Aladdin and Little Girl on Disney Treasure
  • On Mar 8, 2026
    Nancy from IL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    what documents do i need for online checkin for dcl

    Hello, Nancy!

    Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney! It looks like you are sailing on a Disney Cruise next month! Yay! 

    Most Guests can begin Online Check‑In 30 days before their sail date, so you may have already taken care of this. I’m sorry we didn’t get to your question sooner, but just in case you’re still preparing, here’s a quick guide to what you’ll need.

    A valid U.S. passport is the simplest option, and you can upload it during check‑in. I personally prefer traveling with a passport because it makes boarding easier and is incredibly helpful if unexpected travel changes come up. If you’re on a closed‑loop itinerary that doesn’t require a passport, you can upload a state‑issued birth certificate along with a government‑issued photo ID instead. Children 15 and under only need a birth certificate.

    During Online Check-In, you will also be asked for some basic information, including your address and an emergency contact, plus headshots of everyone in your travel party. Each photo should be taken in front of a plain background, with one person per picture. A passport‑style photo works perfectly, but a clear phone photo that meets the requirements is also fine.

    Additionally, you’ll want to have a credit or debit card ready to link to your onboard account. If you prefer to use cash, you can bring it to Guest Services once you’re on the ship. You can also choose who in your group has charging privileges, which is especially helpful if you have a teen who might want to make their own purchases.

    I always recommend gathering everything ahead of time and keeping it all in one place so the check‑in process is quick and easy. Once you’re done, be sure to save your Port Arrival Form to your phone. I like to print a copy too, just in case technology decides not to cooperate that day!

    Nancy, thank you again for reaching out to planDisney. I hope you’ll sail back our way if you have any more questions as your vacation gets closer.

    Happy sailing!
    Jen
thumbnail image for Jen

Meet the Panelist: Jen, Nevada

Hello from Nevada! I'm Jen - a married mom, social worker, and lifetime collector of Disney experiences. Disneyland Resort has been my "home away from home" since I was a child, and Walt Disney World Resort has become one of my favorite vacations spots as an adult. Whether it's celebrating special occasions, dining with food allergies, or making use of digital tools, I love helping Guests maximize their time and fun while visiting Disney destinations!  Learn More About Jen

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Adventure | planDisney Podcast – Episode 10

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.