked for NOTHING! They allowed her grandparents and her to travel with no questions asked which honestly was a bit scary.
So, there is the long and short of it. If your children are old enough to talk, have them prepared to state their name when asked (first and last) and that is the most that will be probably be asked. Good luck!

I would call the airline. You may have to bring a copy of their birth certificate. I like Kellie B's suggestion. I think I am going to start that.

If they are under 18. they do not need an ID if travelling with you. We travel all the time!

I flew to UT out of BWI a couple of months ago and they didn't ask for any IDs except my own. Going through the security they looked my 5-year-old straight in the eyes and asked if she was so and so. They asked my 2-year-old and he kind of nodded. So, I don't think any ID other than your own is required. I brought their SS cards and birth certificates just in case.

You can go to a place like the picture people in the mall and they make id's for kids in case they are lost or something. I know the one I went to in GA did ID cards for free. The only thing required is for outside the USA travel. Then you need a passport.

Hello N.,

besides traveling overseas and needing a passport, I never got a request for ID. On that note, I made my on ID on the computer for the kids. I put their picture, my cell phone, my parents cellphone, cell phone/phone contact for where we're going and also the number of a friend back home.
here is where you can see a sample
http://www.kidstravelcard.com/

good luck and have fun!

You may not need one, but I think if you are traveling it is better to be safe and have some type of ID. I have always had their birth certificates with me.

I've been regularly traveling with my daughter since she was 8 weeks old--she is now three. I have never once been asked for any sort of identification for her. However, I do always carry a little wallet with her Social Security Card, a certified copy of her birth certificate, insurance information, primary doctor information, etc. It is something that needs to be kept safe, but has all the information someone would need if something happened to me.

I just checked the TSA website...it says that any passenger 18 years or older must present a valid picture ID. If your boys are teenagers, it would probably be a good idea to take them to the DMV for a state ID card.

I just read Kellie's response: another version of this is to write your name and phone number somewhere on your kid's body with Sharpie marker...preferably someplace visible. A young child may be too frightened to give the information.

If you're flying with an infant/child under 2 who will be sitting on your lap, you will need to bring proof of age to show the ticket agent, but the child's immunization record book which has their age written on it is sufficient. If your children are older, it would be a good idea to get them a state ID card. Good luck!