ID for kids (was Proof of age (for children))

[WDW2002]

I am just curious about how many people bring proff of age and ID for their children on Vacations (whether to disney or otherwise). I have never heard of this until I was reading another thread.
Do you bring proff of age or ID for your children? And if so what?
While your here, don't forget to VOTE in the poll!

PS. I have changed the "topic" of this poll slightly because age is really not the only thing that matter, it is really identity and age. This is something that I would have never though of before now.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

My DS (9) is tall for his age.I will make a copy of his birth certificate and stick it in the back pack or Dh's wallet.Don't expect to use it but I don't want to worry about anything on vacation. We will buy our tickets before we go so it should not be an issue.Is last trip For DS at child prices.Would never lie about it!
Jordan's MOM

 

[Barb D]

My kids are all big for their ages, and I've NEVER been asked for proof of their ages. But I do always have their health insurance cards in my wallet anyway, and their birthdates are on them. I figure if anyone challenges me I'll use the insurance cards as proof.

 

[WDW2002]

I was curious so I checked my girls insurance cards and they don't have a birthdate on them.

 

[sha_lyn]

I started carrying a copy of my kids birth certificate with me a long time ago. When they are little it seems you end up needing one for one thing or another. Every time we head to Michigan I carry them just in case we want to go to Canada. When we travled to Texas I did for going in to Mexico. So I all ways havbe proof but not necessarily for proof of age.

 

[KangaT]

Many moons ago (9 years) we very nearly got burned by NOT having our oldest DS's (an only child at that point) birth certificate with us. We went to Canada. I booked everything through an agent. They went over the tiniest details with me - or so I thought. Until I called from our Canadian hotel to confirm our return flight. Going over everything with me by phone, the airline rep. said, "And, of course, have your child's birth certificate ready." At my astonishment, she explained they'd need it to prove I hadn't kidnapped the child and tried to smuggle him across the border.

This conversation took place 3 days before our return. We contacted my parents who went to our house, got the b.c. and Fed-Ex'd a copy to our hotel. -- WE NEVER GOT IT -- We literally packed for the return trip in such a way that DS and I could split off from the rest and meet friends who would drive up from Massachusetts to take us back across the border if necessary. At the airport, it took a lot of talking to a lot of people (we got there plenty early), but they did finally let us on the plane with him. (Didn't hurt that DS has the same flaming red hair as both his Daddy and Grandma.)

Needless to say, that incident is burned into our brains. We never travel outside our home state without copies of the kids' birth certificates anymore. Once burned - twice shy.

 

[DParkfan]

Going in April 2002 and our return flight is 2 days before my son turns 2. So, he's still officially free. Asked the airlines what to do, said make sure have birth certificate, so there's no question. Just flew the other day and I said I have an infant (lap) and the counter person said how old, I said 15 mos., she literally stared at him for a little bit. I thought she was going to ask for proof! He's actually pretty small. So, from now on I'm taking that proof!!

 

[Tamie]

I will be taking my DD's birth certificate with me. We have different last names without the birth certificate if it was ever questioned by anyone I wouldn't have proof, even though she is 12 and old enough to tell someone something is wrong (kidnapping etc). My MIL worked at an airline, they were required to ask for proof that the child was theirs (if last names were different) or if the father was taking the daughter somewhere without mom. I quess for safety reasons with child custody, so I will be taking it with me that way I will be safe. She said that they sometimes would ask for a notorized letter from the other parent stating that they knew where the child was going. Never have ran into that problem but I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

[Serena]

At the license branches you can get a state ID. It's the size of a driver's license. Not only does it help with safety issues, but my oldest dd was always tall for her size and movie theaters and restaurants would give me ugly looks when I told them her age. Finally I got the ID and I used to have it in hand before they could even ask.

 

[Tracy0315]

My DD is 9 and we are going to Disney in Dec. She will be 10 in Feb. So, she is kind of
a big 9 year old. I bought our tickets already at the Disney Store. Should I bring her
birth-certificate, will the CM's question me at entry and in restaurants?




TIA,
Tracy

 

[heidihiden]

You will not need any ID for children at Disneyworld. We go down twice a year and have two young children and have never been questioned about their ages. They will ask you but the staff at disney will believe what you say. As long as you are not trying to pass off your nine year old as a three year old. However, I always bring a birth cert. because we fly. And if you want to get on that plane, you MUST bring a childs birth cert. and show it at the airport. But you will not need a birth cert. or ID for your children at Disneyworld.... As far as eating in the restaraunts or admission to the parks. Enjoy your trip...

 

[aprincessmom]

I don't know why I do it but I take all the birth certificates when we travel. I take my daughter's especially because if the airline asks for i.d. -- and I have had them ask for it -- I can at least provide something for her.

 

[skeezixspud]

I made reduced-sized copies and laminated them; one set each for my wallet and DH's, and an extra for Grandma. That way we always have photo ID for everyone. That and the the insurance cards, go everywhere we do.

 

[Spinning]

I have never taken a birth certificate to WDW or anywhere else but I do have these little cards I got when the kids had their pictures taken. They put a recent picture and thumb print on them with other important info, parents name, phone Dr's name etc. Just in case....