Do I need a photo ID for a 5 year old?

[pennypooh]

When I picked up my info. from our local travel agent she told me the back of my tickets state that my child (5 years old) must have a photo ID. It does say that all of us must have a photo ID but it neither exempts or specifically states that this applies to a 5 year old. I have searched the internet and again I find the statement that everyone must have a photo ID, but nothing is mentioned specifically about children.... We are flying domestically through a subsidiary of a major airline. Has anyone been asked for an ID for their child? We leave Jan. 15th and DS is recuperating from a tonsillectomy currently. Getting a picture ID at this time and in time will not be easy, but I don't want to get in a position where I need it and don't have it. Any ideas where to get one for a child? Any ideas who I can call to get a definite answer? Should my travel agent be doing this for me....????? (I have very limited experience using a travel agent but I'm really wondering if she shouldn't be able to give me a more definite answer on this--she told me the requirement, then told me she'd never heard of anyone needing it, then (when asked) told me maybe the state driver's license department could issue it--I'm checking on that but I suspect that process will not be fast enough...) Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[graygables]

I do not believe that a photo ID is necessary, however, it is smart. I took my DDs with their birth certificates and social security cards (along with my ID/SS card) to our license bureau and had state ID cards made for them when they were young (we are in the process of getting passports now). I grew up in the military and had dog tags, an ID card, and a passport my entire childhood and didn't realize that it was even a question! The airport security people LOVE it when DDs flash their IDs with their tickets and several have even said, "that makes my job easier!" I don't really think that's the case, but if it perks them up, so much the better for everyone, in my book.

In this day and age, I think it's very wise to have photo ID for children. My DDs wear theirs in a badge case backwards so no one can just randomly see their names when we travel. We also have dog tags they wear under their clothes from www.gotags.com (name, mom's cell, dad's cell) and bracelets from www.rekeydesigns.com with just DH and my cell numbers.

 

[BlakeNJ]

DS4 has never been asked for ID at the airport. They do occasionally ask his name and "Who is this?" as they point to either myself or my husband. My son does have a passport but I have never taken it to the airport if I am only flying in the US. I don't know what other identification a small child could obtain other than a passport. Birth certificate but they don't have a picture. Good luck.

 

[Caitsmama]

My dd (5) has been to WDW 3 yrs straight - never asked for a photo id. I do not believe there is any law requiring this.. We just came back and traveled with 5 kids.. not one had any photo id, and we were never asked at all.

 

[mom2of2]

My DS will be 16 next week and he flies pretty regularly and has NEVER been asked for photo id.

HTH

 

[becca011906]

Last time we flew was in '04 i was pregnant, had ds who was just under 4, dd who was 18 months, me(20), dh(25), dsister(16), dsister's friend (15), and my dad (48)... we only had to show ID's for those over 16 years old even my sister friend that was 15 didn't have any trouble... i'd call the airline to be sure if you want to..

 

[tadamom]

If you need to get it the id, your driver's license dept should be able to do it for you. They should also present you with the actual photo id card or at least a xerox copied one. I would think that would be sufficient.

 

[JenEeyore]

My DS who is 4 1/2 has been to WDW 7 times, all trips being via airplane, and never once has lack of ID been an issue. We've flown when security has been pretty tight too, and nothing has ever been said about needing one.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I always bring ID for my son (passport) because he's transracially adopted and I want to be able to "prove" he's mine in case of an emergency. Frequently if I'm rushing at the airport I'll hand them both passports, and they'll either open his first and then hand it back saying "we don't need this" or open mine first and then hand both back saying "we dont' need to see his".

I think the only time a minor needs an ID is if they're old enough you need to prove they are a minor (e.g. if you're 17 and look 19). I'm guessing that doesn't apply to your 5 year old.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I grew up in the military and had dog tags, an ID card, and a passport my entire childhood

Military kids get their first id card at age 10.

No, you do not need a photo id for a 5 year old; no photo id is needed until age 18.

 

[disneymomof6]

you do not need an ID for a child. I am a travel agent and I can tell you that absolutely without a doubt you will not have to show ID for him. I always thought that something should change to make that a law to help in kidnappers trying to take your child via airplane... I think you should have a BC atleast but at this point in time you do NOT have to have a photo ID for minors. If it mentions it on the back of a ticket its because its printed on ticket stock already printed with that info BUT that applies to adults only.