There are rigid requirements for traveling with children depending on their age, the reason for traveling, and with whom they are traveling.
Pat Kinsel November 22, 2022 Updated May 24, 2024
Traveling with children under the age of 18 is not simple. There are varying rules and requirements depending on the age of the child, their reason for travel, and who they are traveling with.
Completing a travel consent form is easy with Notarize. Keep reading to learn about the notarization process and signer requirements for this document.
The United States, like many countries around the world, has rigid requirements for traveling with children. The minor travel consent form has become increasingly necessary because of the rise of child abduction in custody cases, and a growing number of children who are the victims of trafficking.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), children who are minors may have the opportunity to travel to a foreign country even without both of their parents accompanying them. However, they will still need to possess their own passport, visa, or any other necessary international entry documents that adults typically require. It's important to note that certain countries have specific regulations in place. In cases where a child is leaving a country without both parents and a legal guardian, these countries may require a letter of consent from the absent parent(s) or guardian. In some instances, this letter may need to be notarized. It is advisable to contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country in the United States to inquire about their particular requirements in this matter.
When flying within the U.S., or traveling internationally by land or sea, a child’s birth certificate will suffice most of the time. A notarized letter of consent will be required for children who travel without one or both of their parents or legal guardians. The letter of consent ensures the legitimacy of the travel consent offered by the accompanying adult.
With travel consent, children five years or older may fly without a parent or guardian so long as it is a direct flight with no connections. Children older than eight may travel alone on flights with connections.
Notarization of a child travel consent form provides an added level of assurance that is especially valuable to globetrotters. Our notarizations are digitally signed and linked to a digital record, which ensures any travel company or foreign agency that your document is authentic. Because the notarization is completed online and within our secure product portal, you don’t have to worry about losing a slip of paper while traveling.
There is no standard-issue minor travel consent form. You will need to capture the who, what, where, when, and why, with respect to the child’s travel. In addition, you will need to provide the contact information for the absentee parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Our minor travel consent document template covers common requirements and allows two legal guardians to sign.
There are a wide range of scenarios that may apply to you and your family. For additional details, you can refer to CBP’s website to “Ask a Question”.
Yes! Notarize is available 24x7 and open 365 days a year. Notaries can help you complete this form even when you’re at the airport. To get your minor travel consent form notarized, follow these steps:
Notaries on the Notarize network are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have successfully helped thousands of travelers complete their travel consent forms.
Whether your trip is a few months out, or the night before, it’s best to have this form completed in advance to avoid any disruptions to your travel.
