A very common form that requires notarization is a Permission to Travel Letter also called a Travel Consent Form. A Travel Consent Form is a letter of permission for travel and is a document where a parent or guardian acknowledges that their minor will be traveling alone or will be accompanied by an adult other than the legal guardian.
When a child is a U.S. citizen and traveling aboard one may need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian.
If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. When a parent is traveling with children it is recommended to have proof of relationship to the child, Travel Consent Letter, and a passport.
Information to Include on a Permission to Travel Letter
Some important information that should be on a Permission to Travel Form or Travel Consent Form should include:
- Your name, address, phone number.
- Name and date of birth of your child.
- Country or countries your child will be travelling to.
- Name of the accompanying adults (if applicable)
- Date of travel.
Some types of forms will request the passport information of the child if applicable. This form can be found online and can also be handwritten. When handwritten it is suggested to have the letter typed. There are many online platforms that will provide the Permission to Travel Form. The information on the form is often not very lengthy and has the above information.
Notarizing a Permission to Travel Document
My notary services are often requested for this form especially during the summer months when families are taking vacations and children are often traveling out of the county to visit family.
A Government issued identification with a photo is required for the notarization to be performed. The signer or signers of the document who require the notarization must personally appear before the notary and be cognizant and aware of what they are signing.
To get your Permission to Travel letter notarized, call 818-357-0208.
Or use the Contact Us form here.
FAQs – Permission to Travel Letters (Travel Consent Forms)
What is a Permission to Travel Letter?
A Permission to Travel Letter, also known as a Travel Consent Form, is a document where a parent or guardian acknowledges that their minor will be traveling alone or will be accompanied by an adult other than the legal guardian. This form is often required when a child is traveling abroad.
When are Permission to Travel Letters required?
A Permission to Travel Letter is typically required when a child is traveling alone or with an adult other than their legal guardian. If the child is a U.S. citizen and traveling abroad, they may need a letter of permission from the other parent. If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent from the other parent.
What information should be included in a Permission to Travel Letter?
A Permission to Travel Letter should include your name, address, phone number, the name and date of birth of your child, the country or countries your child will be traveling to, the name of the accompanying adults (if applicable), and the dates of travel. Some types of forms will request the passport information of the child if applicable.
Can Permission to Travel Letters be handwritten?
Yes, a Permission to Travel Letter can be handwritten, but it is suggested to have the letter typed for clarity and legibility.
Where can I find a Permission to Travel Form?
Permission to Travel Forms can be found online on various platforms that provide legal forms.
Do I need to notarize the Travel Consent Form?
Yes, it is often required to have the Permission to Travel Letter notarized. This is especially important if your child is traveling abroad.
What identification is required for the notarization of a Permission to Travel Letter?
A government-issued identification with a photo is required for the notary to perform the notarization.
Who needs to be present during the notarization of Permission to Travel Letters?
The signer or signers of the document which requires the notarization must personally appear before the notary and be cognizant and aware of what they are signing.
Is a travel consent form necessary for domestic travel within the U.S.?
While it’s not typically required for domestic travel within the U.S., it’s always a good idea to have one if a minor is traveling without both parents. The requirements can vary, so it’s best to check with the relevant authorities or airlines.
What happens if I don’t have a Permission to Travel document for my child?
If you don’t have a Permission to Travel Letter for your child, they may be denied boarding by the airline or entry by the immigration authorities of the country they are traveling to. It’s always best to have all necessary documentation to avoid any potential issues.