Does a child travel consent form need to be notarized?

Notarization is not required for US domestic travel but is strongly recommended. For international travel, a notarized child travel consent form is required or strongly recommended for most countries. Mexico and Canada are particularly strict — border officials can deny entry to a minor traveling without both parents if no notarized consent documentation is provided. Notary services are available at most banks, UPS stores, AAA offices, and county clerk offices for $5–$25.

What should a child travel consent form include?

A complete child travel consent form should include: the child's full legal name, date of birth, and passport number; both parents' names and contact information; the accompanying adult's name, relationship, and ID number; specific travel dates and destinations; the purpose of travel; emergency contacts; medical authorization; and parent/guardian signatures with notarization for international trips. CBP recommends also attaching a copy of the signing parent's government-issued ID.

Do TSA and airlines require a child travel consent form?

TSA does not officially require a travel consent form for domestic flights, but TSA officers have discretion to request documentation. Major airlines require written consent from both parents for unaccompanied minors (ages 5–14 at most carriers). Airlines also request documentation when a child travels with one parent and has a different last name. Having the form available prevents delays at check-in and security checkpoints.

What are the child travel consent requirements for Mexico?

Mexico's Ley de Migración requires a notarized permit from the absent parent(s) when a minor enters without both parents. The form should ideally be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified Spanish translation. Mexican immigration officials have broad authority to deny entry to a minor traveling with only one parent or non-parent adult without this documentation. Always notarize your child travel consent form before crossing into Mexico.

How long is a child travel consent form valid?

A child travel consent form is valid for the specific travel dates stated in the form. Always include exact departure and return dates — open-ended forms raise suspicion at border crossings. For recurring travel (such as regular visits to grandparents in another country), issue a new form for each trip or set a validity period of 6–12 months with clear start and end dates.

✈️ TSA & CBP Compliant 🔒 Free PDF · No Signup 📜 Notary Section Included

Free Child Travel Consent Form — Minor Travel Authorization PDF

Q: When do you need a child travel consent form?

You need a child travel consent form when a minor (under 18) travels without both parents — including travel with one parent only, with grandparents, relatives, a school group, or as an unaccompanied minor. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends a notarized travel consent letter for all international travel by minors without both parents. Some countries — including Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and many EU nations — require this documentation to allow entry.

Q: Can one parent give travel consent for a child?

Yes, one parent can authorize a child to travel with another adult in most cases. For joint custody situations, both parents should ideally sign the form. If one parent has sole legal custody, attach a certified copy of the custody order. If one parent is deceased, carry a death certificate. If the other parent's whereabouts are unknown, consult a family law attorney before international travel.

Parental consent form for a child to travel with one parent, grandparents, relatives, or another adult. Covers domestic and international travel. Follows US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommendations. Notary section included for international travel.

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One Parent Travel Grandparent / Relative International & Domestic Unaccompanied Minor Cruise Ships

CBP Recommendation: US Customs and Border Protection strongly recommends a notarized travel consent letter any time a minor crosses an international border without both parents. Border officials in Mexico, Canada, and many other countries can deny entry to a minor who cannot prove parental consent. View our Travel Consent Letter template for a letter-format alternative.

What Is a Child Travel Consent Form?

A child travel consent form — also called a minor travel consent form, parental consent form for travel, or travel authorization for minor — is a legal document that records a parent's or legal guardian's written permission for a child under 18 to travel without both parents present. It identifies the child, the consenting parent(s), the accompanying adult, the travel dates, and the destination.

While no single federal US law requires this document for domestic travel, CBP, the TSA, all major airlines, and most foreign governments either require or strongly recommend it. A properly completed and notarized child travel consent form can prevent delays, questioning, or denial of entry at borders and airports — situations that can derail travel plans completely.

This form works alongside (but does not replace) your airline's official unaccompanied minor form. If your child is flying alone under an airline UM program, see our dedicated Unaccompanied Minor Form for the supplemental airline-specific documentation.

When Do You Need a Child Travel Consent Form?

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Traveling with One Parent

The most common scenario. When a child travels with only one parent — especially with a different last name — airlines and border officials may request documentation. A travel consent form for minor with one parent signed by the absent parent prevents custody dispute concerns.

With Grandparents or Relatives

Airlines and border officials cannot assume a grandparent has authority to travel with a grandchild. A grandparent travel consent form signed by both parents explicitly grants that authority and prevents the trip being stopped at check-in or the border.

International Travel

Mexico, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, and most EU nations require notarized parental consent when a minor enters without both parents. The international travel consent form for minor should be notarized before departure. Some countries require translation into the local language.

See also: International Travel Consent →

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Flying Alone (Unaccompanied Minor)

Children ages 5–14 flying alone must use an airline's UM program. Airlines require written consent from both parents identifying who will drop off and pick up the child. A supplemental authorization form reinforces this permission.

Cruise Ship Travel

Major cruise lines — Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian — require a notarized travel consent form when a minor sails without both parents. The form must be presented at embarkation and should match booking documents exactly.

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School or Group Trips

International school trips, youth exchanges, and sports tournaments require documented parental authorization. Schools carry this alongside their own permission slip. See also our dedicated Excursion Consent Form for domestic day trips.

Country-Specific Requirements for Minor Travel

Requirements for child travel consent documentation vary significantly by country. The table below covers the most common destinations — always verify current requirements with the destination country's consulate or US State Department travel advisories before departure.

