The essential guide to child travel consent forms and why every parent needs one before traveling
Imagine this: You've packed the bags, printed the boarding passes, and arrived at the airport early for your family's dream vacation. Then a TSA agent asks, "Where's your child travel consent form?"
You don't have one. You've never even heard of one. Suddenly, your vacation is in jeopardy—and there's nothing you can do about it at the airport.
This scenario happens more often than you'd think, especially during busy holiday travel seasons. Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, traveling with a child when both parents aren't present can trigger questions from authorities.
The good news? This nightmare is completely preventable with a simple, notarized child travel consent form.
Understanding the legal requirements and when this document is essential
Border authorities and airlines take child safety seriously. A consent form proves that the non-traveling parent(s) have given permission for the child to travel.
This protects children from potential kidnapping or custody disputes and helps authorities identify suspicious travel situations.
While not always legally required for domestic U.S. travel, consent forms are highly recommended and may be requested by TSA or airline staff.
For international travel, many countries require notarized consent forms when a child travels without both parents.
Single Parent Travel
One parent traveling with children
Grandparent Travel
Grandparents or relatives with children
School Trips
Children traveling with teachers or chaperones
Unaccompanied Minors
Children flying alone
A proper child travel consent form should include:
Complete legal name as it appears on their ID or passport
Full names, contact information, and relationship to child
Name and contact info of the adult traveling with the child
Specific dates and locations where the child will travel
Official notary seal and signature to verify authenticity
Don't wait until the last minute. Get your child travel consent form notarized well before your departure date to avoid any holiday travel headaches.
We'll come to your home or office to notarize your travel consent forms—fast, convenient, and stress-free
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