Pre-boarding identification requirements

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:

passport
NEXUS card

citizenship card
permanent resident card
record of landing form/confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292 and IMM 5688)
immigration documents issued to foreign nationals (e.g., work permit, study permit, visitor record, temporary resident permit, refugee approved status)

birth certificate
driver's licence
health card
identification card

Canadian military identification
Certificate of Indian Status (status card)
Federal police identification
Firearms licence
Government employee identification cards (federal or provincial)
Old Age Security (OAS) identification card

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

Air Canada has introduced digital identification technology through the Air Canada mobile app. Select travellers from Vancouver International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport are eligible.

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.

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

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.

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