Country	Requirement Level	Specific Notes
🇲🇽 Mexico	Required (Notarized)	Ley de Migración requires notarized permit. Ideally in Spanish or with certified translation.
🇨🇦 Canada	Strongly Recommended	CBSA recommends a notarized letter. Refusal possible without documentation.
🇧🇷 Brazil	Required	Brazilian authorities require a notarized authorization. Must be translated into Portuguese.
🇿🇦 South Africa	Required	Must carry original birth certificate. Notarized consent required for non-parent travel.
🇪🇺 European Union	Recommended	Varies by member state. Germany, France, and Spain recommend written authorization.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	Recommended	UK Border Force recommends but doesn't mandate consent letters for minors.
🌎 Caribbean Islands	Strongly Recommended	Cruise port officials in Jamaica, Bahamas, and Dominican Republic routinely check.
🇺🇸 USA (Domestic)	Recommended	TSA does not require but officers may request. Airlines may require for UM travel.

Custody Situations — What You Need to Know

The custody situation between parents significantly affects what documentation you need alongside your child travel consent form:

Joint Custody

Both parents should sign the consent form when possible. This provides the strongest documentation and eliminates any ambiguity. If both parents cannot sign together, each parent can sign a separate copy. Border officials are most comfortable when they see both parents' names and signatures authorizing the trip.

Sole Legal Custody

If you have sole legal custody, you can authorize travel without the other parent's consent. Carry a certified copy of the custody order (not a photocopy) alongside the consent form. This proves you have the legal right to travel without the other parent's permission. See our Parental Consent Form for a template that accommodates sole custody documentation.

Deceased Parent

Carry a certified copy of the death certificate with the consent form. This prevents questioning about the absent parent's whereabouts at border crossings. Keep both documents together in a single envelope.

Divorced or Separated Parents

Even in amicable divorces, document everything. A travel consent form for minor with one parent signed before the trip prevents misunderstandings and demonstrates responsible co-parenting. If the divorce decree includes travel restrictions or notification requirements, ensure your travel complies with those terms before departure.

International abduction risk: Interpol and the US State Department track international parental child abduction cases. If you have a custody order with travel restrictions, the other parent's consent form alone may not override those restrictions. Consult a family law attorney before international travel in any disputed custody situation.

How to Get Your Consent Form Notarized

A notarized child travel consent form carries significantly more legal weight than an unnotarized one and is required for most international travel. Here's how to get it notarized:

Download and complete the form above — but do NOT sign it yet. The notary must witness your signature.
Find a notary public near you — available at most banks (free for account holders), UPS Stores, FedEx Office, AAA offices, county clerk offices, and through online notary services like Notarize.com or DocuSign.
Bring valid government-issued photo ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity.
Sign in the notary's presence — the notary will witness your signature, verify your identity, and affix their official seal or stamp.
Make multiple copies — give one to the accompanying adult, keep one for your records, and consider leaving one with a trusted person at home.

Cost: Notary fees are typically $5–$25 per signature. Bank notary services are often free for account holders. Online notary services cost $25–$50 but can be completed remotely from any device.

Related Travel & Child Consent Forms

Depending on your specific travel situation, one of these specialized consent form templates may also be needed:

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International Travel Consent

CBP format · Mexico, Canada, EU

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Travel Consent Letter

Letter format · Notary section

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Grandparent Consent Form

Medical, travel & temporary care

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Unaccompanied Minor Form

Airline UM programs · All major carriers

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Passport Consent Form

DS-3053 · One parent applying

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Medical Consent for Minor

Emergency treatment authorization

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Parental Consent Form

General child authorization

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Excursion Consent Form

School field trips & day trips

Frequently Asked Questions

You need a child travel consent form any time a minor (under 18) travels without both parents — with one parent only, with grandparents, relatives, a school group, or alone as an unaccompanied minor. CBP strongly recommends a notarized consent letter for all international minor travel. Countries including Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa can and do deny entry to minors without documentation.

Notarization is not required for US domestic travel but is strongly recommended for any international trip. Mexico and Canada have historically denied entry to minors with non-parent adults who lacked notarized consent. A notarized form is accepted by virtually all border agencies worldwide and is near-impossible to dispute. Notary services are available at most banks, UPS stores, AAA offices, and county clerks for $5–$25.

A complete child travel consent form should include: child's full legal name and date of birth; both parents' names, contact information, and relationship; the accompanying adult's name, relationship, and ID number; specific destinations and exact travel dates; purpose of travel; emergency contacts; medical authorization; and parent/guardian signatures (notarized for international travel). CBP also recommends attaching a copy of the signing parent's government-issued photo ID.

Yes, one parent can authorize travel in most cases. Ideally both parents should sign, but one parent's notarized consent is accepted in most countries. If one parent has sole legal custody, attach a certified copy of the custody order. If the other parent is deceased, carry a certified death certificate. For disputes or international travel with contested custody, consult a family law attorney before travel.

TSA does not officially require a consent form for domestic flights, but TSA officers have discretion to request documentation. Airlines require written consent from both parents for children using their unaccompanied minor (UM) program (ages 5–14 on most carriers). Airlines also commonly request documentation when a child travels with one parent and has a different last name. Having the form prevents check-in delays and boarding issues.

Mexico's Ley de Migración requires a notarized permit from absent parents when a minor enters Mexico without both parents. The form should be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified Spanish translation. Mexican immigration officers have broad authority to deny entry to minors lacking documentation. Always notarize your child travel consent form and consider having it translated before traveling to Mexico. See our International Travel Consent for a form specifically designed for Mexico and other international destinations.

A child travel consent form is valid only for the travel dates stated in the form. Open-ended or undated forms raise suspicion at border crossings. Always include specific departure and return dates. For recurring cross-border travel (such as regular visits to a grandparent in another country), you can set a validity period of 6–12 months, but renew annually or whenever travel details change significantly.

Legal Disclaimer: This child travel consent form template is for informational purposes only. Entry requirements vary by country and change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the US State Department, CBP, and the destination country's consulate before travel. This form does not substitute for professional legal advice. In custody disputes or complex situations, consult a licensed family law attorney.