Accepted IDs for domestic flights

DocumentNotesAccepted?
Aadhaar card (physical)Issued by UIDAI✓ Yes
e-Aadhaar (PDF)From uidai.gov.in with QR✓ Yes
m-Aadhaar (mobile app)Official UIDAI mAadhaar app✓ Yes
Driving LicenceValid; learner's NOT accepted✓ Yes
Voter ID (EPIC)Election Commission✓ Yes
PAN cardIncome Tax Dept✓ Yes
Indian passportValid✓ Yes
Government/PSU employee IDWith photo + designation✓ Yes
Defence IDArmed Forces / paramilitary✓ Yes

NOT accepted as primary ID

  • ✗ College / university student ID (alone)
  • ✗ Aadhaar e-mail copy / WhatsApp forward (need official PDF with QR)
  • ✗ Expired Driving Licence or passport
  • ✗ Photocopy of Aadhaar / DL (originals or app-based only)
  • ✗ Library card, club membership, gym ID
  • ✗ Bank passbook / debit card

m-Aadhaar — most convenient

Since 2018, BCAS officially accepts m-Aadhaar (UIDAI mobile app). Setup: download from Play Store / App Store, register with Aadhaar number + OTP, set 4-digit PIN. At airport, open app and show Aadhaar profile screen — CISF scans QR.

e-Aadhaar PDF

Download from uidai.gov.in. PDF password is the first 4 letters of your name in CAPS + your YYYY of birth. Show digital or printed at airport — QR code is what security scans.

Special cases

Children and infants

  • Under 5: Birth certificate + parent's ID. Aadhaar for <5 has been issued since 2019.
  • 5-12 years: Aadhaar, school ID with photo, or birth certificate.
  • Above 12: Same as adults — must have own ID.

NRI / OCI / foreign nationals

  • NRI with Indian passport: Use Indian passport.
  • NRI on foreign passport: Foreign passport + OCI card. OCI alone NOT sufficient.
  • Foreign tourist on visa: Foreign passport + valid Indian visa.

Name mismatch between ticket and ID

Acceptable variations: middle-name shortened to initial, prefix differences (Mr/Mrs/Dr), 1-2 character spelling variations. NOT acceptable: different first or last name. See name mismatch guide for fix process per airline.

Frequently asked questions

What ID is required for domestic flight in India?

Indian nationals need any ONE government-issued photo ID with date of birth: Aadhaar (physical, e-Aadhaar PDF, or m-Aadhaar app), Driving Licence, Voter ID, PAN card, passport, or PSU/government employee ID. Children under 12 may use a birth certificate with parent ID.

Is m-Aadhaar / e-Aadhaar valid for domestic flight in India?

Yes. Both m-Aadhaar (the official mAadhaar mobile app) and e-Aadhaar (PDF from uidai.gov.in with valid QR code) are fully accepted at every Indian airport. CISF verifies the QR code.

Can I fly domestic without Aadhaar card in India?

Yes. Aadhaar is one of several accepted IDs. Alternatives: Driving Licence, Voter ID, PAN, passport, government employee photo ID, or PSU photo ID.

What is the minimum age for travelling alone on domestic flight India?

Standard policy: passengers aged 5+ may travel alone. IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa, AIX offer Unaccompanied Minor service for children 5-12 years (₹1,500-3,000 per sector).

Is a college student ID valid for flight India?

No. College/university student IDs are not accepted as primary photo ID at Indian airports. Bring a government-issued ID.

Can I use expired driving licence for domestic flight India?

No. Expired ID is not accepted at airport security. Use your passport if valid, or renew DL.

Do I need ID for child / infant on domestic flight India?

Yes. Children of all ages including lap infants need photo ID. Accepted: birth certificate (with parent ID), Aadhaar, school ID (with photo, airline discretion).

What ID do NRIs need for domestic India flight?

NRI with Indian passport: use Indian passport. NRI on foreign passport: foreign passport + OCI card or valid Indian visa. PIO cards (discontinued) still valid if issued pre-2015 and not expired.

Sources

  • BCAS Operational Circular on Acceptable Identity Documents
  • UIDAI guidelines on m-Aadhaar and e-Aadhaar
  • Ministry of Civil Aviation passenger guidelines (2024)

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