<p>I need some help here regarding what kind of ID is acceptable for a 16 years old student to fly alone. I have a friend whose son will be going to a summer program out of state and wonder if his school’s ID card is acceptable to TSA. Thank you in advance.</p>
<p>Does he have a passport? That might be your easiest and best bet.</p>
<p>For people under 18, it depends on the airline.</p>
<p>Fwiw, at 16, if he doesn’t have a license, then getting a state ID would be a good idea anyway.</p>
<p>Government issued ID: DL, State ID, or Military ID.</p>
<p>Since he is flying within the U.S. all he will need is a state ID or a Drivers License. TSA will not accept a student ID.</p>
<p>He does not have a passport and the only ID that he has now is the school’s ID. I wonder if he needs to go to the local DMV and apply for an ID so he can fly alone.</p>
<p>Honestly, you need to ask the airline. The TSA only has requirements for those over 18. Under 18 is up to the airline. [Acceptable</a> IDs | Transportation Security Administration](<a href=“http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids]Acceptable”>Identification | Transportation Security Administration) There is nothing about minors.</p>
<p>My kids flew by themselves multiple times with NO ID before they were 16. After 18 I think you need to have ID, (which can be a problem if you Have a forgetful college student flying back and forth).</p>
<p>Yes, the TSA does not require any IDs for those under 18.</p>
<p>Our D frequently flew alone under 18 without ID. Made us nervous. I think it’s best if your kiddo gets a state ID. They’re pretty inexpensive. Could ask DMV if they get photo learner’s permits. Our state issued them and they worked well for our kids for ID through college until they got their driver’s licenses.</p>
<p>My under-18 son has flown all over the country without ID (other than student ID - which was never requested and never presented). He’s had no problem at all. ID is simply not required to travelers under the age of 18. Of all the things I worry about, that was never one of them!</p>
<p>A security guard at a smaller California airport insisted my 17 yo show him her ID. This was after we had passed security and were in line to board the plane. I told him she was my D and under 18, but he was insistent, so she showed her DL. I was not pleased because I wondered what would have happened had she not had her ID on her.</p>
<p>Our kids have always had what’s called a walker ID, an ID issued from the DMV (they needed them for sports). They kept them until they had their learners permits.</p>
<p>A 16 yr old doesn’t need anything to fly alone, but it would be a good idea for him to have a state issued ID if he doesn’t have a DL. Inexpensive and only takes a week or two to get (depending on your state).</p>
<p>I my state, the DMV issues photo ID’s on the spot, provided the proper paperwork (e.g., birth certificate) is presented, Well, on the spot after a long wait in line…</p>
<p>Op-what state is your friend’s kid a resident of?
If CA then:[Applying</a> for a New California DMV Identification Card at DMV.org: The DMV Made Simple](<a href=“http://www.dmv.org/ca-california/id-cards.php]Applying”>Apply for a New California Identification Card | DMV.ORG)
I vote for getting a passport, useful and handy to have.
I say he get some sort of govt ID to ease his travel thru the airport.</p>
<p>Our County used to issue photo I.D. cards with date of birth etc. which was very convenient for kids traveling alone. However due to heightened security requirements they have discontinued.</p>
<p>DMV offices will also issue non-driver I.D. cards if you bring your child as well as all of their verification documents.(birth certificate, SS card, school report card, bank statement etc)</p>
<p>It’s done on the spot.</p>
<p>He is a resident of CA. Looks like the DMV ID might be the way to go. I wonder how can the TSA tell whether you are under 18 for those that are very close to that age. Thank you all for the good information.</p>
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<p>Typical documents:</p>
<p>Passport.</p>
<p>Driver’s license.</p>
<p>State issued photo ID (typically issued by state driver’s licence departments for those who want the ID functionality of a driver’s license but don’t drive).</p>
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<p>But how do they know if the late teenage looking person is really 17 or 18?</p>