Minor Child Travel Consent Letter
Once you complete the fields below, your consent letter is automatically created. If your child has only one parent/guardian, or is traveling with just one companion, leave those extra fields blank. After you click Continue to secure payment, your document is uploaded and ready, and you are taken straight into your online notarization session.
A Minor Child Travel Consent Letter is a written, notarized statement from a child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) authorizing that child to travel without one or both of them present. Airlines, border agents, and foreign immigration officials often ask for one whenever a minor is traveling with only one parent, a grandparent, another relative, or unaccompanied.
When you need this letter
- Your child is traveling with only one parent, and the other parent is not on the trip
- Your child is traveling with a grandparent, other relative, or family friend
- Your child is traveling internationally, where many countries and airlines expect written, notarized consent from any parent not present
- Your child is traveling unaccompanied, such as on a school trip, sports trip, or camp
How it works
- 1. Fill it out. List the parent(s)/guardian(s) giving consent and the companion(s) traveling with your child. If your child has only one parent or guardian, or is traveling with just one companion, leave the extra fields blank.
- 2. Pay securely. Your completed letter is automatically prepared and attached to your notarization session.
- 3. Notarize online. Your signature and the notary section are completed live, over secure video, in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do both parents need to sign this letter?
No. If only one parent or guardian is giving consent, leave the second parent/guardian section blank. The letter only needs to be signed by whoever is providing consent for the trip.
Does this letter need to be notarized?
Yes. Airlines, border agents, and foreign immigration officials generally expect the consent letter to be notarized to confirm it is authentic and was actually signed by the parent or guardian named.
Is this required for domestic travel within the US?
It is not legally required for most domestic flights, but airline staff, TSA, or law enforcement may still ask for one if a minor is traveling without both parents, so it is worth having on hand.
Is this required for international travel?
Many countries and airlines require or strongly recommend a notarized consent letter when a minor is traveling with only one parent or a non-parent adult. Requirements vary by destination, so confirm with the airline or the destination country’s consulate before you travel.
Can a grandparent or other relative be the traveling companion?
Yes. List them as a companion on the form, along with any other adult(s) accompanying your child.
What if the other parent is unavailable or does not have custody?
Only the parent(s) or guardian(s) actually giving consent need to sign. Leave the other parent’s section blank.
How far in advance should I get this notarized?
You can complete it the same day you need it, since the whole process typically takes about fifteen minutes. We still recommend doing it a few days before travel in case you need extra copies or documents.
Can I download the notarized letter right after my session?
Yes. As soon as your notarization session ends, you are emailed the completed, notarized letter so you can download it right away. Make sure to save it within 7 days.
Learn more about child travel consent
- Parental Consent Letter (for passport, medical, or school purposes other than travel)
- Child Travel Consent Form: When You Need One and How to Notarize It
- Do You Need a Notarized Letter for a Child to Travel?
- Sample Letter of Consent to Travel With One Parent
- Child Travel Consent Form for Grandparents
- Child Travel Consent Form for International Travel
- Travel Consent Form for Divorced Parents
- Unaccompanied Minor Travel Consent Form
- Child Passport When One Parent Cannot Appear
- Consent Forms for Minors: Sports, Camps and Work
More free notarizable templates
This template is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Requirements for travel consent letters vary by airline, border agency, and destination country, confirm current requirements before you travel. Your signature and the notary section are completed live during your online notarization session, not on this page.