Free Child Travel Consent Form
A Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document that grants permission for a minor to travel domestically or internationally with someone other than their legal guardian or parent. It mentions travel dates, destinations, and the name of the accompanying adult.
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What Is a Minor Travel Consent Form?
This legal document is needed when a child travels for a school trip or with a group. It’s also needed when a minor travels with an adult who isn’t their parent or guardian.
This type of consent letter for children traveling abroad is also vital if the minor is traveling alone [1].
Types of Travel Needing a Consent Form
- Domestic Travel: Authorities at locations such as airports and bus stations might question the child. Having the letter will clear any doubts that security might have.
- International Travel: On many occasions, a minor is required to show written permission from parents to be allowed to take international flights [2]. Using the Consent Form should give them the ability to travel abroad.
Different Titles for the Consent Form
The Child Travel Consent Form is also known by several different names, although they all essentially serve the same purpose:
- Minor Travel Consent Form
- Travel Permission Letter
- Parental Consent Form
- Letter for Children Traveling Abroad
Use our Printable Child Travel Consent Form template as a base to help you create your document and give permission to your child to travel without you.
Child Travel Consent Letter Sample
Children traveling with one parent internationally often need a letter of consent. To better understand the structure, wording and elements that you need to include, take a look at this sample Letter of Consent to travel with one parent:
When Do I Need Child Travel Consent
Whenever a minor travels without a parent or guardian, they should have a Child Consent Form.
You should give your child permission when they are going to:
- Travel alone.
- Visiting a parent.
- Visit a family member or friend.
- Travel with a group.
When a child has separated or divorce parents, it is normal for them to travel more often.
It’s also wise to write a Letter of Consent for a child to travel with grandparents, if either of their grandparents will accompany them.
Keep a Minor Travel Consent Form PDF available. This will allow them to see their other parent and maintain the process simple.
How To Write a Consent Letter for a Child To Travel
To write a Consent Letter, you need to understand the proper structure of the document.
We have prepared easy-to-follow instructions below to help you understand how to fill out a Minor Travel Consent Form. With these steps, your can complete your valid travel permission.
- Start by titling the document “Child Consent Form”, to state its purpose
- Include the child's full name and birthdate
- Add travel dates, destinations, and transport details
- List names and relationships of accompanying adults
- Provide names and contact information of both parents or guardians
- Write a clear statement granting permission for the trip
- Include an emergency contact number or email
- Have parents or guardians sign with a notary to validate
Follow the listed steps to ensure your consent letter is complete and meets legal requirements for child travel documentation.
*It is best to have both parents sign the form, although this is not always necessary. However, if both parents sign the form, it is clear to any authorities questioning the child or reviewing the child’s travel itinerary that the travel is authorized.
Do I Need To Notarize a Child Travel Consent Form?
Notarizing a Child Travel Consent Form is generally recommended, especially for international travel or when a child is traveling without both parents. (U.S. Government Guidelines) Here are the key points:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidance: While not always mandatory, CBP suggests having a notarized consent form to prevent issues related to child abduction and trafficking, particularly if the child is traveling with only one parent or a non-parental guardian. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection website)
- International travel: Many countries require a notarized consent letter for minors traveling without both parents. Notarization verifies the authenticity of the consent and helps meet foreign entry requirements.
- Airline policies: Some airlines may require notarized consent forms for minors traveling without both parents. It's advisable to check with the airline and destination country for specific requirements.
In summary, while not always legally required, notarizing a Child Travel Consent Form is prudent to ensure compliance with various travel regulations and to facilitate smooth travel experiences.
A notary can often be found at a bank or local government office. These notaries are usually free or charge a nominal fee for their service.
Child Travel Consent FAQs
We have answered some of the most-asked questions regarding Child Travel Consent Forms.
By doing this, we hope to clarify any doubts you may still have about this document.
Read the answers to the queries below.
For international travel, having both parents’ consent is typically required to prevent child abductions. Check the specific country or airline policies before you travel to be sure.
In certain situations, only one parent’s signature is needed for a Child Travel Consent Form. This applies if one parent has sole custody or the other parent is deceased (a death certificate may be required).
In some cases, a court order will be sufficient to allow such travel outside the country. If the court permits the travel and the other parent does not cooperate, a court order may be obtained from a judge.
When applying for a child’s passport, you need the consent of both parents. (DS-3053)
Minors can travel to the US alone with proper documentation, including a Child Travel Consent Form signed and notarized.
Airlines allow unaccompanied children aged 5+ to fly, however, they usually offer an extra accompaniment service for ages 5-14.
A valid passport is mandatory, and some airlines have additional requirements for minors traveling without parents. Check with our airline beforehand to avoid last-minute stress.
Notarizing a Child Travel Consent Form is strongly recommended for international travel to ensure legitimacy.
U.S. Customs suggests notarization for minors under 16 to prevent issues with authenticity. The notarization requirements vary by country, but notarization increases acceptance by border agents.
Make sure to check the requirements for your destination before you travel. You can generally avoid most problems if your form is notarized.
In the United States, the age at which a child can travel alone varies by mode of transportation.
For airlines, children as young as 5 can fly unaccompanied but must use the Unaccompanied Minor service until ages 12 to 15, depending on the airline.
Amtrak requires children to be 13+, and bus services like Greyhound have stricter policies. Verify rules for the specific carrier before your child travel.
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