Child Travel Consent Form
Put your permission for your child's trip in writing, with the travel dates, destinations and the adult in charge, so airlines and border officers have what they need to see.
Includes 30 days of edits
- 5 to 20 minutes
- Print-ready PDF
What is a Child Travel Consent Form?
A child travel consent form is a signed statement from a parent or legal guardian confirming that a child under 18 has permission to travel. It identifies the child, the parents or guardians giving consent, the adult the child will travel with, and where and when the trip will take place.
Children often travel without both parents: with one parent, with grandparents, with a school or sports group, or on an airline's unaccompanied minor service. Airlines, cruise lines and border officials, both in the United States and abroad, may ask the accompanying adult to show that the absent parent agreed to the trip. A clear, signed and notarized consent form can prevent delays and help show that the trip is authorized.
This form can also let the traveling adult approve emergency medical care while the child is away and lists the contact details officials or caregivers may need. It covers a single trip and does not change custody or any court order.
When to use it
- Your child is traveling abroad with only one parent, and the other parent is staying home.
- Grandparents, relatives or family friends are taking your child on a vacation.
- Your child is going on a school, church, scouting or sports trip with chaperones.
- Your child is flying alone as an unaccompanied minor and will be met at the destination.
- You share custody and want a written record that both parents agreed to a trip.
What is included
- Details of each child traveling, including passport numbers for international trips
- Contact details for every consenting parent or guardian
- Statement of legal custody
- Traveling companion, group chaperones or unaccompanied minor arrangements
- Departure and return dates, destinations, lodging and travel methods
- Optional authorization for emergency medical treatment, with insurance details
- Health information, special instructions and an emergency contact
- Limited duration and revocation terms
- Parent signatures, acknowledgment by the traveling adults and an optional notary block
How to make your Travel Consent
Answer the questions
Tell us about the parties and the terms you want. Most documents take about 5 to 20 minutes.
Review the preview
Check the draft as you go and change any answer. The document updates instantly.
Download, sign and keep a copy
Download a print-ready PDF, sign it with the other parties, and give everyone a copy.
Frequently asked questions
Is a child travel consent form required by law?
There is no single US law requiring one for every trip, but airlines, cruise lines and immigration authorities can ask for proof that a minor traveling without both parents has permission. Many foreign countries and Canada's border officers routinely recommend or request a signed consent letter, so carrying one is a common precaution.
Does the form need to be notarized?
Notarization is not always required, but many airlines, border officials and foreign governments give more weight to a notarized letter because it confirms the signer's identity. Some countries do require notarization or additional certification for a minor entering without both parents. Check the entry rules of every country on the itinerary before you travel.
Do both parents need to sign?
When both parents share legal custody, it is best for both to sign, including the parent who is traveling with the child. If you have sole legal custody or the other parent has died, this form lets you say so, and it is wise to carry a copy of the custody order or death certificate as supporting proof.
Does my child need this form when traveling with me inside the US?
Usually no one checks for consent on domestic trips with a parent, but it can still help, particularly if you and the other parent are separated or have different last names from the child. For domestic trips with grandparents or other adults, a consent form with a medical authorization is very useful.
What documents should travel with the form?
Bring the child's passport or other identification, a copy of the child's birth certificate, copies of the consenting parents' IDs, and any custody or guardianship orders. For international trips, check whether the destination country requires a visa or its own consent form.
Can I use one form for several children?
Yes. This form lets you list every child traveling on the same trip with the same companion. If siblings are traveling with different adults or on different dates, prepare a separate form for each trip.
Does this form let the adult approve medical care?
Only if you choose that option. The form can authorize the traveling adult to consent to emergency and necessary medical, dental or hospital care when you cannot be reached in time. Hospitals may still have their own consent paperwork, so include insurance information and a working phone number.
Does a travel consent form change custody?
No. It gives permission for one trip and temporary supervision during that trip. It does not change legal custody, parenting time or any court order. If a court order limits travel, follow that order and get the court's or the other parent's approval as the order requires.
