--- title: "Child Travel Consent Letter: What to Include | MCC Solutions" description: "Names, dates, destination, contacts and parent signatures: what a notarized child travel consent letter should say. Book an online notary in NJ." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/child-travel-consent-letter-what-to-include" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Child Travel Consent Letter: What to Include When a child travels without both parents, a consent letter can prevent questions at the airport or border. There is no single required form, but a clear, complete letter works best. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** Border officers and airline staff want to be sure a child is not being taken without permission, so a consent letter from the absent parent or parents helps show the trip is approved. There is no single required form, but a clear, complete letter works best. 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 to expect at a HELOC signing](/notary/guides/heloc-signing-what-to-expect) · [NJ notary fees](/notary/fees) · [How long a notary keeps the journal](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) **Free tools:** [Apostille or embassy legalization?](/notary/apostille-finder) · [Child travel consent letter](/notary/child-travel-consent-letter) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Why families use the letter Border officers and airline staff want to be sure a child is not being taken without permission. When a minor travels with one parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a coach or alone, a letter from the absent parent or parents helps show that the trip is approved. Need this notarized? [Get it notarized online by a New Jersey notary over video](/notary/remote-online-notarization). Some countries require one in specific situations. Check the destination's official travel pages and your airline's policy. Think about who will read the letter. It may be a border officer, an airline agent or a hotel clerk, and none of them knows your family. Plain, complete facts help them. ## Information about the child List the child's full legal name, date of birth, place of birth and passport number with country of issue. Use the same spelling as the passport. If the child has dual citizenship, list both passports if both will be used. A photocopy of the passport's information page can be attached. Add the child's address and, if possible, a recent photo. A photo is not a legal requirement, but it can help an officer match the child to the papers. ## Information about the trip State the destination, travel dates, airline or transport method, and the address where the child will stay. If dates may change, add a reasonable window. A letter that is too vague can raise more questions than it answers. Name the adult traveling with the child and describe the relationship. If the child travels with a school group, name the group leader and attach the program itinerary. One letter can cover the whole trip. ## 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) ## Information about the parents Include each consenting parent's full name, address, phone number and email. Add a statement that the parent gives permission for the child to travel as described. Include the parent's contact number for questions, and make sure that phone is answered during the trip. Attach a copy of the parent's photo ID if the destination requests it. ## Signing and notarization Each consenting parent signs the letter. Many families have the signature notarized, because a notary confirms the signer's identity and willingness. Notarization is common for international travel, though not always required. The notary will need the parent present with ID. Do not sign ahead of time. For a jurat or acknowledgment, the signer must appear before the notary. ## Carrying the documents Carry the original letter, copies of both parents' IDs if available, the child's birth certificate and any custody papers. Keep digital copies on a phone too. The letter does not promise entry or boarding, but it answers common questions quickly. Ask the airline and destination for current requirements before you leave. Check the airline's own policy for unaccompanied minors. Some airlines have their own forms and age limits that apply no matter what your letter says. ## Common questions **Does the letter expire?** Letters are usually written for a specific trip. Some agencies like recent dates, so a new letter for each trip is safer. **Is a notarized letter legally required?** It depends on the destination and carrier. Many families get one to avoid problems even when it is only recommended. ## More notary guides - [Child Travel Consent for Divorced or Separated Parents](/notary/guides/child-travel-consent-for-divorced-or-separated-parents) - [What ID do you need to get something notarized?](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary) - [Passport for a Minor When a Parent Is Unavailable](/notary/guides/passport-for-a-minor-when-a-parent-is-unavailable) 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)[### 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. 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