A minor (child) travel consent form shows that a child has permission to travel without both parents or legal guardians. It’s required when a child is traveling alone, with just one parent, or with someone who isn’t their guardian, whether domestically or internationally. This form helps prevent travel issues by providing clear proof of parental or guardian consent.
- Purpose of a Child Travel Consent Form
- Do I Need a Minor Travel Consent Form for My Child?
- Minor Travel Consent Form Checklist
- How to Write a Child Travel Consent Form
- What if a Child Travels Alone?
- What if a Child Travels With One Parent?
- What if a Child Travels With a Legal Guardian?
- Child Travel Consent Form Sample
Purpose of a Child Travel Consent Form
A child travel consent form keeps your child safe and prevents a parent or legal guardian from obstructing the other’s custodial rights. Even if you have a court order that prevents the departure of your child from the US, their other parent or guardian may attempt to do so.
Filling out a child travel consent form can help ensure that an airline only lets your child go on approved trips. It provides peace of mind and ensures that an adult has the authority to go with the child and make necessary decisions for them during a trip.
A consent form for a traveling child is useful when a minor travels:
- by themselves
- with a group, such as a religious, musical, sports, or school group
- with only one legal guardian or parent (instead of their entire family unit)
- in the care of a family friend or relative
- in the care of a daycare provider (which may also require a daycare contract)
Do I Need a Minor Travel Consent Form for My Child?
Even if your state’s age of majority is higher (like 21 in Mississippi or 19 in Alabama), airlines usually define a minor as anyone under 18.
Therefore, if your child is under 18, most airlines will require a consent form, especially for international travel or if the child is traveling alone or with someone who isn’t their legal guardian.
Special age groups (like 5-12 or 5-14, depending on the airline) may require additional unaccompanied minor procedures in addition to a consent form.
Minor Travel Consent Form Checklist
Before you complete a minor travel consent form, follow these steps to create a smooth travel experience for your child:
- Collect the child’s and accompanying adult’s personal information.
- Confirm the trip details, including the destination and travel dates.
- Review the airline’s requirements for travel consent forms and notarization.
- Check with the US embassy for the country of your child’s destination to determine the entry and exit requirements. [1]
- Check guardianship arrangements and ensure all legal guardians provide consent for the trip.
- Prepare information for an emergency contact.
- Schedule an appointment with a notary public if needed and ensure all relevant parties will be present for signing.
Requirements from USA.gov
Here are the requirements from USA.gov for US-citizen children traveling:
- Outside the US: A US passport, a notarized letter of consent written in English, and an unaccompanied minor form and fee (if applicable; check with your airline beforehand).
- To Canada or Mexico: A US passport or Trusted Traveler Program card, a notarized letter of consent written in English, and an unaccompanied minor form and fee (if applicable).
How to Write a Child Travel Consent Form
Review a summary of how to write a consent form for a traveling child:
- Provide your child’s basic information. This information includes their name, birthdate, birthplace, passport details, and birth certificate details.
- Write your information as the parent or guardian. Include your phone number and home address. Input the information of both parents and guardians, if applicable.
- Include the name of the person traveling with the child. Record their name, relationship to the child, and passport information.
- Provide the trip details. Clarify the travel destination, travel dates, travel purpose, and address at the destination.
- Explain if the escort has the right to seek medical attention. You may complete a separate child medical consent form to be more thorough about the medical decisions the escort may make.
- Provide the information of an emergency contact person. Consider electing a second emergency contact person.
- Include your child’s medical insurance and health information. This way, the accompanying person can seek medical attention and make informed decisions if you give them the authority.
What if a Child Travels Alone?
If a child needs to travel alone, they must follow different protocols depending on whether they’re traveling within or outside their home country:
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Domestic Travel: On some airlines, children who are 15 or older can fly domestically without unaccompanied minor procedures. [2]
- Children between the ages of five and 14 (or five and 12 if the airline has less strict requirements) must follow the airline’s unaccompanied minor procedures. They may have to provide child travel documents and consent forms and have a personnel escort to the gate.
- International Travel: A child traveling alone across country borders needs a passport. They may also need a visa and other travel documents, like a parental consent form. Determine what documentation your child needs before planning their trip, as countries have varying minor travel requirements. [3]
What if a Child Travels With One Parent?
Here are some instances when a child may travel with just one parent:
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If You’re Separated or Divorced: If you’re legally separated or divorced, you can review your custody agreement to determine if it has any child travel restrictions.
- If one lawful custodial parent needs to travel with the child, the traveling parent should obtain written consent from the other custodial parent.
- Maintain open communication with all guardians and parents. Solidify your agreements on your child traveling with a parenting plan.
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If You Have Sole Custody: You can carry a copy of the court custody document when you travel alone with your child. This document shows that you have sole custody and don’t require consent from another person.
- If you’re the sole parent because your spouse is deceased, you can carry a copy of their death certificate to show authorities you’re the only parent responsible for your child.
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If the Other Parent Has Another Obligation: Even if a child’s parents are still together, both of them might not always be available to accompany the child. A child travel consent form shows that the absent parent agrees to the arrangement.
- While this document may not be required in this case, it can reduce airport delays and prevent complications.
What if a Child Travels With a Legal Guardian?
Legal guardians have parental rights, so they likely won’t need legal authorization for minor travel. They have the authority to make decisions for the child and go with them while traveling. Some cases may require the guardian to have a child travel consent form, such as when the guardian:
- travels without the child’s other legal guardian
- has a different last name than the child
- is bound to a court order or custody arrangement that restricts their authority
- travels on an airline with unique requirements
Legal Guardian vs. Attorney-in-Fact
An individual who is an attorney-in-fact for a child via a minor power of attorney may have specific decision-making powers. However, they won’t have the same broad scope of authority as a legal guardian.
Child Travel Consent Form Sample
Download a child travel consent form in PDF or Word format below:
