Traveling with Kids This Holiday? Don’t Forget the Consent Form!
The flights are booked. The suitcases are packed. The presents are wrapped. But if you are a parent, grandparent, or guardian traveling with a minor this holiday season, there is one critical document you might have missed: The Minor Travel Consent Form.
It is a nightmare scenario: You arrive at the airport excited for your family vacation, only to be stopped by an airline agent or border patrol officer asking for proof that you have permission to travel with the child.
When Do You Need This Form? While not every airline asks for it every time, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends a notarized consent letter in these common situations:
Solo Parents: If a child is traveling with only one parent (especially internationally).
Grandparents & Relatives: If a child is traveling with adults who are not their legal guardians.
Friends: If your child is bringing a friend along for the family trip.
What Does the Form Say? A standard consent form is simple. It proves that the parent(s) not traveling have given official permission for the trip. It typically includes:
The child’s name and birth date.
Travel dates and destinations.
The name of the accompanying adult.
A Notarized Signature from the non-traveling parent(s).
Don’t Leave it to Chance You don’t want to be the person frantically Googling "mobile notary near me" from the airport terminal.
At Cactus Seal Notary, we can meet you at your home or office before you head to Sky Harbor. It takes less than 15 minutes to notarize a consent form, giving you total peace of mind for your journey.