Domestic flight ID requirements in South Africa.
Know which original document every passenger will carry before paying for a restrictive fare.
Official airline guidance reviewed 15 July 2026
Written and reviewed by Kyle Govender, founder and editor · Johannesburg
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Compare the flight, then verify the documents.
Book only after confirming the operating airline’s identification rules for every passenger.
Domestic identification
Documents airlines publish for South African domestic travel.
| Traveller | Documents commonly accepted or required | Do this before travel |
|---|---|---|
| Adult 18+ | Government-issued identity card, passport, refugee identity document or South African-issued driver’s licence are listed by SAA for domestic travel. | Use a valid original document and make sure the booking name matches. |
| Child under 18 | SAA lists a birth certificate; LIFT specifies an original abridged or unabridged birth certificate. | Carry the original and verify the operating airline’s current child-document policy. |
| Unaccompanied minor | Extra booking, guardian and handover documents can apply. | Arrange the airline service in advance; do not arrive expecting to add it at the airport. |
| Lost original document | Acceptance of alternatives is airline-specific and not guaranteed. | Contact the airline before departure and obtain written guidance where possible. |
Official pages reviewed 15 July 2026: SAA travel documentation, LIFT before you travel and Airlink travel documentation. Requirements can change and special cases need direct airline confirmation.
Name and document checks
A cheap fare is not cheap if the passenger cannot board.
Enter the passenger’s legal name carefully when booking. Nicknames, missing surnames and reversed names can trigger a correction request. Some airlines allow minor corrections; others treat a change as a new passenger or charge a fee.
Check every traveller before payment: spelling, date of birth where requested, child age on the travel date and the document that will be carried to the airport.
For unusual cases — recently changed surname, temporary identification, refugee documents or a child travelling with someone else — contact the operating airline before booking a restrictive fare.
Plan the airport arrival and cutoffDomestic ID FAQs
Check before the airport.
Can I fly domestically with a South African driver’s licence?
SAA lists a South African-issued driver’s licence as an accepted document for domestic customers aged 18 and older. Airlines can apply their own document checks, so verify with the operating carrier if your situation is unusual.
Do children need identification for a domestic flight?
Airlines require documentation for children. SAA lists a birth certificate for travellers under 18, and LIFT specifies an original abridged or unabridged birth certificate. Carry the original document and verify the operating airline’s current rule.
Will a photo or photocopy of an ID be accepted?
Do not rely on it. Airline guidance is built around valid travel documents and may require originals. Contact the airline before travel if the original is unavailable.
Does the name on the booking need to match the ID?
Yes. Enter the passenger name carefully and correct discrepancies before departure. Name-change rules and fees depend on the airline and fare.
Correct passenger, correct document
Compare flights after the document check.
Make sure every passenger can satisfy the airline’s travel requirements.