Travel plans with kids come together fast this time of year. Grandma offers to fly the kids out for a long weekend, or a co-parent books a trip to see family across the border.
Somewhere in the planning, someone asks: “Do we need a letter for that?” Often, yes. A child travel consent form takes about ten minutes to prepare, and it can save you a very stressful conversation at an airline counter or border crossing.
What is a child travel consent form?
A child travel consent form is a signed letter from a parent or legal guardian giving a child permission to travel without them. You may also see it called a minor travel consent letter or a letter of permission to travel.
Airline staff and border officers watch closely for signs of child abduction, and a consent form answers their questions before they have to ask.
When do you need one?
Plan on bringing a consent form any time a child leaves the country without both parents. USA.gov recommends one when a child travels alone or with only one parent or guardian.
Common situations include:
- A child traveling internationally with one parent
- A trip with grandparents, aunts, uncles, or family friends
- School, church, or sports team travel
- A child flying as an unaccompanied minor (ask your airline what paperwork it requires)
- Travel during a co-parent's custody time, especially when last names differ
For trips within the United States, a consent form is usually optional. Many families carry one anyway, because it gives the adult in charge clear authority if a flight is rebooked or a child needs medical care.
Rules vary by destination. Canada and Mexico are among the destinations that may ask, and some countries have their own required forms. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting, and with your airline, before you go.
What should the form include?
A solid travel consent form covers:
- The child's full legal name, date of birth, and passport number if they have one
- The name and contact information of each parent or guardian
- The name of the adult traveling with the child and their relationship
- Travel dates, destinations, and the address where the child will stay
- A clear statement of permission to travel
- Authorization for emergency medical treatment
- Signatures of the parent or parents who are staying home
The parent who is staying behind is the one who signs. If a child travels with a grandparent or a team, both parents should sign.
Need a starting point? You cancreate a child travel consent form onlinein a few minutes.
Does a travel consent form need to be notarized?
Notarization is strongly recommended. USA.gov notes that the preferred consent form is written in English and notarized, and many countries and airlines expect the same.
A notary stamp shows that the signing parent proved their identity and signed willingly. That gives a border officer a reason to trust the form on sight.
Here is how to prepare for your appointment:
- Complete the form and sign it in front of the notary.
- Bring a current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
- Have each signing parent attend, either together or at separate appointments.
Co-parent out of town? Virtual notary can help
Co-parents often live in different cities or have schedules that never line up. With a virtual notary appointment, a parent can sign from a phone or laptop anywhere and receive the notarized form electronically.
Some countries prefer an original ink signature, and some destinations may also ask for an apostille, so confirm with the consulate before choosing the online route.
While you are at it: the passport consent form
Applying for a passport for a child under 16? Both parents generally need to appear in person. A parent who cannot attend signs Form DS-3053, the Statement of Consent, in front of a notary. The State Department requires that form to be submitted within 90 days of notarization, so time your appointment accordingly. The form instructions also ask for a photocopy of the signing parent's ID, so check theState Department pagefor current requirements.
Quick answers
How long is a travel consent form good for? Most families write one for a specific trip with exact dates. A fresh form for each trip is the safest approach.
What if I have sole custody? Carry a copy of your custody order along with the child's birth certificate.
How many copies should I get? Send the original with the traveling adult and keep a copy at home. For longer trips, a second notarized original is cheap insurance.
Thinking further ahead for aging parents or your own family? See my guide topowers of attorney and health care directives in Washington.
Get your travel consent form notarized in Spokane
I'm Serenity, a mobile notary serving Spokane and the surrounding area. I come to your home or office, so the appointment fits around packing and school pickup.
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Grothen Notary is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice or tell you which document fits your situation. For questions about custody orders or international requirements, please talk with an attorney or the destination country's consulate.