No, you do not strictly need a passport to fly within Canada. For domestic flights, you can use other forms of valid Canadian government-issued identification.
Acceptable Identification for Domestic Flights
When flying within Canada, passengers are generally required to present valid identification at the airport. The specific requirements typically involve demonstrating your identity with either a single piece of photo ID or two pieces of non-photo ID.
According to standard airline regulations for domestic travel within Canada, you must present:
- One piece of valid Canadian government-issued identification that includes a photograph, the passenger's full name, and date of birth.
- Examples include:
- A Canadian driver's license
- A Canadian provincial or territorial identification card
- A Canadian Permanent Resident card
- A Canadian military identification card
- A Canadian passport (while not required, it is certainly accepted)
- Examples include:
- Or, two pieces of valid Canadian government-issued identification showing the passenger's name and date of birth, without photographs.
- Examples include:
- A birth certificate combined with a Canadian health card (if it's government-issued and includes the required information)
- A SIN card combined with a provincial identification card (if it meets the criteria)
- Examples include:
It is crucial that the name on your flight ticket matches the name on the identification you present. Ensure your identification is valid and has not expired.
Summary of Identification Options
To simplify, here's a table outlining the common identification options for domestic flights:
| Type of Identification | Requirement Details | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Single Photo ID | Must be valid Canadian government-issued, include a photograph, your full name, and date of birth. | Canadian Driver's License, Provincial/Territorial ID Card, Canadian Permanent Resident Card, Canadian Passport |
| Two Non-Photo IDs | Both must be valid Canadian government-issued, show your name and date of birth. They must collectively provide the necessary identifying information. | Birth Certificate + Canadian Health Card (check provincial rules), SIN Card + Library Card (if government-issued) |
Always check with your specific airline before travel, as their individual policies may have slight variations, though they generally adhere to the guidelines set by Transport Canada.
