do kids need a passport...

[IDoDis]

The OP had a valid question since "The Real ID Act" was due to expire on December 31, 2009:

http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1261170524591.shtm

Had it expired at the end of last year, people in at least 30 states would have actually needed passports to fly domestically. This could have left many travelers stranded when trying to get home after the holidays and would have caused millions of dollars in losses amongst the airline industry.

Fortunately, an extension of the Real ID Act was granted on December 18, 20009. The law regarding this act needs to change before the new deadline which is May 10, 2011.

So, no you do not need a passport to travel domestically, but this act did come within 2 weeks of expiring which left people clamoring to get passports in November and early December just in case an extension wasn't granted.

 

[hipchickie]

We actually just recently recieved our daughters passport in exactly two weeks from when her picture was taken and the application filled out. It was new, not a renewal, and we did not expedite.

we got our exactly 1 week to the day later

 

[elliemae1192]

Is there any other route into FL? I don't like the sounds of GA or AL.

We're IN Alabama, but always go by way of Canada.

 

[elliemae1192]

Come on people, the OP had a question and it should be taken seriously. With all the travel restrictions out there, it can get very confusing for first time visitors.

You do not need a passport for domestic travel. But if you plan on visiting the World Showcase in Epcot, you will need a passport to travel from country to country. Although, I think Canada may be the exception to that rule, unless that is a change starting in 2010. Another DISer might be able to help you with the Canada question.

 

[Green Tea]

Aw man I did NOT need to know that! Hubby's traveling to Canada for work, but it was only planned 3 weeks prior to travel, and we thought there was no chance (for my renewal and DS's first). Dangit!
.

If it is any consolation, we recently had to get one of the kids a new one and it was about 4 weeks. You may or may not have made it in time.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

This time of year is slow season for passports but it can still take 1-4 weeks and since you don't know ahead of time it's not a good idea to cut it that close. If you need it in a week it will of course take 4.

We have to renew our's this year and I can't believe how much they have gone up in 10 years. EEK!

 

[Hannathy]

Come on people, the OP had a question and it should be taken seriously. With all the travel restrictions out there, it can get very confusing for first time visitors.

You do not need a passport for domestic travel. But if you plan on visiting the World Showcase in Epcot, you will need a passport to travel from country to country. Although, I think Canada may be the exception to that rule, unless that is a change starting in 2010. Another DISer might be able to help you with the Canada question.

I guess that rules out AK for us. My DS doesn't have one. And I was really looking forward to that safari in Africa..................

 

[SaraJayne]

In all seriousness, No, children do not require a passport or another form of I.D. when traveling from state to state. The airlines don't ask for any identification for minors(not even a birth certificate). As a previous poster mentioned if you are traveling out of the country I would definately allow 6-8 weeks for a passport. Children do need a passport when traveling outside the U.S. (I think).

OP, if your children are old enough, security/TSA will probably ask them what their names/ages are. Mine were both asked their names/ages when we entered the security line and their replies were checked against the tickets.

They were 12 and 8 at the time, so I'm sure they obviously don't do it for younger kids.

 

[mjkacmom]

OP, if your children are old enough, security/TSA will probably ask them what their names/ages are. Mine were both asked their names/ages when we entered the security line and their replies were checked against the tickets.

They were 12 and 8 at the time, so I'm sure they obviously don't do it for younger kids.

They have always asked my kids names and ages (at least since 9/11). When we went to WDW the last time, my twins were 4, and they were asked names and ages.

 

[Princess April]

You can get into the Florida but don't try to cross into Miami-Dade county w/o a passport.

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

They have always asked my kids names and ages (at least since 9/11). When we went to WDW the last time, my twins were 4, and they were asked names and ages.

My kids have never been asked a thing by TSA and they are 13,11,5 and 1. And I have never been asked to prove my 18 month olds birthday. Goes to show not every airport follows the same standards.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

nevermind, wrong info.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

We're IN Alabama, but always go by way of Canada.

To avoid that cavity search, I suspect.

 

[minnie1928]

My kids have never been asked a thing by TSA and they are 13,11,5 and 1. And I have never been asked to prove my 18 month olds birthday. Goes to show not every airport follows the same standards.

My kids have been asked, they've even been asked to tell the TSA who I was. I used to bring along copies of their birth certificates for ID, but they haven't needed those in ages.

 

[Muppet_Girl]

In all seriousness, No, children do not require a passport or another form of I.D. when traveling from state to state. The airlines don't ask for any identification for minors(not even a birth certificate). As a previous poster mentioned if you are traveling out of the country I would definately allow 6-8 weeks for a passport. Children do need a passport when traveling outside the U.S. (I think).

They do need a passport when traveling outside of the U.S.

You can also "rush" a passport for a large fee- I forget exactly how much

 

[Iott Family]

I really hope the OP has thick skin and a solid sense of humor.