Does a 17yrold need ID to fly?

Question

My friend is flying from Milwaukee to California soon, but before I book the flight, I'm not sure if she can go past security with no ID, she literally can't get one soon, we tried believe me. No School ID, no License, No Birth certificate, etc...

I've read the airline and TSA regulations, and none pin-point my answer. She is 17, but can travel as an adult right? but she really doesn't need an ID if shes 17 am I correct? please help =(

Answer 1

Since she's 17, she can travel without paying the unaccompanied minor fee - it's generally not required for persons over 15 years of age.

Legally, she's not required to show ID until she's 18; however, since she's traveling alone and she's very close to being 18...I'd suggest visiting or calling your local DMV to ask if there's a way to get an expedited ID.

And a side note: Book the ticket under HER name, not yours, even if you are paying for it. That way, if it turns out that she does get some ID, there will be no problems (they check to make sure the name on the ID matches the one on the ticket). Call the airline if you've already booked it under your name so it can be changed.

EDIT: Someone above me mentioned that whether photo ID is required or not is up to the airline - anything security-related is almost always solely at TSA's descretion, NOT the airlines'.

Answer 2

You need ID to travel if you are traveling alone in order to match the person to the ticket, so in this case, her age doesn't matter. Usually 16 and above need photo ID because below that you need an adult.

Answer 3

Not thaat I know of. She can always go to the DMV to get a personal ID which is what under aged users have. But a drivers license would be best.

Answer 4

if she can't fly, just drive.

Answer 5

If she is under 18 it is not required. They may do extra security on here when she goes thru but she is still going to be able to travel. After the age of 12 they are allowed to fly as an adult w/out the unaccompianed minor fee but will accept up till they turn 18. But again it is not required to have an ID under the age of 18. And please please make sure the ticket is under her name not yours!

Answer 6

yes you do. you need  to have 2 forms of id

Answer 7

An ID is needed.

Answer 8

she needs some form of government id. sorry.

Answer 9

Yes, she does need some form of ID.  Depends on the airline on whether it's photographic or not.

Also, the ticket needs to be in her name as it will be checked against the airline records and possibly her ID.  Although you paid for the ticket, you should have booked it in her name.

Answer 10

EVERYONE AND I MEAN EVERYONE needs an id..your friend can go to the dept of motor vehicles and get state id..call the dmv to find out what to bring,.,.depending on the airline is the cut off age for minors..my 13 year old flew from boston to denver alone, needed to be accompanied (Jet Blue) flew home on United and was old enough not to need help....but it will be a MAJOR headache if she has no id....plus, the name on the ticket HAS to match the name on the id....and that's absolute...