My sons iPhone

Read the Apple Support document about what to do if you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled. Click here --> http://support.apple.com/HT204306

I have never seen anybody report about actually needing their Apple ID to do this, so in order to keep this reply simple and short I won't post about all eventualities you are very unlikely to encounter until you actually do so.

No, you follow the directions laid out step by step in the link I provided. You click on the colored letters in my earlier post and it will take you to the instructions. You will need a Mac, or a PC with iTunes. If you do not have that, and do not have a friend with a computer with those, then take it to an Apple Store for help.