Notarized Travel Consent Letter for a Minor

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By the notaries at Mar Vista Cheap Mobile Notary, commissioned by the California Secretary of State · Updated October 26, 2026 · Sources: California Notary Public Handbook (Secretary of State, 2026), Civil Code § 1189, Government Code § 8202

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What to include

• The child’s full name, date of birth and passport number
• The name of the adult(s) the child is traveling with, and their relationship to the child
• Destination(s), travel dates and flight or itinerary details
• A clear statement that the parent(s) consent to the trip
• The non-traveling parent’s name, address and phone number
• Optionally, authorization for the traveling adult to consent to emergency medical care

The letter is yours to write (a notary can’t draft it), but there are many reputable templates, and some airlines and countries publish their own forms.

Who signs, and how it’s notarized

• Usually the parent or parents who aren’t traveling. If both parents are staying home (a child flying with grandparents), both should sign.
• Each signer needs acceptable ID. Parents can sign separately, even on different days.
• The letter needs an acknowledgment or a jurat; if your template has notarial wording, we complete it. If not, you choose (see acknowledgment vs. jurat). If it’s a sworn statement, sign in front of the notary.
• If a parent has sole custody, carry the custody order too.

International travel tips

• Mexico and Canada both have specific rules for minors; Mexico’s apply especially to children who are Mexican citizens or residents. Check the destination country’s consulate site well before the trip.
• Apostille. Some countries want the consent letter apostilled. After notarization, we can take it through the apostille process.
• Translation. A Spanish or other translation alongside the English letter can help at foreign borders.
• Passports for children under 16 need both parents’ consent; if one can’t appear, that’s a separate form: DS-3053.

Leaving a child with a relative: the Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit

If a child will live with a relative or other caregiver while parents are away, California’s Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit (Family Code § 6550) lets the caregiver enroll the child in school and, for relatives, consent to medical care. It’s signed by the caregiver under penalty of perjury and doesn’t need to be notarized. A school or doctor can’t require more than the form itself. For trips, use a travel consent letter instead; for longer arrangements or when parents can’t be reached, talk to an attorney about guardianship.

Common questions

Does a travel consent letter need to be notarized?

It isn’t legally required by the U.S., but notarization is strongly recommended, and some countries and airlines expect it.

Do both parents need to sign a travel consent letter?

Usually the non-traveling parent signs. If neither parent is traveling, both should sign.

Can you notarize a travel consent letter the day before a flight?

Yes. We offer same-day and late-night appointments across Los Angeles County.