Do We Need Passport to Travel Within India? Experts Guide 2025

Do we need passport to travel within India? India will require passports for domestic travel in 2025, although this point remains a mystery to many individuals. Regardless of flying experience, most individuals discover the answer to be unexpected. India's booming domestic aviation sector and technological advancements in check-in require clarity about the required identification documents to avoid travel problems and save you valuable time.

You can find the essential information about domestic air travel IDs and their documents in this 2025 guide, which provides hassle-free pro tips.

Latest Facts & News (2025)

• No Passport Required: Indian citizens do not need a passport for domestic air travel within India; a government-issued photo ID suffices.

• Accepted IDs: Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, PAN, and government-issued photo IDs are all valid for domestic flights.

• Digital IDs: DigiLocker-stored digital IDs are now accepted at most Indian airports, streamlining check-in.

• Children’s Travel: Minors must have a valid ID (birth certificate, school ID, or guardian’s ID); unaccompanied minors may need additional documents.

• State-specific Rules: Some states may require additional documents (e.g., COVID-19 certificates, permits for restricted areas).

• Foreign Nationals: Only foreign nationals need a passport for domestic flights within India.

• Lost ID Protocol: If you lose your ID before travel, airlines may accept an affidavit or alternative verification, but this can delay boarding.

• Name Mismatch: Discrepancies between ticket and ID names can cause issues; always ensure they match.

• Airline Variations: Some airlines may have stricter documentation requirements; always check your airline’s policy before travel.

• Travel Insurance Tip: Carrying travel insurance is recommended for added security during domestic trips.

Think you need a passport to fly within India? Discover the real rules, what IDs are accepted, and the latest updates that could save you time—and hassle—on your next domestic trip!

Do We Need Passport to Travel Within India in 2025? 

Do we need passport to travel within India? Indian citizens can make flights within the country by air without needing a passport. Indian citizens who wish to travel by air within their domestic cities must present only a valid government-issued photo ID. Do we need a passport to travel within India? Chinese citizens need a standard photo-identification document, such as an Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Driving License, or PAN card, to purchase an airline ticket.

• Indian public airports accept valid government-issued photo identification documents such as Aadhaar cards at all passenger checkpoints, including check-in, to provide convenient domestic air travel for citizens who do not have passports. Your ID's name must match your ticket name precisely to prevent boarding problems and delays.

• Travellers accompanying children must provide birth certificates, school identification, or guardian identification. Increasingly, many airports enable digital IDs through DigiLocker, which diminishes the hassle of airport check-ins.

Understanding Current Domestic Travel ID Requirements in India 2025

Do we need passport to travel within India? Numerous individuals think plane travel requires a passport, even when staying within Indian borders. The general belief that one needs a passport for all flying trips originates from a misconception that border crossing is essential for in-flight travel. The rule differs for domestic flights, which do not require a passport.

All Indian citizens with a valid photo ID can fly domestically by air without a passport. Do we need a passport to travel within India? Aadhaar card, Voter ID or Driving License, and a government-issued photograph serve as valid identification for domestic flight travel in India. Travellers continue to believe in the passport requirement for air transportation despite all evidence to the contrary, which often causes them to bring unneeded identification documents or panic when attempting to fly home without their passport.

Do We Need Passport to Travel within India by Air in 2025?

Do we need passport to travel within India? Indian citizens do not require a valid passport for their domestic flights inside the country. Do we need passport to travel within India by air? Domestic air travel throughout India requires only a photo identity document released by the government that proves a person's identification. All beneficiaries must show their passport only when international travellers or non-Indian residents leave for a global sector.

Do we need passport to travel within India by air? Multiple forms of identification serve as valid proof at airport checkpoints for security and check-in procedures, including these documents:

• The Aadhaar card is an acceptable identity document through its physical version and DigiLocker edition.

• A reliable voter identification issued by the Election Commission includes photo identification and proof of address.

• Most airport facilities accept PAN cards; however, this document doesn't provide address information.

• Do we need passport to travel within India by air? Flight security checkpoints accept the driving license both in physical form and through digital storage in DigiLocker.

• Employee IDs granted by government authorities serve as accepted identification for their personnel.

• Students flying for academic purposes or under 18 years old may present an ID badge from their school or college establishment.

• The name on your valid photo ID should match precisely the information on your flight ticket, and you must present the original identity document or its authorised digital version at security checkpoints to avoid delays.

Also Read: What is File Number in Passport? Latest Experts Guide

Latest List of Accepted Identification Documents for Domestic Air Travel

The following documents are officially valid for airport entry at Indian terminals:

• Aadhaar Card

• Voter ID Card

• Driving License

• PAN Card

• Passport (if available)

• Government-issued photo ID (central/state)

• Indian nationalised bank customers can use their passbooks with photographs included as proof of identity.

• School/College ID for students

• Birth certificate (for infants)

You must check that the information on your identification documents matches your ticket name.

Current Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Travelling with kids? There are essential points for your review.

• Do we need a passport to travel within India? Rules about documentation differ between adults and children who want to fly domestically within India. The proof of identity for infants and young children usually consists of their birth certificate and school-issued ID card. Although a passport is not legally required, most airlines will permit its use.

• Unaccompanied minors need to show airlines permission from their parent or guardian through a written agreement, provide both guardian identification documents, and possibly sign one or more undertaking forms. The airlines maintain individual requirements policies, so customers must verify them first.

• All travel people must show genuine identification, no matter their age bracket. All minors require their valid identification regardless of whether their travel is arranged in a group or family groups.

• A helpful suggestion is for parents to accompany children to the gate check-in point and stay until the child reaches the final area under airport protocols mandating guardian presence. Check with your airline for updated policies because they will help you handle your trip without delays.

Also Read: How to Change Passport Appointment Date? Experts Guide 

Airline-Specific Documentation Policies in 2025

Airlines do not have common restrictions in their policies. Here's what to keep in mind:

• The checking process at IndiGo allows for identifying any official photo, and minor passengers require birth certificates for verification.

• The process at SpiceJet remains the same, but they may request signed documents from the parents regarding their minor children.

• Air India allows minors to show any standard identification without strict enforcement, even if names do not match exactly.

Always double-check your airline's documentation policy before your flight.

Digital IDs and New Technology: DigiLocker Acceptance in 2025

Do we need passport to travel within India? More Indian airport facilities are implementing the digital identification platform DigiLocker as their network advances in technological sophistication. Most major domestic airports across India now permit DigiLocker-stored IDs, including Aadhaar plus driving licenses, to enhance the check-in procedure and identity verification.

Before making it your sole verification method, you need to verify first if your departing and arriving airports verify DigiLocker. The regional airport verification system through DigiLocker works efficiently yet remains non-operational at several airports across the country.

Benefits of using DigiLocker include:

• Eco-friendly as it reduces the need for printed documents.  

• The security and boarding verification process speeds up due to Quick verification capabilities.  

• All IDs and documentation work seamlessly from your mobile device, so you do not need physical identification.

• Your travel experience will be safer by bringing at least one physical government-issued ID as a backup because it protects you at airport stops at smaller locations or remote areas. Digital access problems and limitations at your travel destinations will not prevent you from using your travel documents through this backup plan.

Also Read: What is RPO in Passport? Experts Complete Guide

What If You Lose Your ID Before Travel in 2025?

Do we need passport to travel within India? Failing to find your identification at flight time creates tremendous stress, yet calmness helps you manage the situation appropriately. Recognise this sequence of actions when you lose your identification card before beginning your journey:

1. You must report the loss to the police force for the first step. You should obtain a police report regarding your missing ID because this document assists with proving your identity and combating unauthorised ID utilisation.  

2. After discovering your lost ID, you must immediately contact your airline company to report the incident. Flying institutions typically follow established procedures for such cases, which help customers navigate the forward procedures.

3. The policy of some airlines enables identity verification through an affidavit and a current passport photo. The affidavit and your passport photo function as a temporary ID document before you can show official documents.

4. Bring alternative proof of identification, which includes student IDs, debit cards, or government-issued documents that can function as backup methods. These documents can act as alternative identity verification when the primary verification process occurs.

5. The verification system prolongs check-in times, so you need to factor in additional waiting periods during security procedures. Extra identity confirmation steps by airline personnel and airport staff will slow your airport journey, requiring you to arrive earlier than usual.

Your risk of successful security clearance increases when you take necessary measures combined with maintained composure after security-related setbacks.

State-Specific and Special Circumstances in 2025

While flying within India is generally simple, certain regions and situations may require extra steps. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Losing Your ID

• Stay calm and file a police report for documentation.

• Contact your airline—some allow travel with an affidavit and passport-sized photo.

• Provide backup IDs, like student or bank cards.

• Arrive early due to longer verification at the airport.

2. Restricted and Protected Areas

• Inner Line Permits (ILP) are needed for some states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

• Protected Area Permits (PAP) apply to foreign nationals in sensitive border areas.

• Apply early, as some permits must be obtained in advance.

3. Health-Related Rules

• During outbreaks (like COVID-19), some states require RT-PCR tests, vaccine certificates, or e-passes.

• Always check local rules before departure.

4. Travelling with Children

• Carry a birth certificate or school ID for minors.

• Unaccompanied minors need guardian consent and additional paperwork.

• Everyone in the family needs their own ID, including kids.

5. Item Restrictions

• Liquor laws vary—states like Gujarat and Bihar have bans.

• Medicines or wildlife items may require permits.

6. Travel Disruptions

• In disaster-hit or high-security areas, expect extra checks, delays, or temporary bans.

• Flights may be rerouted or cancelled, so stay updated.

Current Advantages of Carrying a Passport for Domestic Travel (Optional)

Do we need passport to travel within India? Although a passport is unnecessary for national air routes inside India, you should consider bringing it along for various functional benefits. The following reasons demonstrate how a passport continues to provide valuable benefits for domestic air travel within India:

1. The passport functions as an emergency identification tool when other forms of identification, such as a driver's license or state ID, lose their readability, get damaged or are extremely lost. The internationally accepted passport is a safe means of identification to address any difficulties during airport procedures.

2. International connections between domestic and international flights demand passport possession when travelling from Delhi to Chennai and then flying to Singapore. Airlines and airport authorities need passengers to show their passports when making connections between domestic services and international flights. A passport should be kept ready to streamline the process of moving between flight stages with no time lost or complications.

A passport remains optional for domestic airlines, but owning one will bring extra security during travel.

Also Read: Latest Documents Required for Lost Indian Passport

Latest Common Mistakes and Tips for Hassle-Free Domestic Travel

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Passengers who do not have similar information between their identification cards and their travel documentation will face problems.

• Carrying expired or invalid IDs.

• Forgetting ID altogether.

• Not checking state-specific travel advisories.

Pro Tips:

• Use DigiLocker for easy access.

• Always maintain duplicate papers, both in digital form and on paper.

• It is essential to arrive before the recommended time, especially when travelling with older adults or children.

• Using the online check-in system helps reduce waiting times in queues.

Conclusion: Do We Need a Passport to Travel Within India?

Do we need passport to travel within India? The requirement for domestic travel inside India remains unknown. Proof of Indian citizenship does not require domestic flight passengers to provide a passport. The domestic travel criteria include official government photo IDs or digital IDs stored in DigiLocker.

Warming yourself up with airline and state travel guidelines, along with appropriate documentation, will deliver a seamless journey.

Contact Terra Tern for more information on if passports are needed to travel within India.