As if traveling with kids wasn't already tricky enough, now parents are left wondering whether or not they need a passport for their little ones when taking domestic flights. In this article, we will dive into the world of travel documentation and answer the burning question on every parent's mind.
Do Kids Need a Passport to Fly Domestically?
The short answer is no, children under 18 years old do not need a passport to fly domestically within the United States. However, that doesn't mean they can hop onto an airplane without any form of identification.
Identity Verification
For safety reasons and identity verification purposes, airlines require all passengers over the age of two to provide some type of valid ID before boarding their flight. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- A state-issued driver's license
- A state-issued ID card
- A military ID
- A TSA-approved government photo ID
Note: Some states have specific laws regarding child identification requirements which may differ from federal regulations. It is always best to check with your airline ahead of time to ensure proper documentation.
Birth Certificate
If your child does not have any form of picture identification, then you'll be happy to know that standard practice is allowing birth certificates as proof-of-age and identity when checking-in at airports.
Exceptions Apply
However, there are exceptions depending on your destination point such as Guam Puerto Rico where additional documents can be required in case if unspecified number requiring it. But if you're traveling outside these locations do yourself and everyone else around you who wants minimal delay by checking what alternative documents might also qualify as legitimate identifications for their target regions.
International Flights
While passports aren't necessary for domestic travel requirements but don’t let that fool you — international flights carry stricter requirements when it comes to showing proof-of-age and identity! So while toddlers won’t need the additional paperwork for a flight from Augusta to Eau Claire, they will definitely need it if departure point of the plane is Austin and arrival point is Cancun.
Passport Application
If your child still needs a passport to travel internationally then good news: the U.S Department of State has made applying convenient as possible in 2022! Parents can either apply or renew their child's passport easily online. Remember that kid’s passports are only valid for five years from issuance date.
One thing to note when applying for your little one's new document here is that both parents must be present, have official identifications themselves (as mentioned above), and consent-across-the-board.
Child Custody Agreements / Court Orders
Another important aspect you should make sure you double-check before heading out on any vacation or trip with minors involved is whether there exists any legal custody agreement or court order related agreements surrounding the children involved.
Tip: Always carry around an actual physical copy of necessary documents authenticated by authorities just to avoid unforeseen illegal complications while traveling domestic flights
Permission Letter
General Practice prescribes carrying an additional letter since whoever accompanying minors onto domestic flights may face questioning into why they might be taking unaccompanied children on board planes other than theirs... This permission letter should help clear up any misconceptions residency-wise etc., beforehand.
Conclusion
So there we have it, folks – kids don't require passports when boarding domestic flights but proper identification documentation remains mandatory which could vary according states laws. If, however,you’re planning international travel plan accordingly concerning broader regulations regarding passports than can affect even younger travelers' ability entering particular regions so prior research extremely helpful!
At the risk of sounding cliché: Better safe than sorry – consider printing all relevant identifiers/documentation out in physical form before beginning journeys with minors especially given how live-intervention rules during pandemic leaving surprise policies adding liable legal issues mistakenly dooming simple plans at times so best to be prudent travelers.