For domestic air travel in India, accepted travel documents include government-issued photo identification such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID card, and driving license. Passengers must carry original copies of these IDs to complete check-in and security procedures at the airport. Airlines also accept student ID cards and employee ID cards from recognized institutions for certain age groups and categories.
Overview of Accepted Travel Documents for Domestic Air Travel in India
| Type of Travel Document | Description | Acceptability for Domestic Air Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Government-Issued Photo Identity Cards | Includes Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, Driving License, and National Population Register (NPR) card. These documents must have a clear photograph and personal details. | Accepted by all airlines and security checkpoints for boarding domestic flights within India. |
| Government Employee ID Cards | ID cards issued by central or state government agencies to their employees, provided they contain a clear photo and employee details. | Accepted as valid identification for domestic air travel, subject to airline verification. |
| Student Identity Cards | Issued by recognized educational institutions with a photograph of the student, name, and institution details. | Accepted by some airlines when accompanied by additional government-issued photo ID, depending on airline policy. |
| Unaccompanied Minor Documents | Special documents or authorization forms required for children traveling alone, often issued by airlines. | Mandatory for minors traveling without an adult; accepted by all Indian domestic airlines. |
| Proof of Age Documents for Infants | Birth certificate or hospital discharge certificate to verify the age of infants traveling on domestic flights. | Required to avail infant travel concessions and accepted by airlines during check-in. |
Government-Issued Photo ID Cards: What’s Permitted
For domestic air travel in India, passengers must present valid government-issued photo ID cards at the airport. Commonly accepted documents include Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, Passport, Driving License, and PAN card.
These photo ID cards must be original and carry a clear photograph for verification purposes. Providing one of these accepted documents ensures smooth security checks and boarding procedures within India.
Aadhaar Card: Usage and Acceptance in Airports
What types of travel documents are accepted for domestic air travel in India? Indian government allows several ID proofs like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, and Voter ID for airport verification. Aadhaar Card is widely accepted due to its biometric features and ease of authentication.
How is Aadhaar Card used at airports for domestic travel? You can present your Aadhaar Card at the security checkpoint as valid identity proof. The airports use Aadhaar's biometric data for fast and secure passenger verification, simplifying the boarding process.
Passport as a Valid Document for Domestic Travel
For domestic air travel in India, various government-issued photo identification documents are accepted to verify passenger identity. Among these, the passport is recognized as a valid and widely accepted travel document for all domestic flights. Airlines and security personnel accept passports as a credible form of ID due to their stringent issuance process and detailed personal information.
Voter ID Card: Requirements and Guidelines
For domestic air travel in India, the Voter ID Card is widely accepted as a valid identity document. It serves as proof of identity and residence, aligning with the guidelines set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Travelers must carry the original Voter ID Card issued by the Election Commission of India. The card should be legible, without any damage or tampering, to ensure smooth verification at airport security checkpoints.
PAN Card: Acceptance and Limitations
Traveling domestically within India requires valid identification documents for security and verification purposes. Among various accepted travel documents, the PAN card is recognized but comes with specific limitations.
- Accepted as ID Proof - The PAN card is accepted as a valid photo identification document for domestic air travel in India.
- Not a Boarding Pass Substitute - Possession of a PAN card alone does not replace the need for a proper boarding pass and other travel documents.
- Limited Use for Identity Verification - Airlines and security personnel may prefer government-issued photo IDs like Aadhaar or passport over the PAN card in certain situations.
Your PAN card can serve as a recognized travel ID, but it is advisable to carry additional identification documents to avoid any inconvenience during your domestic flight check-in process.
Driving Licence: Conditions for Air Travel Identification
For domestic air travel in India, a valid driving licence is accepted as an official identification document. It must be government-issued and include a clear photograph of the traveller.
The driving licence should be original and not a photocopy or digital image. It must match the passenger's name on the flight ticket to avoid boarding issues. This document helps verify identity during security checks and at the boarding gate under strict regulations by Indian aviation authorities.
Student and Government Employee IDs: Eligibility and Restrictions
Domestic air travel in India requires valid identification documents for security and boarding purposes. Among acceptable IDs, student and government employee cards have specific eligibility criteria and restrictions to ensure authenticity and traveler verification.
- Student IDs Eligibility - Recognized college or university-issued student ID cards are accepted when they include a recent photograph and institution seal.
- Student IDs Restrictions - Temporary or expired student IDs are not valid for boarding, and IDs lacking a photo are generally rejected.
- Government Employee IDs Eligibility - Official government-issued employee ID cards are accepted, provided they contain a photograph and a valid government department seal or emblem.
Guidelines for Minors and Unaccompanied Children
For domestic air travel in India, accepted travel documents include government-issued photo IDs such as Aadhaar cards, passports, and voter ID cards. Minors under 12 years of age must carry a birth certificate or passport as proof of identity and age. Unaccompanied children require a parental consent letter, valid photo ID, and the airline's specific forms to ensure safe travel.
What Types of Travel Documents Are Accepted for Domestic Air Travel in India? Infographic
