Children do not need an ID to go through airport security. They can have access to PreCheck and go through airport security without an ID when traveling with adults. But they cannot go through PreCheck by themselves without an ID.
The TSA has updated its rules, but hasn’t updated its website. If a minor with PreCheck goes through a security checkpoint by themselves, they need to show ID.
A reader shared that they had been told at the San Jose airport that there was a new TSA policy, effective June 7, that a minor traveling alone is not permitted to use PreCheck without an ID.
They have a passport. Indeed, they had PreCheck via Global Entry. But they were not carrying it for domestic travel, not expecting to need it. They got sent through standard screening.
Since I wasn’t clear on current policy, and neither was the TSA website, I asked the agency to clarify. A TSA spokesperson tells me,
TSA recently changed its checkpoint screening procedures to allow unaccompanied minors who have TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass to have expedited screening, but they must present an ID. While we are updating information on TSA.gov, we appreciate your interest in sharing this with your readers. Everyone who receives expedited unaccompanied screening through a Trusted Traveler Program must have their identity verified. When minors travel with an adult, the adult vouches for the identity of the child.
Since all unaccompanied minors with TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass must have enrolled in either the TSA PreCheck Application Program or one of DHS’ Trusted Traveler Programs with an identity document, they need to bring that proof document to the airport with them when they fly. As you noted in your inquiry, if a minor appears at the checkpoint with TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass and they do not have identification, then they are directed to standard screening lanes.
If your unaccompanied minor is a seasoned enough traveler to be on their own, they may be seasoned enough to have PreCheck! Make sure they pack their ID, even though they do not usually need one for domestic travel.
That’s a very specific demographic: ‘unaccompanied minors who are seasoned travelers,’ as Gary said. Unless they have a passport, most don’t get drivers licenses (or learners permits) until 15/16 anyway. And I presume ‘school ID’ isn’t good enough. While some documentation is reasonable, we can also go overboard here. Probably need less officers shouting for ‘papers!’ if history still means anything. Yeesh.
People with too much time on their hands usually find something to justify their work.
Can confirm they are already enforcing; had this issue traveling with my kids on the 7th. Agent said it was new policy as of the day before.
I’ve found it never hurts to carry a global entry card or passport card domestically for kids. In a world where ID is required more than ever, you simply never know.
Regardless of this new “twist”, how is it NOT a huge security risk to require ID from those APPEARING to be under 18???
A 17 year and 364 day year old can’t be trained to be nefarious? Kids can’t be religiously brainwashed until the magical age of 18?
IF one believes showing valid ID is valid and necessary part of security theater and detection, how does this hole exist?
“Since all unaccompanied minors with TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass must have enrolled in either the TSA PreCheck Application Program or one of DHS’ Trusted Traveler Programs with an identity document, they need to bring that proof document to the airport with them when they fly.”
This is confusing. My son was registered for Precheck before he could drive, I’m guessing with his passport but I don’t actually remember. He now drives and carries a drivers license in his wallet. Is he required to bring whatever that original document was if he flies by himself, or will the drivers’ license suffice?