--- title: "What a Child Travel Consent Letter Should Include | MCC" description: "A notarized travel consent letter helps a child travel without both parents. See the details to include and how the notarization works." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/child-travel-consent-letter-contents" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # What a Child Travel Consent Letter Should Include A child traveling with one parent, a grandparent, a coach or a friend may be asked to show a consent letter at borders or airlines. A notarized one adds confidence that the signing parent is who they claim to be. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** A child travel consent letter names the child, with date of birth and passport number if known, the parent or parents granting consent, the traveling adult, the destination and travel dates, and the parents' contact details. Some letters add a line permitting medical care. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [What ID you need for a notary](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary) · [What to expect at a HELOC signing](/notary/guides/heloc-signing-what-to-expect) · [NJ notary fees](/notary/fees) **Free tools:** [Can I get this notarized online?](/notary/can-i-notarize-online) · [Apostille or embassy legalization?](/notary/apostille-finder) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Basic contents The letter names the child, with date of birth and passport number if known, the parent or parents granting consent, the traveling adult, the destination and the travel dates. It should include the parents' contact details. Some letters add a line permitting medical care while away. No two countries or airlines have identical rules. Check the destination's current entry requirements. ## Which parent signs If two parents share custody, both should sign unless one has sole authority under a court order. If only one parent signs, bring supporting papers such as a custody order or a death certificate. The notary does not assess custody. They only handle signing. Need this notarized? [Get it notarized online by a New Jersey notary over video](/notary/remote-online-notarization). Each signing parent must show valid ID. ## Notary steps The parent appears, shows ID and signs with the notary observing, or acknowledges the signature. A certificate follows, either an acknowledgment or a jurat depending on the form. They record the act in the journal. If a parent is abroad, remote notarization or a consulate may be an alternative. Do not ask the notary to certify the letter's accuracy. That is not part of the role. ## Get it notarized online today Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment. **What you need** - A valid government photo ID - A computer or phone with a camera - The unsigned document [Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order) Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording) Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers) ## Carry and timing The traveling adult should carry the original letter, a copy of each parent's ID, and the child's passport. Many travelers also bring a copy of the birth certificate. Keep photos on a phone for backup. Some letters are valid for one trip, others for a set period. Write the dates clearly and renew when needed. ## Related documents A passport application for a young child has its own consent form. Some trips also require a notarized letter for medical care, visas or invitations. Ask your carrier, the destination's embassy and the child's school as needed. MCC Solutions offers child travel consent signings at flexible times. ## Scenario: a grandparent taking a grandchild abroad A grandmother is taking her granddaughter on a two-week trip. The child's parents write a letter that names her, lists the dates and itinerary, includes the child's passport details, and permits emergency medical care. Both parents sign before a notary. The grandmother carries the original, a copy of each parent's ID, the child's passport and the birth certificate. At the airline counter she is asked about the relationship, and the documents answer the question. If one parent is deceased or has sole custody, she also carries the death certificate or the custody order. Airlines and border officers may ask different questions, so having more documents than needed is better than fewer. Check the destination's current entry rules for minors well before the trip. Think about the return leg as well. If the child may fly back with a different adult, or if plans may change, say so in the letter, or sign a second letter for that leg. Border and airline staff read what is in front of them and may not accept an oral explanation. Keep the contact numbers current and make sure each parent can answer calls while the child is away. ## Common questions **Is a notarized letter required for all travel?** Not always. Rules depend on the route and the carrier. **Can I email the letter?** Bring the signed original. Digital copies are a backup. **Does it expire?** The letter's own dates control. Some countries want letters signed recently. ## More notary guides - [Child Travel Consent for Divorced or Separated Parents](/notary/guides/child-travel-consent-for-divorced-or-separated-parents) - [Child Travel Consent Letter: What to Include](/notary/guides/child-travel-consent-letter-what-to-include) - [Passport Consent Form DS-3053 for Minors: How It Works](/notary/guides/passport-consent-form-ds-3053-for-minors) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Child Travel Consent Notarization Notarize a minor travel consent letter when a child travels abroad with one parent, relatives or a school group. Mobile and online options in New Jersey. Child travel consent →](/notary/child-travel-consent)[### Passport Consent Form (DS-3053) When a parent can't attend a child's passport appointment, Form DS-3053 must be notarized. Mobile or online notary in NJ, with an ID copy for the application. Passport consent →](/notary/passport-consent-form)[### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### Child Travel Consent Kit The letter airlines and border officers may ask for, filled in once and signed in front of a notary. [See what's inside ($12)](/toolkits/child-travel-consent-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/child-travel-consent-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)