Key Takeaways
- A child travel consent form (also called a minor travel consent letter) shows that a parent who isn’t traveling has given permission for the trip.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends one whenever a child crosses the border without both parents, and some countries, airlines and cruise lines require one.
- A good form names the child, the traveling adults, the dates, the destinations and the absent parent’s contact details, and is signed by each parent who isn’t traveling.
- Notarization isn’t always required, but it makes the letter far more likely to be accepted, especially abroad.
- A travel consent form isn’t a substitute for a passport, visa or custody order.
What is a child travel consent form?
A child travel consent form is a signed letter from a parent or legal guardian giving permission for a minor to travel with someone else, or with only one parent. Its main purpose is to help prevent international child abduction: officials want to see that the parent who isn’t there knows about the trip and agrees to it.
You’ll hear it called a minor travel consent form, a child travel authorization letter or a letter of consent for a minor to travel.
When does a child need a travel consent form?
The form is most useful whenever a child under 18 travels without both parents or legal guardians, for example:
- Traveling abroad with one parent
- Traveling with grandparents, other relatives or family friends
- School trips, sports tournaments, church or scout groups
- Flying as an unaccompanied minor
- Crossing into Canada or Mexico by car
U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it strongly recommends that an adult traveling with a child who isn’t their own, or with only one parent, carry a note from the absent parent or parents. Some countries go further and require a notarized letter for certain minors, and rules change, so check the embassy or consulate website for your destination before you go.
Within the U.S., a consent form isn’t legally required for domestic flights, but airlines may ask for one for unaccompanied minors, and it’s helpful if anyone questions the child’s travel.
What to include
- The child’s full name, date of birth and passport number (for international trips)
- The traveling adult’s name and relationship to the child, plus their passport or ID number
- Travel dates and destinations, including flight numbers or itinerary if you have them
- Each non-traveling parent’s name, address, phone number and email, so officials can verify the consent
- A clear statement of consent, such as permission to travel to the named destinations on the named dates
- Signatures and dates from each parent who isn’t traveling
- Notarization, recommended for international travel
If one parent has sole custody, or the other parent is deceased, carry a copy of the custody order or death certificate along with the consent form.
Travel consent vs. other documents
| Document | What it shows | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Child travel consent form | The absent parent agrees to this trip | Recommended by CBP; required by some countries and airlines |
| Passport | Identity and citizenship | Required for international air travel |
| Medical consent form | A traveling adult can approve medical care | Strongly recommended when parents aren’t present |
| Custody order or death certificate | Why only one parent signed | Carry it when it applies |
| Temporary guardianship authorization | Broader parental authority for a longer stay | For extended trips or stays with relatives |
When a child travels with someone other than a parent, pair the travel consent with a medical consent form so the adult can approve treatment if your child gets sick or hurt on the trip.
Practical tips
- Make it specific. A letter with exact dates and destinations is more convincing than a vague, open-ended permission.
- Get it notarized for international trips. A notary’s seal shows the signatures are genuine.
- Carry the original and keep a digital copy. Store a photo on the traveling adult’s phone in case the paper gets lost.
- Bring copies of the child’s birth certificate if the traveling parent’s last name differs from the child’s.
- Check passport rules separately. For children under 16, both parents generally must consent to the passport application itself.
Frequently asked questions
It’s generally not required for domestic flights, but airlines may ask for documentation for unaccompanied minors, and a signed letter is helpful if a child traveling with one parent or a relative is questioned.
Not always. Notarization is strongly recommended for international travel because border officials and foreign authorities are more likely to accept a notarized letter. Some countries require it.
Each parent or legal guardian who isn’t traveling should sign. If one parent has sole custody or has died, carry the custody order or death certificate instead of the second signature.
Prepare it once the itinerary is set, ideally a few weeks ahead so there’s time to get it notarized. The dates should match the actual trip.
Not by itself. A travel consent form shows permission to travel. Give the traveling adult a separate medical consent form so they can approve treatment.
Keep reading
- Legal Documents Every Parent of a Minor Child NeedsThe legal forms that protect your kids if you're traveling, unreachable or unable to care for them: consent forms, temporary guardianship, wills and more.
- Temporary Guardianship Form: How to Leave Your Child in Someone’s CareA temporary guardianship form lets a trusted adult care for your child while you're away. Learn how it works, how long it lasts, and how it differs from custody.
- Medical Consent Form for a Minor: For Grandparents, Sitters and CaregiversA medical consent form lets grandparents, babysitters and other caregivers approve treatment for your child when you can't be reached. Here's what to include.
- Estate Planning for Young Families and New ParentsNew parents need more than a crib. Learn how to name a guardian, protect what you leave your kids, and plan for your own emergencies in five simple steps.
If something happens, who can step in for your kids?
Name the people who can get medical updates, consent to care and look after your children if you can’t, with HIPAA, medical authorization and temporary guardianship forms. The No Brainer Box adds powers of attorney, a living will and travel consent.
- Answer a few simple questions online
- Download your completed, ready-to-sign forms
- Sign them and keep copies in your account
This guide is general educational information written by the No Brainer Forms Team. It is not legal advice, and No Brainer Forms is not a law firm. Laws and signing requirements vary by state; for advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.