Pre-boarding identification requirements

On this page

• Domestic air travel
• International air travel
• Canadian travel number

Bring the right identification to the airport to help with a quick identity verification and check-in process.

Remember that the name on your identification must match the name on your airline ticket and boarding pass.

Domestic air travel

If you have Canadian identification

Bring one identification document issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government that includes your:

• photo
• full name
• date of birth

If you don’t have an identification document that includes your photo, full name and date of birth:

• Show two pieces of identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government that show your name.
• One of these documents must show your full name and date of birth.

Valid identification documents issued by a Canadian government include:

You can't use hunting, boating and fishing licences as identification for domestic flights.

If you don’t have Canadian identification

You can use a travel document you used to enter Canada:

• Passport
• NEXUS card
• United States Permanent Resident card
• Enhanced Driver’s License
• any document referred to in subsection 50(1) or 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

International air travel

Being allowed to board does not mean you have the right or will be authorized to enter Canada. A border services officer will determine whether you can enter Canada when you arrive, by confirming your identity and citizenship.

More information: Travel and identification documents for entering Canada

Bring one valid identification document issued by a government authority with your:

• photo
• full name
• date of birth
• sex

Valid identification documents include:

• Canadian passport
• Passport issued by a country where you are a citizen
• NEXUS card
• any document referred to in subsection 50(1) or 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Canadian citizens should always carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling outside Canada.

More information: Travel and identification documents for leaving Canada

Canadian travel number

If your name is the same, or similar, to that of someone on the Secure Air Travel Act list (sometimes called Canada’s “No Fly List”), you could save time by applying for a Canadian Travel Number (CTN).

More information: Canadian travel number