What identification does a teenager need to pass a TSA checkpoint?
My 16-year old is considering a non-stop cross-country flight by herself. She does not have a driver's license or an unexpired passport. She does have a school ID with a picture. Will that be sufficient to get her through the TSA checkpoint? Or do we need to panic and try to get an expedited passport or official state ID? I could accompany her to the checkpoint, and I do have ID. The airline is probably United, but we could consider a different one if that would make any difference.
(TSA means this question is for the United States.)
Best Answer
There is surprisingly little explicit information on this, but I do see anecdotal reports that teenagers traveling alone (old enough not to require special unaccompanied minor service) can go through TSA with just a boarding pass and stating that they are under 18. The one official source I found with an explicit statement is Frontier Airlines:
Minors traveling alone between the ages of 15-17 are not required to have identification. However, it is recommended to have one of the following:
- Driver's license
- Passport
- School ID
- Library card
- Birth certificate
- Social security card
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How does TSA know if you are a minor?
While TSA doesn't require identification for children under two, the airline will most likely ask to see proof of age before you board your flight. For this reason, it's important to carry identification, like a birth certificate, to show how old your child is.Does a 15 year old need an ID to fly in the US?
According to the TSA, only people older than 18 have to show valid identification. If they're traveling on domestic flights with a companion within the United States, kids under 18 don't have to provide ID to pass the security.What does a 14 year old need to travel within the US?
What kind of ID does a child need to fly? Children under the age of 18 do not need an ID to fly on domestic flights inside of the U.S. as long as they are traveling with an adult.What documents are required for a child to fly?
To prove your child's age to an airline, one of the following documents will suffice: Child's passport (how to get a U.S. passport for an infant and things to know about children's passports) Child's birth certificate. Child's immunization form or other medical records may also work domestically.15 Airport Security Tips to Get You Through Fast and Easy
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Answer 2
As others have stated, it's not required for someone of that age to have identification. However, if you're worried about it (especially if you're concerned about being profiled, etc), I'd recommend simply getting a state photo ID. If you have time, it may be worth getting a passport, as they last quite a long time and are a very valuable piece of identification.
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