Child Travel Consent Forms: What They Are and How to Get One Notarized
A practical guide for parents whose child is traveling with one parent, a grandparent, or another adult — plus a free form generator
In short: A child travel consent form is a signed — usually notarized — letter in which a non-traveling parent or guardian authorizes a minor to travel with someone else. Use our <a href="/tools/child-travel-consent-form/">free Child Travel Consent Form generator</a> to create one, then bring it in to be notarized.
If your child is going to travel with only one parent, a grandparent, a family friend, or on a school or sports trip, you may be asked to show a child travel consent form — also called a minor travel consent letter or parental consent to travel. Border officers, airlines, and cruise lines use these letters to help confirm that the accompanying adult has permission to travel with the child and to reduce the risk of international child abduction.
Skip the blank page: our free Child Travel Consent Form generator fills in a professional, print-ready letter — with signature lines and a notary block — in a couple of minutes. Download it, print it, or email yourself a copy.
When Do You Need a Child Travel Consent Letter?
There is no single national law that requires one in every case, but a notarized consent letter is commonly expected or recommended when:
- A minor travels internationally with only one parent (the other parent provides consent).
- A child travels with a grandparent, relative, family friend, or group leader rather than a parent.
- Parents are divorced or share custody and one parent is traveling with the child.
- The child has a different last name than the accompanying adult.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency recommends that a child traveling internationally with only one parent or another adult carry a signed, notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s). Many foreign countries and airlines have their own, sometimes stricter, requirements — always confirm with the airline and the destination country's embassy or consulate before you travel.
What to Include in a Child Travel Consent Form
- The child’s details — full name, date of birth, and (for international trips) passport number and country of issue.
- The traveling adult — name and relationship to the child.
- The consenting parent(s)/guardian(s) — name, relationship, and contact information.
- Trip details — destination, departure and return dates, and purpose.
- An authorization statement giving consent for the travel, and often authorization for the traveling adult to approve emergency medical care.
- Signature lines and a notary acknowledgment block.
Does a Travel Consent Form Have to Be Notarized?
Not always — but notarization is strongly recommended and frequently required. A notary public verifies the identity of the signer and witnesses the signature, which makes the letter far more credible to border officers and airline staff. Because requirements vary, it is safer to have the consenting parent’s signature notarized.
How to Get Your Child Travel Consent Form Notarized
- Create the form. Use our free Child Travel Consent Form generator to produce a print-ready letter.
- Do not sign it yet. The consenting parent must sign in front of the notary.
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID for each person who is signing.
- Sign before the notary, who completes and stamps the acknowledgment block.
Efficient Biometrics offers notary and mobile notary service in Naperville, IL and nearby communities. Call or text 847-436-5222 to schedule — we can often help same day before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a child travel consent form legally required?
There is no single U.S. law requiring one in every situation, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends that a minor traveling internationally with only one parent or another adult carry a signed, notarized consent letter from the absent parent(s). Many airlines and foreign countries require it — confirm with the airline and destination embassy before you travel.
Does the travel consent letter need to be notarized?
Notarization is not always mandatory, but it is strongly recommended and is often required. A notary verifies the signer's identity and witnesses the signature, which makes the letter far more credible at the border and to airlines.
Who needs to sign the consent form?
The parent or legal guardian who is NOT traveling with the child gives consent and signs. If both parents want their signatures notarized, our generator can produce a two-signature version.
Can I sign the form before going to the notary?
No. Sign it in the notary's presence. The notary must witness your signature to complete the acknowledgment. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
Do you store the information I enter into the generator?
No. The Child Travel Consent Form generator creates your document in the moment and does not save what you type on our servers. It is a free convenience tool to help you prepare the letter.
Where can I get it notarized in the Naperville area?
Efficient Biometrics provides notary and mobile notary service in Naperville and within a 15-mile radius. Call or text 847-436-5222 to schedule.