Before you pack your bag, it's worth checking whether the document you plan to bring to the airport is actually accepted on domestic flights. The list of valid documents is broader than many people think, but details like expiration dates and outdated names still cause problems at check-in.
Flights within Brazil don't require a passport, but that doesn't mean any document will do. The airline checks that the document has a photo, is official, and is in good condition — meaning not torn, illegible, or expired.
Domestic flights
Which documents are accepted on domestic flights
- 01
National ID card (RG)
The most commonly used document, either physical or in digital form through the states' official digital ID apps.
- 02
Driver's license (CNH)
Accepted as photo ID, even if you're not planning to drive during the trip.
- 03
Brazilian passport
Also valid for domestic flights, even if only its international validity is up to date.
- 04
Professional council cards with legal validity
Documents like professional council cards, when recognized as civil identification documents, are usually accepted too.
- 05
Digital ID on your phone
Many airports already accept the digital version of your ID, as long as it's the official app and the document is legible on screen.
Traveling with children
Which documents children need to bring
| Situation | Required document | Note | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child traveling with both parents | Birth certificate or ID card | Additional authorization usually isn't required | No extra paperwork |
| Child traveling with only one parent or guardian | Child's document and authorization, depending on age | It's worth confirming the current rule before booking | Confirm beforehand |
| Child traveling unaccompanied | Child's document and the airline's specific form | Each airline has its own process for unaccompanied minors | Confirm beforehand |
Heads up
The most common mistakes that hold up check-in
An expired document is the most common cause of trouble at the counter, followed by torn documents, illegible photos, or a name that doesn't match the one on the ticket. If you recently changed your name, whether due to marriage or another reason, it's best to book the ticket with the updated name already matching the document you plan to use.
Before you travel
- 1
Check the document's expiration date ahead of time
Don't wait until travel day to check the expiration date — sorting out a renewal at the last minute may not be possible.
- 2
Bring a physical copy, even if you're using a digital document
Battery or signal issues can keep you from accessing the app — having a physical backup avoids surprises.
- 3
Check that the name on the ticket is exact
The name on the ticket needs to match the document presented at boarding, without abbreviations that differ from the official document.
- 4
Confirm the airline's rule before booking if you're traveling with a child
Requirements can vary between airlines, so it's worth confirming before booking, especially if the child is traveling with only one guardian.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport to fly within Brazil?
No. For domestic flights, an official photo ID is enough, such as your national ID, driver's license, or passport, even if the passport was issued only for international use.
Is a digital ID on your phone accepted at the airport?
Yes, at most airports, as long as it's the official version issued by the state's identification agency and the details are legible on screen.
Does an expired document prevent boarding?
Yes. Expired identification documents are usually refused at check-in and boarding, so it's worth checking the expiration date well before your trip.
Do children need their own document to fly?
Yes, even babies need an identification document, such as a birth certificate or ID card. Authorization requirements vary depending on who is accompanying the child.
Can the name on the ticket differ from the name on the document?
Even small differences, like abbreviations, can cause problems at check-in. Ideally, the name on the ticket should be identical to the one on the document presented at boarding.
Who wrote this
Who wrote this
Bruno Neri
Writes about paperwork, documentation, and boarding procedures in Brazil.
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