Notarized Travel Consent Letter for a Minor

When a minor travels internationally without both parents, border agents typically require a notarized consent letter. Here's the proper format.

A travel consent letter authorizes a minor to travel with one parent, a relative, or unaccompanied. It must include the minor's full legal name and date of birth, both parents' names and contact information, travel dates, destination, and accompanying adult (if any).

Both parents should sign — even when only one is traveling — and both signatures must be notarized. Single parents with sole custody should attach a certified copy of the custody order.

For travel to Hague Convention countries, the consent letter may need to be apostilled. Mexico, Costa Rica, and South Africa enforce minor-travel documentation strictly at entry.