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Planning to travel with a child? A notarized travel consent letter authorizes minors to travel with one parent, grandparents, guardians, or other adults, helping you avoid border delays and custody concerns.
About This Service
A travel consent letter (also called a child travel consent form or minor travel authorization) is a document signed by the non-traveling parent(s) or guardian(s) giving explicit permission for a minor child to travel domestically or internationally. This notarized letter helps border officials, airlines, and immigration authorities verify that the child has proper authorization to travel and is not being abducted or trafficked. While not always legally required, travel consent letters are strongly recommended by the Government of Canada, CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency), and most airlines. Border agents have the authority to question any adult traveling with a minor, and having a notarized consent letter can prevent lengthy delays, missed flights, or being denied entry to another country. The letter typically includes parent information, child details, travel itinerary, emergency contacts, and sometimes medical authorization.
Related services you may need: Certified True Copies, Notarizing Signatures, Statutory Declarations
Why It Matters
Border officials worldwide are trained to identify potential child abduction and trafficking situations. When a child travels without both parents, this raises legitimate questions that officials must address. A notarized travel consent letter answers these questions before they're asked, demonstrating that the non-traveling parent has given explicit, verified permission for the trip. The Government of Canada strongly recommends consent letters for any child traveling without both parents. CBSA officers can and do question travelers, and without proper documentation, you may face lengthy interrogations, missed flights, or being turned away at the border. International destinations may have even stricter requirements. The small investment in a notarized consent letter provides peace of mind and helps ensure smooth travel for everyone.
Simple Process
Our straightforward process ensures you get your documents notarized quickly and correctly.
Have the child's passport details, travel dates, destinations, and accompanying adult information ready. The more detail, the better for border officials.
The parent(s) NOT traveling with the child must come in person to sign the consent letter. They cannot sign in advance or have someone else sign for them.
The signing parent presents valid government-issued photo ID. The notary verifies their identity.
Review the consent letter for accuracy, ensure all details are correct, then sign in the presence of the notary.
The Notary Public applies their seal and signature, making the consent letter official. Receive your notarized letter immediately.
Before Your Visit
Please ensure you have the following items when you visit.
Helpful Advice
Follow these tips to ensure a smooth and efficient notarization experience.
Include exact dates, destinations, flight numbers if known, and the full name of the accompanying adult. Vague letters may not satisfy border officials.
Add phone numbers and email addresses for both the traveling and non-traveling parent. This allows officials to verify if they have concerns.
Bring the child's birth certificate, custody orders if applicable, and proof of relationship to the child along with the consent letter.
Don't wait until the last minute. Get the consent letter notarized at least a few days before travel to avoid rush situations.
Is This For You?
This service is commonly needed by the following groups.
When one parent travels with children, a consent letter from the other parent is essential to avoid custody-related questions at the border.
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives taking children on trips need written consent from both parents.
Adults traveling with children who are not their own need explicit, notarized authorization from the parents.
Teachers, coaches, and group leaders taking minors on trips abroad need consent letters from all parents.
Even if you have sole custody, carrying court documents and a notarized letter explaining the situation helps avoid border complications.
Transparent Pricing
Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
Travel consent letter (one child)
Standard letter
Additional children (same letter)
Each additional child
Multiple trips/dates letter
Extended authorization
Medical authorization included
With medical consent
While travel consent letters are not legally required in Canada, the Government of Canada and CBSA strongly recommend them. Many countries have stricter requirements and may deny entry to minors without proper documentation. This letter provides evidence of parental consent and can be crucial in preventing border complications or allegations of child abduction.
Common Questions
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Official certification that a copy matches the original document. Commonly needed for immigration, education, and employment purposes.
Witnessing and authenticating signatures on important documents such as contracts, agreements, and legal papers.
Swearing or affirming statements of fact for name changes, lost documents, relationship status, and more.
Book your travel consent appointment today. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours.