Is a Passport Required for Domestic Flights in India 2025?

Is a passport required for domestic flights in India? By 2025, I doubt that the question, whether a passport is needed to fly domestically in India, will be one of the most frequent ones as far as Indian air travellers are concerned. Commuters travelling within a country have to have their government-issued photo ID to fly within the country. It does not matter whether it is your first trip, you are a business traveller, or you are planning a family trip; having an idea of the most recent documentation requirements is essential. As more and more digital identity solutions such as DigiLocker are adopted, more recently redesigned airline policies, and a booming tourist industry, it is necessary to keep track of the latest identity proof requirements, exceptions to the identification rule under the age of eighteen years, and immigration rules followed by foreigners inside the country.

Is a Passport Required for Domestic Flights in India

No, Indian citizens do not require a passport to fly within the country. You, however, must produce a valid photo identity proof issued by the government at the airport during security procedures and check-in. Although such a misconception is very popular, passports are not obligatory unless you are a foreign citizen or plan to travel abroad. In domestic travel, your Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, Driving Licence, or any other photo ID issued by the government is deemed acceptable by all Indian airlines and the security agencies. It should be mentioned that by 2025, such digital identity documents as those stored on their accounts with such platforms as the DigiLocker one will also be welcome at most of the major airports in India, thereby contributing to the lack of paper needed to travel there. What then is the misunderstanding? Most passengers believe that airports have universal protocols that simulate the international flight protocols. This guide dispels those rumours and provides you with the latest, in-depth picture of those documents that you need in order to fly in India today. 

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

Travel Document Requirements for Domestic Flights in India

Passengers are required to establish a valid identity upon check-in and security check in case of any flight within India. And the good news is that you do not require a passport for domestic air travel in India, provided you are an Indian citizen. Nevertheless, you must have a photo ID (issued by the government). The Ministry of Civil Aviation and individual airlines of India have made it distinctly clear as to what identity proof would be acceptable. 

Whether you are a frequent flyer or going to be flying on a trip, it is always important to be acquainted with the requirements of a domestic travel document to go through the process of boarding one with ease and calm. It is also important to be informed of new developments in the process of accepting IDs, particularly as digital IDs are being used more and various documentation requirements by airlines evolve. 

Now that is the best way to get the full picture of identity proof that needs to be provided during a domestic flight in India, as well as its digital alternatives, the way it works when you are a child, or when a special situation comes along:

Accepted Identity Proofs for Indian Citizens 

All Indian airlines and airport security accept the following documents to be used in domestic air travel:

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What If You Don’t Have the Required ID for Travelling Within India by Air? 

 Now that you have your answer for Is a passport required for domestic flights in India, you must know what happens if you do not have the required ID to travel:

• Rare exceptions. This clause does not leave a passenger without recourse in case he/she forgets or loses his/her ID, as long as certain airlines board by alternative procedures:

• Get a letter of verification from a Gazetted Officer Grade A. This should be with the seal of the officer as well as his/her signature.

• Send an affidavit (sworn statement) when asked by an airline.

• Before you make the flight, contact the airline: some might be fine accepting different identifiers, such as school IDs, employer IDs, or provide you with solutions.

Notice: These are not usual procedures; they are just exceptions. Make sure to go directly to the airline in question and check which documents they require before you fly. 

Also Read: How to Apply for a Lost Passport? Step-by-Step Guide

Minor and Children: What Documents are Needed?

Although underage people are not necessarily obliged to present a state-issued ID, they need to present some kind of ID, including: 

• ID card in schools

• Birth certificate

• Passport (in case it is present)

• ID of parents or guardian in case of an accompanied minor 

When dealing with an unaccompanied minor, the airlines usually require: 

• Permission forms of the guardians

• Photo of the kid and the parent

• Relationship commitment 

Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India have special policies on unaccompanied minors, so make sure to check them out before purchasing a ticket.

For Foreign Nationals Is a Passport Required forDomestic Flights in India?

In the case of foreign nationals, is a passport required for domestic flights in India? Yes, those travelling on domestic flights within India should carry their valid passport, unlike Indian citizens. None of the other documents are accepted to identify foreign travellers in Indian airports when it comes to verifying the identity of the foreign travellers, irrespective of whether the visitor belongs to a high-cost visa category or a low-cost visa category, or their residential status. 

 Is a Passport Required for Domestic Flights in India? Myths vs Facts

Is a passport required for domestic flights in India> Still contrary to popular assumption, a passport is not a requirement to take domestic flights in India by Indian nationals. This segment discusses the myths and realities of the issue of passport requirements to travel within the country. 

Popular Myths & Facts

• Myth: Is a passport required for domestic flights in India?

Fact: The Indian citizens flying within the country are allowed to use IDs provided by the government as an alternative.

• Myth: DigiLocker IDs are not acceptable.

Fact: DigiLocker IDs will be accepted even in most airports.

• Myth: For children, no identification is needed to travel.

Fact: Children are required to produce acceptable IDs. 

 Advantages of Carrying a Passport (Even if Not Mandatory) 

Although it is not a compulsory condition, it is more advantageous to have a passport with them: 

• An Indian-wide popular custom.

• Speeds up counters/security KYC checks.

• Useful when you switch to travelling in a different country.

• Serves as a backup in case other IDs have expired or are invalid. 

Also Read: Can I Change the Date of Birth in Passport? Experts Guide 

Airline-Specific Policies and Special Cases for Passport Requirement for Domestic Flights in 2025

Policies That are Airline-Specific and Special Situations:

Although the identification requirements in domestic air travel in India are spelt out in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, each airline can also have slight variations in the implementation of these identification rules. It implies that although the majority of airlines will accept a number of different valid government options of photo IDs, some airlines might have further verification procedures, particularly in special scenarios (such as unaccompanied minors, group travel, or last-minute tickets). 

This passage discusses the document policy by an airline in India, together with digital documentation and underage passengers, and international passports. When you enter a flight with a full-service airline such as Air India or a low-price one, like IndiGo or SpiceJet, make sure you check the document policy twice before boarding. 

These are the main special cases and what you need to know before flying: 

Digital Document acceptance (DigiLocker)

 In a very short period, India has moved to a digital infrastructure, and it is now the accepted source of a valid identity. And DigiLocker is already commonplace in most airports in India. Digital documents in DigiLocker have been recognised as official by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and will be considered the same as physical ID proofs. 

1. What is Digi Locker?

DigiLocker is a government-supported system that ensures the safety of the information stored therein by enabling people to store official documents like: 

• Aadhaar Card

• PAN Card

• Driving Licence

• Vehicle Registration

• CBSE/ University certificates 

They can be used online and offline, and therefore they are suitable during air flights even when you do not have your physical wallet. 

2. Policies That are Airline-Specific and Special Situations

Although the identification requirements in domestic air travel in India are spelt out in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, each airline can also have slight variations in the implementation of these identification rules. It implies that although the majority of airlines will accept a number of different valid government options of photo IDs, some airlines might have further verification procedures - particularly in special scenarios (such as unaccompanied minor, group travel, or last-minute tickets). 

This passage discusses the document policy by an airline in India, together with digital documentation and underage passengers, and international passports. When you enter a flight with a full-service airline such as Air India or a low-price one, like IndiGo or SpiceJet, make sure you check the document policy twice before boarding. 

Special Requirements for Foreign Nationals

is passport required for domestic flights in india. All foreign nationals entering India must present their valid passport when travelling by air within the country, irrespective of the categories of the visa and its duration of stay. This is applicable in all airlines and airports and is not negotiable under the current laws on aviation. 

1. What is the necessity of a passport?

• It is the only document that is used legally and is known to prove identity and nationality.

• Immigration authorities and airlines must also take care to ensure the validity of the visa.

• Foreign nationals do not apply for any Indian government-issued identification, even the one used for internal travel. 

2. Checklist of Foreign Travellers Flying within India:

In domestic India, foreign flying specifications are also relevant to OCI (overseas citizen of India) and PIO (person of Indian origin) card owners. Though these papers enable travelling without a visa, you must use your foreign passport as a primary ID. 

