Do Michigan Kids Need a Real ID to Fly? Here’s the Answer

We’ve been hearing for months (years, honestly) that everyone in the country who plans to fly needs a Real ID.

As of May 7, 2025, that policy is in place in Michigan and across the country. But I saw a post on Facebook yesterday that made me wonder…

Do Kids in Michigan Need a Real ID to Fly?

Most kids don’t have IDs, but many teenagers do! Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds often have driver’s licenses. That being said, those kids have gotten their license within the last year or two, during a time when the Secretary of State was urging people to get their Real ID. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they went through the process to get a Real ID.

READ MORE: Did You Know That Pretty Much Anyone Can Officiate a Wedding in Michigan? 

Is it necessary for them to have one? No. If a child is traveling with an adult (or adults), the adults in the group will need to have a Real ID. But, according to the Department of Homeland Security, a Real ID is only required for travellers 18 years of age or older.

It is important to note that if a child is flying internationally, they will still be required to have a passport.

How to Get a Real ID in Michigan

The process to get a Real ID is actually pretty simple. It’s recommended that you make an appointment at your preferred Secretary of State office to avoid long waits. When you go, according to the Michigan Secretary of State Office, you’ll need the following:

• Your current Michigan driver’s license or ID.

• A valid, unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, or qualifying immigration document such as an I-551 Permanent Resident Card or foreign passport with a U.S. visa.

• A certified legal name-change document, if your name is different from what is on your birth certificate.

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It’s important to note that there is a cost ($9 or $10, depending on whether you have a driver’s license or a state ID) associated with upgrading to a Real ID if you are not upgrading at the time that you are renewing or replacing your existing ID.