Notarizing Travel Consent Letters for Minors: What Parents Need to Know

If your child is travelling without one or both parents—whether for a family vacation, a school trip, or to visit relatives abroad—you may need to prepare a Travel Consent Letter. While not always mandatory under Canadian law, this document is often required by airlines, customs, and border officials—especially when your child is travelling internationally. In many situations, the letter must also be notarized to be accepted.

Understanding the importance of this document and how notarization works will help ensure your child’s journey goes smoothly without unexpected issues at the airport or border.

What Is a Travel Consent Letter?

A Travel Consent Letter is a legal document that confirms a child has permission to travel without one or both of their legal guardians or parents. It’s commonly used in situations where the child is:

• Travelling alone

• Travelling with only one parent

• Travelling with extended family, friends, or teachers

Even though Canada does not legally require this letter, it is strongly recommended by the Government of Canada, especially for international travel. Many other countries and airlines treat it as mandatory.

When Is A Travel Consent Letter Needed?

Consent letters are most commonly requested when a child under 18 is crossing international borders. For example, if your child is travelling to the United States or Europe with just one parent or a guardian, border officers may stop and ask for proof that both parents are aware of and agree to the travel.

Some scenarios where the letter is important include:

• A single parent travelling with a child

• A minor going on a school trip abroad

• Children travelling with family friends or grandparents

• Separated or divorced parents with custody arrangements

Having this document can help avoid delays, questioning, or even denial of entry at the destination.

Why Notarization of Travel Consent Is Important

A notarized travel consent letter offers legal assurance that the signature on the document is authentic and was signed voluntarily. This adds credibility and helps prove that:

• The parent or guardian personally signed the letter

• The signature was witnessed by a licensed notary public

• The contents of the document are truthful and legally binding

Many foreign immigration officers will not accept a simple, unsigned letter. A notarized version reduces complications and is more likely to be recognized at borders.

What Should Be Included in a Travel Consent Letter?

To be valid and clear, the travel letter should include the following details:

• Child’s full name and date of birth

• Names and contact information of both parents or guardians

• Name of the accompanying adult (if applicable)

• Destination(s), travel dates, and purpose of the trip

• A clear statement giving permission for the child to travel

• Signatures of the consenting parent(s), dated

Attaching a copy of the child’s passport and the signing parent's photo ID is also helpful.

Document Checklist: What to Bring to Your Notary Appointment

When visiting Dodo Notary to notarize your travel consent letter, here’s what you need:

• A typed consent letter (We can provide a template if needed)

• Valid government-issued photo ID for the signing parent(s)

• A copy of the child’s passport or birth certificate (optional but recommended)

• If both parents are signing, both should be present; otherwise, each parent can sign and notarize separately

We also offer online notarization if you're unable to visit our Brampton office in person. It’s a quick and easy process conducted via video call.

While it may seem like a small detail, a notarized travel consent letter can make a big difference when your child is travelling without you. It shows that everything is done legally and with parental consent, helping avoid unnecessary stress and hold-ups at the airport.

Get a peace of mind knowing your document is handled by professionals.