Also Read: Visa on Arrival Philippines for Indian Passport

Children, Minors & ID: What Parents Need to Know?

There are particular documents when it comes to travelling with minors.

Unaccompanied Minors:

• Request signed parental/legal guardians' letters of consent.

• School ID and age must be carried.

• Policies on airline supervision differ. 

Airline Regulations in India for Children and Minors

Various airlines have certain policies that regard minors, particularly those who travel unaccompanied. These are the basic instructions applied by the majority of airlines in India: 

• Ages under 5: Can not travel, unaccompanied.

• Ages 5-12: Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) can travel by himself/herself.

• Ages 13-18: Confined to travel alone, but depending on the airline, some companies may impose some other form of ID evidence. 

The documents normally needed by minors: 

Certain airlines, such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and so on, provide special assistance services, including boarding, seating, and in-flight assistance and care to the child travelling alone. 

Also Read: What Documents Are Required for Domestic Flights in India?

Airline Specific ID Rules Key Takeaways

• Before you leave, always enquire on your airline's official site.

• Do not assume what was done previously; policies can change.

• A passport is required for short-haul domestic flights for foreign visitors.

• Children and minors need to produce documents corresponding to their age, irrespective of the fact that they are travelling with their guardians.

• Digital IDs are convenient, yet they have a backup copy that is physical to be used in case of an emergency. 

 State-Specific & Special Circumstances for Domestic Travel in India 2025

In India, there are States that add some new entry requirements when it comes to domestic travel:

Visit state tourism sites or official government websites to get the latest information on local travel restrictions prior to flying. Main keywords: state India domestic travel restrictions, state India domestic flight COVID requirements. 

Common Mistakes & Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Boarding: Experts' Insights & Update 2025

  With these travel tips, you can help to avoid the traps: 

• There should be precisely the same nature between ticket names and ID names.

• Take digital as well as physical copies of ID with you.

• ID documents should not be expired.

• Come early enough, at least 2 hours before take-off.

• Check the airline's flight regulations on kids and document identification before flying.

• This strikes the longtail search, such as the boarding requirements for domestic flights in India and the airline travel document policy 

Latest Facts & News (2025): What Every Traveller Needs to Know

Don’t let airport surprises ruin your journey—discover the real rules and valuable pro tips for seamless domestic travel!

• No passport required: Indian citizens do not need a passport for domestic flights in India; a valid government-issued photo ID suffices for airport entry and check-in.

• Accepted IDs: Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Driving License, or government-issued photo ID cards are valid for all airlines. Digital IDs through DigiLocker are now commonly accepted, too.

• Children & Minors: Minors require proof of identity—birth certificate, school ID, or a guardian’s ID. Unaccompanied minors may need extra documents.

• Foreign Nationals: Only foreign nationals (non-Indian citizens) require a passport when flying domestically in India.

• State-Specific Rules: Some states may ask for additional documents like COVID-19 certificates or entry permits for restricted areas.

• Lost or Mismatched ID: Airlines may allow alternative verification (such as affidavits), but this can delay travel.

• Digital Convenience: DigiLocker-stored IDs and even e-PAN or e-Aadhaar are accepted at major airports, streamlining check-in.

• Name Check: The name on your flight ticket must match your ID exactly; discrepancies can cause boarding issues.

• Extra Tips: Reach early, check ID validity, and keep digital and physical copies of your documents to avoid last-minute troubles.

• Current Airline Policies: Each airline may have its own additional requirements—always verify before your flight for the latest updates

Also Read: Can We Show Soft Copy of ID Proof at Airport?

Conclusion: Do You Need a Passport for Domestic Flights in India?

Is passport required for domestic flights in India? -- In the case of the Indian citizens, no; Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, or Driving Licence photo ID issued by the government is fine. The foreigners have to possess a passport. Children are in need of age-related ID and even permission forms. Your trip can be easier by using DigiLocker.

To learn more about such rules and to clarify these travelling doubts, contact TerraTern right away!