Travel

Bringing the proper identification to the airport will help with an efficient identity screening and check-in process.

In addition, the name on your identification must match the name on your airline reservation or boarding pass. Small differences such as the use of a middle initial instead of a full middle name or no middle name at all, or hyphens and apostrophes, should not cause significant issues.

Required Documents for Domestic Travel

According to the Identity Screening Regulations, the required identification to take a domestic flight is:

• one piece of valid government-issued photo identification that shows the holder's name, date of birth and gender;
• two pieces of valid government-issued identification, at least one of which shows the holder's name, date of birth and gender; or
• a restricted area identity card.

For domestic flights within Canada, any valid identification that is issued by a recognized federal, provincial, or municipal government institution that has the required information may be used. Below are some examples of valid government-issued identification documents. Most would be sufficient on their own, while others may need to be supplemented with a second piece of valid government-issued identification:

• passport
• citizenship card
• permanent-resident card
• driver's license
• provincial health card
• provincial identity card
• provincial or territorial government identification cards (GICs)
• birth certificate
• Record of Landing Form/Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292)
• immigration documents issued to foreign nationals (e.g. Work Permit, Study Permit, Visitor Record, Temporary Resident Permit, Refugee Approved Status)
• Canadian military identification
• federal police identification
• federal, provincial or municipal government employee identification cards
• Old Age Security (OAS) identification card
• Certificate of Indian Status (Status Card) issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
• Canada Border Services Agency NEXUS card
• firearms license

Required Documents for International Travel

According to the Identity Screening Regulations, the required identification to take an international flight is:

• one piece of valid government-issued photo identification that shows the holder's name, date of birth and gender; or
• a restricted area identity card.

However, you are strongly advised to carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling to any foreign destination, including the United States. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada. Canada requires that all passengers, including children, carry their own passport when travelling by air to another country.

Please visit www.travel.gc.ca for more information for Canadians traveling abroad.