Free minor travel consent form

What the form covers

• The parent or parents giving consent, with contact details
• The child: name, date and place of birth, passport number, issue date and country
• Who the child travels with, their passport details and relationship to the child
• Where the child is going, where they will stay, and the travel dates
• Signatures, and space for the notary's certificate

Does it need to be notarized?

Usually no law requires it. Officers and airline agents are who ask for it, and a notarized letter is the one they trust. Canada's government puts it this way: "it is strongly recommended that a notary public witness sign it."

Bring the original. Canada's government warns that "border officials may not accept photocopies or digital versions."

Who signs?

The parent who is not travelling signs in front of the notary. If the child travels with someone who is not a parent, both parents sign. A parent with sole custody signs alone and carries the court order.

→ Full California rules: minor travel consent letter signing requirements

Will they accept it at the border?

No letter is guaranteed. Canada's government says it "may not always be considered sufficient by a country's immigration authorities."

• Canada: not legally required, but recommended for any child under 19 travelling without both parents. Officials, airlines and foreign immigration may ask for it. (travel.gc.ca, checked 2026-10-31)
• Mexico: children who are Mexican citizens or residents need a Mexican minor travel consent form or a notarized consent to leave Mexico without a guardian (travel.gc.ca's Mexico page, checked 2026-10-31). Dual US-Mexican citizens are treated as Mexican. For a US-citizen child visiting Mexico, check the State Department's Mexico page before you go.
• Airlines and cruise lines: they set their own rules. Check with yours before you travel.

Before you book the notary

• Fill in everything except the signatures

• Bring the child's passport, so the number matches

• The signing parent brings a valid photo ID

• Sole custody: bring a copy of the court order. A deceased parent: bring the death certificate

Common questions