Do Kids Need ID to Fly in India?
Infants under 2 need birth certificate copies; children 2-12 need school ID, Aadhaar, or passport. Teenagers should carry government photo ID.
Every child flying out of or within India needs age-proof plus a photo ID that matches the ticket name. Babies can use a birth certificate, school-going kids can show Aadhaar or student ID, and teens should carry the same government photo IDs as adults.
Key highlights
- Infants (0–2): Birth certificate, hospital discharge summary, or vaccination booklet with date of birth.
- Children (2–12): School ID, Aadhaar, or passport with recent photo.
- Teens (13–17): Aadhaar, passport, PAN, or driving learner’s licence where applicable.
CISF guards are trained to verify a minor’s age before letting them into the terminal. They look for proof that the baby really qualifies for lap-seat travel or that the 11-year-old booked the correct fare. Without a document, you may have to step aside until another family member brings one.
For international flights, every child—even six-month-olds—must have their own passport. Several embassies also ask for a letter of consent when only one parent is travelling. Prepare those papers ahead of time so you are not printing forms frantically at the airport.
Use a simple folder labelled ‘Kids Travel Pack’ with plastic sleeves for certificates, vaccination cards, and consent letters. Handing over a neat bundle reassures officers and speeds up the queue for families behind you.
When allowed vs. when not
✅ When it's allowed
- •Pack originals and copies in separate sleeves so spills or misplaced bags do not ruin everything.
- •Explain the process to older kids so they confidently answer security questions.
- •Attach ID-sized photos of the child to the consent letter to avoid doubt.
🚫 Exceptions / conditions
- •Don’t rely on digital photos stored in your gallery; CISF expects physical or DigiLocker IDs.
- •Avoid last-minute bookings without adding the child’s full name exactly as on the ID.
- •Do not send a minor alone without reading the airline’s unaccompanied minor rules—each carrier has different age cut-offs.
If travelling with one parent/guardian
- ✔Consent letter signed by the non-travelling parent + their ID copy.
- ✔Court order or notarised affidavit if you have sole custody.
- ✔Emergency contacts of relatives at destination for airline forms.
Common kid-travel scenarios
| Scenario | Accepted ID | Extra steps |
|---|---|---|
| Infant on lap | Birth certificate copy | Note infant name + age on PNR |
| School trip | School ID + consent letter | Teacher carries group manifest |
| UMNR (solo minor) | Passport/Aadhaar | Submit airline UMNR form + guardian contact |
Frequently asked questions
Is a photo of the birth certificate acceptable?+
What if the child recently cut their hair and looks different?+
Do NRIs need to show OCI cards?+
Travel tips
- ✈️Keep snacks and colouring sheets handy; a calm child makes ID checks faster.
- ✈️Use matching luggage tags for the family so kids can spot their bags quickly.
- ✈️Snap a group photo at the airport entrance—helpful if someone wanders off and CISF asks for clothing description.
Related guides
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.