If your child is traveling alone, with only one parent, or with a non-legal guardian, they will require a Child Travel Consent signed by both parents or legal guardians. A Child Travel Consent is sometimes called a letter of permission to travel.
In the USA, though, unless there's a court order requiring permission from both parents, a child may travel (even to overseas) with either parent/guardian without showing proof of permission from the other parent.
Can the Child (Minor) Travel Consent be notarized online? Yes. Online notarization of the Child (Minor) Travel Consent is completely legal and secure. Your documents can be notarized online in minutes through the Notarize Network, starting at $25.
In the USA, though, unless there's a court order requiring permission from both parents, a child may travel (even to overseas) with either parent/guardian without showing proof of permission from the other parent.
How do I write a consent letter for my child to travel? List your child's name, birth date/place, and passport details. Provide the parent's/guardian's name, custody information, and passport details. Add contact information for the non-traveling parents/guardians. Detail the child's destination and dates of travel.
Comments Section Both parents' full names and contact details. Trip details (dates, destination, etc.). A clear statement that grants permission for the child to travel with you. Signatures from both parents, and a notary public if needed.
Contact A Notary Public: After drafting your letter, reach out to a local notary public or use online services like NotaryCam. Presentation For Verification: Present yourself along with identification documents before signing under oath in front of them.
A consent letter is recommended for all cross-border travel, even for a day trip, if the child will be travelling alone, with only one parent, with friends or relatives or with a youth group.
The legal parent/legal guardian who cannot apply with the child can give consent using this form or a written statement that includes all of the information on this form. This form or the written statement must be notarized.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends that any child under the age of 16 traveling without both legal guardianshave a notarized Child Travel Consent signed by both legal guardians. Having your Child's Travel Consent notarized decreases the chance of travel authorities questioning its validity.