Free Minor Travel Consent Form — Child Travel Authorization Letter

A minor travel consent form is a written authorization from a parent or legal guardian that permits a child under 18 to travel. It documents who the child is, who is accompanying them, where they are going, and for how long. It is one of the most important travel documents a parent can prepare — yet one of the most frequently overlooked.

This form serves as both a child travel authorization letter for border officials, airlines, and customs agents, and as an emergency reference document containing the child's medical information, parent contact details, and accommodation information. It works for all travel scenarios: a child traveling with grandparents, with one parent, with a non-parent adult, or as part of a school or sports group trip.

For children flying alone under an airline's supervision program, also see our dedicated Unaccompanied Minor Form, which works alongside the airline's own UM paperwork. For a broader general authorization covering medical care, residence, and other matters while you're away, see the Grandparent Consent Form.

Requirements vary significantly by destination. Always verify current requirements with the destination country's embassy or consulate before travel — immigration rules change. The table below reflects general policy as of 2025–2026.

Always verify with the destination country's official consulate or embassy. Requirements change frequently and individual border officers have discretion.

Follow this checklist to ensure your minor travel consent letter will be accepted at the border:

1. Fill in all fields accurately. Use the child's name exactly as it appears on their passport or birth certificate. Any mismatch can cause delays or refusal at border control.
2. Include passport numbers. For international travel, always include the child's passport number. Some borders also ask for the accompanying adult's passport details.
3. List all countries visited. If the trip involves multiple countries, list every one. A consent letter that says "Mexico" does not authorize entry into Guatemala on the same trip.
4. Specify exact dates. Open-ended authorization letters raise red flags. Use specific departure and return dates matching the booked flights.
5. Get it notarized. Even if not legally required, a notary stamp dramatically increases the chance of smooth border entry. Notarization is available at most banks, UPS stores, public libraries, and online through platforms like Notarize.com.
6. Make copies. Keep the original, give a copy to the accompanying adult, and email a digital copy to yourself as backup. Border officials may keep a copy.
7. Include supporting documents. Attach a copy of the signing parent's government-issued ID. If only one parent has custody, include a copy of the custody order. For grandparents, consider attaching our Grandparent Consent Form as well.
8. Translate if necessary. For travel to non-English-speaking countries, having the letter translated by a certified translator significantly helps — especially for Mexico, Brazil, and non-EU countries.

Several different documents are used for child travel authorization. Understanding which one you need prevents confusion at the airport or border:

• Minor Travel Consent Form (this page) — A general parental authorization letter for border officials, airlines, and third-party contacts. Covers all travel scenarios.
• Travel Consent Letter — A formal letter-format version of the same authorization, structured as an official correspondence document. Both serve the same purpose; the letter format is sometimes preferred by border officials who expect a formal document rather than a form.
• Child Travel Consent Form — Our comprehensive child travel template covering additional sections for custody documentation and extended trip details.
• International Travel Consent Form — Specifically tailored for international border crossings with country-specific sections.
• Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Form — Supplements the airline's own UM paperwork when a child flies alone. Not a travel authorization letter — it is an airline operational document.
• Grandparent Consent Form — A broader authorization for grandparents covering not just travel but also medical decisions, school enrollment, and temporary care. Includes a notary section.
• Passport Consent Form — Specifically authorizes a minor to apply for or renew a US passport when both parents cannot appear in person. Governed by the US State Department's DS-3053 requirements.