ID Required for Domestic Flights in India
Carry one government-issued photo ID. Digital IDs in DigiLocker or mAadhaar are accepted.
Carry one original, government-issued photo ID for every passenger entering an Indian airport. CISF accepts Passport, Aadhaar, PAN, Driving Licence, Voter ID, Service IDs, and for students, a school or college card with a photo.
What to do
✅ Do
- •Keep IDs in an easy-access pouch before you join the queue.
- •Match middle names/initials during booking to reduce questions.
- •Carry a backup ID in case the primary one is damaged.
🚫 Don't
- •Don’t hand over a photo of an ID stored in WhatsApp—officers reject it.
- •Avoid using extremely worn-out cards; laminate or replace them in advance.
- •Never send your only ID in checked baggage; you need it during arrival checks too.
Key highlights
- Students: school/college ID for domestic flights.
- Senior citizens: same list as adults; carry medical cards if you need priority assistance.
- Foreign tourists: passport + visa / e-visa printout.
Digital IDs inside DigiLocker and mAadhaar are valid because they are authenticated copies pulled directly from government servers — gallery screenshots or old printouts are not accepted.
When CISF asks more questions
| Situation | What to show | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket name differs slightly | ID + name-correction email | Arrive early so supervisor can note it |
| Group ticket without printed copy | One phone displaying all PNRs | Zoom into each passenger’s name |
| Digital ID only | DigiLocker live document | Keep phone battery above 30% |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an e-ticket screenshot?+
What if I legally changed my name?+
Is a photocopy acceptable?+
Related guides
Related rules
Name mismatch
Minor spelling errors (1-2 characters) are usually accepted with supporting ID. Major differences require ticket correction before travel.
Aadhaar photo
Printed Aadhaar photocopies accepted if QR code is legible. Photos on phone accepted only via mAadhaar/DigiLocker, not gallery images.
Passport photocopy?
Photocopies are not accepted as primary ID. Carry the original passport even for domestic flights if you intend to use it as ID.
Kids ID rules
Infants under 2 need birth certificate copies; children 2-12 need school ID, Aadhaar, or passport. Teenagers should carry government photo ID.
Printed ticket?
A printed ticket is generally optional; keep your e-ticket or boarding pass available on your phone and carry the required ID.
Official references
DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 5 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.