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.
What to do
✅ Do
- •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.
🚫 Don't
- •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.
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.
For international flights, every child—even six-month-olds—must have their own passport regardless of age. Several embassies also require a signed consent letter when only one parent is travelling.
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?+
Related guides
Related rules
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.
Baby food
Exempt from 100ml rule when traveling with an infant. Must be presented for screening separately.
Domestic ID
Carry one government-issued photo ID. Digital IDs in DigiLocker or mAadhaar are accepted.
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.