Do I Need a Notarized Letter to Travel With My Child?

If you are planning to travel with your child, you may have heard about a travel consent letter. Many parents in Ontario, especially in Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto, ask us: Do I really need a notarized letter to travel with my child? The answer is yes — in most cases, a consent letter is strongly recommended and sometimes required.

A consent letter is a legal document that shows you have permission from the other parent or guardian to travel with your child. Whether you are travelling within Canada or internationally, having this document can save you from stressful situations at the border or airport. Let’s explore what a travel consent letter is, why it is needed, and what should be included.

What is a Consent Letter for Travel?

A consent letter for travel is a written document signed by one or both parents (or guardians) giving permission for a child to travel. If a child is travelling alone, with only one parent, or with another adult (like a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend), a consent letter is usually required.

This letter helps prove to border officials that the child has not been taken away without the knowledge or permission of the parent or guardian. It’s an important safety measure to prevent child abduction and custody disputes.

What Does a Consent Letter Do?

The main function of a consent letter is to show legal permission. It acts as proof that both parents or guardians are aware of the travel plans and agree to them. Even if you have sole custody, some airlines and border officers may still request proof that the other parent is aware of the child’s travel.

Without a consent letter, you may face:

• Delays at the border.

• Extra questioning from immigration officials.

• Denial of entry into another country.

For example, if you are travelling from Toronto Pearson Airport to the United States with your child, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers often ask for a consent letter if only one parent is present. Having a notarized letter can make the process smooth and stress-free.

Do I Need the Letter Notarized?

While a consent letter can technically be written and signed without notarization, it is strongly recommended to notarize it with a notary public in Ontario. A notarized letter carries much more weight and is widely trusted by border officials around the world.

Why? Because when a notary public notarizes the letter, they:

• Verify the identity of the parent signing the letter.

• Confirm the signature is genuine.

• Attach their official seal, making the document legally recognized.

Border officers are more likely to accept a notarized consent letter without question. This is why parents in Brampton and Mississauga often choose to draft and notarize their travel consent letters with us before their trip.

Why Do I Need a Travel Consent Letter?

You need a consent letter because it provides legal proof of permission. Many countries require it before allowing a child to enter, especially if they are not travelling with both parents.

Here are the main reasons why you should always carry a consent letter:

1. Border and airline requirements – Immigration and airline staff may refuse boarding or entry if the letter is missing.

2. Preventing child abduction concerns – Authorities want to make sure the child has not been taken against the wishes of a parent.

3. Court and custody protection – If custody is shared, the letter shows both parents agreed to the travel.

4. Peace of mind – It prevents unnecessary delays and questioning, especially when travelling abroad.

What Needs to Be in a Travel Consent Letter?

A proper travel consent letter must include clear and complete details. This ensures it is legally valid and accepted by officials. In Ontario, most consent letters include:

• The child’s full name, date of birth, and passport details.

• The names and contact information of both parents or guardians.

• The name and relationship of the adult travelling with the child (if not a parent).

• Details of the trip: destination, dates of travel, and flight information.

• A statement confirming that the parent(s) give permission for the child to travel.

• The signature of the parent(s) giving consent.

• Notarization by a notary public in Ontario

Having the letter notarized removes any doubt about its authenticity. This is why parents often ask a notary public in Brampton to draft and notarize their consent letters before travelling.

Who Needs a Consent Letter?

You need a consent letter in the following situations:

• A child travelling with one parent only (the other parent is not coming).

• A child travelling with grandparents, relatives, or family friends.

• A child travelling alone (unaccompanied minor).

Even when both parents have joint custody, a consent letter is usually required if one parent is not travelling.

Example Situations in Ontario

• Divorced parents – If a divorced father wants to take his child on vacation outside Canada, he will need a consent letter signed by the mother.

• Grandparent trip – If grandparents in Brampton are taking their grandchild to India, they need a notarized letter signed by both parents.

• Unaccompanied minor – If a teenager is flying alone to visit relatives in the U.S., the airline and border officers will require a notarized consent letter.

Drafting a Travel Consent Letter in Ontario

Many parents are unsure how to properly write a consent letter. That’s why notary public offices in Ontario, including Brampton, often provide drafting services. We draft consent letters that include all the necessary information and meet both Canadian and international travel requirements.

The process is simple:

1. Contact our office – We ask for the child’s details, travel information, and the names of the parents or guardians.

2. Draft the letter – We prepare a professional travel consent letter that meets legal standards.

3. Sign and notarize – The parent(s) sign the letter in front of the notary public, who verifies the identity and notarizes the document.

This ensures that your letter is complete, legally recognized, and accepted worldwide.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Consent Letter?

The process is quick. If you already have the details ready, the letter can often be drafted and notarized in the same appointment. Many parents book an appointment with our in-person notary in Brampton or use our online notary service in Ontario for added convenience.

A notarized travel consent letter is an essential document when travelling with a child. It proves legal permission from both parents or guardians and prevents delays at the border. Without one, you risk being denied boarding or entry into another country.

At our office, we draft and notarize travel consent letters for parents, guardians, and families in Brampton and across Ontario. Whether you need an in-person appointment or prefer an online notary service, we make sure your letter is legally valid and accepted worldwide.

Travel with peace of mind knowing your child’s documents are prepared correctly.