On a reserved train ticket, at least one passenger must carry an original photo ID during the journey. Here is the full list of IDs Indian Railways accepts, and the rules around them.

Who Needs to Carry an ID?

For reserved tickets (Sleeper and AC classes), at least one passenger travelling on the ticket must carry an original government photo ID that matches the booking details. The TTE can ask to verify it. For an e-ticket, showing the ID on your phone booking plus the original photo ID is enough — no need to print the ticket.

Accepted Photo ID Proofs

Indian Railways accepts these original photo IDs:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID card (EPIC)
• Passport
• PAN card
• Driving licence
• Government-issued photo ID (central/state government, PSU)
• Student photo ID issued by a recognised school/college (for students)
• Bank passbook with photograph (attested)
• Photo ID with a nationalised bank/credit card issuer (in some cases)

A photocopy or digital copy of the ID on your phone is generally accepted along with the e-ticket, but carrying the original is safest.

Special Cases

• Tatkal tickets: carrying the original ID is mandatory — the ID used at booking must be carried.
• Foreign tourists: carry your passport and visa — see foreign tourist quota.
• Children below the age limit travelling without a berth don't need separate ID.

Tips

• Ensure the name on the ID matches the passenger name on the ticket.
• For a group, the ID-holder should travel — if they cancel, it can affect the others.
• Keep the ID and your PNR handy; track it on our PNR status tool.

For more booking rules, see IRCTC booking rules and limits.

Bottom line: carry at least one original government photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, PAN, Driving Licence or similar) that matches your booking for any reserved train journey — it's mandatory for Tatkal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ID proofs are valid for train travel?

Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, PAN card, Driving Licence, government photo ID, recognised student photo ID, and a photo bank passbook are accepted. At least one passenger on the ticket must carry the original.

Do I need to carry an ID for an e-ticket?

Yes. At least one passenger must carry an original photo ID matching the booking. You don't need to print the e-ticket — showing it on your phone with the ID is enough.

Is ID mandatory for Tatkal tickets?

Yes. For Tatkal, carrying the original ID is mandatory, and it should match the details used at booking.

Can I show a photo of my ID on my phone?

A digital or photocopy is generally accepted with the e-ticket, but carrying the original photo ID is safest in case the TTE asks to verify it.

What ID do foreign tourists need?

Foreign tourists should carry their passport and visa, which are also required for the Foreign Tourist Quota.

Travelling soon? [Check your PNR status](/pnr) and [search trains](/search) on ConfirmYatra.