Minor and Student Travel Consent — What Airlines and Border Agents Check

A child crossing an international border without both parents — or traveling with a relative, a school group, or only one parent — is often asked for a notarized consent letter. Some agents wave it through; others ask for it specifically. The safe move is to have it ready.

Include in the Letter

Keep it short and specific:

— The child's full legal name, date of birth, and passport number — Exact travel dates, flight numbers, and destinations — The name and contact information for the accompanying adult — Contact information for the non-traveling parent or parents — A clear statement granting consent for the travel

If the destination country has a recommended format, use theirs. Embassy and consulate websites usually publish samples.

When to Notarize

Notarization is the part border officials and airlines actually verify:

— International trips where the child is traveling without both parents — Travel with relatives, family friends, or school and church groups — Single-parent travel where the second parent has custodial rights

Domestic flights inside the US rarely require it, but some carriers ask for one anyway.

Before We Arrive

A few items keep the appointment short:

— Letter printed but unsigned — Current photo ID for the consenting parent — Both parents present if both are consenting (or both signing separately) — Copy of the child's passport handy for reference

We come to your home, school, or workplace across the six counties. Same-day usually available. Call (513) 226-9052.