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Child travel consent form: Definition and key elements.
Learn to create a child travel consent form for your kid’s next trip.
Airlines and local authorities are required to keep your child safe from any danger or potential harm. One of their safety precautions is checking that your child is permitted to fly, especially if a parent or legal guardian is not present. That’s why you should write a minor travel consent form before your child arrives at the airport.
A travel consent form permits a minor to travel without a parent or legal guardian present, whether domestically or internationally. The written form should contain travel details, emergency contact information, home address, and other pertinent details to ensure your child has a safe and swift journey.
However, a travel consent form for minors is not one-size-fits-all for every child. You will find generalized templates online, but you’ll need to specify and edit these templates to apply them to your specific family. Here’s everything you need to know about child travel consent forms so your kid can travel safely without interruption.
What is a child travel consent form?
A child travel consent form is a legal document that grants permission for a minor to travel without a parent or legal guardian. It usually includes information like home address, parental or guardian contact information, trip details, medical information, and more.
Most airlines prefer minor travel consent forms since they take child safety very seriously. You do not want your child (or their travel companion, if they have one) to be subjected to excessive questioning. The form proves that your child is not at risk of being abducted and that they are permitted to fly alone or with another adult.
Rules and entry requirements as to whether your child can fly without a travel consent form vary from airline to airline and country to country, so be sure to check ahead of time. If you’ve already written and saved your travel consent form, you can edit a PDF online to make those updates to ensure the information is accurate and up to date.
Plus, taking the time to write a consent form and have it notarized can save everyone a lot of time and stress. If your child ends up separated from their travel companion, the form serves as legal documentation that protects your child. Your kid is looking forward to an incredible trip, so a written and signed PDF form means they won’t face any delays at security or customs.
Don’t forget to include any medical needs or emergency information on your consent form. It can quickly alert authorities to complications and provide your contact information in case of an emergency.
What’s in a minor travel consent form?
Your minor travel consent form should include all the necessary details to protect your child. Checking the airline and entry requirements ahead of time can make all the difference in whether your child is permitted to fly or not. You don’t want them to miss out on an important life experience.
Here are some of the most common details that should be included on your child’s travel consent form:
- Your child’s full name, date of birth, and passport number
- The parent or guardian’s consent and contact information
- Details about the destination, travel dates, purpose of travel, and travel method
- Name and relationship of the adult traveling with the child, if applicable
- An emergency contact number and address
- Any medical information, if applicable
Note that the travel consent form is only valid for the trip specified on the form. The same travel consent form cannot be reused and needs to be updated for each new journey. You can edit a travel consent PDF form so your child has the most relevant details for their trip.
Additionally, remember to customize the travel consent form depending on whether your child is traveling alone or with another adult. Be sure to include their companion’s information, whether that’s a relative, a grandparent, a coach, a teacher, or a family friend. If the child is traveling as part of a group or organization, like a church or school group, be sure to include that information as well.
You can create a travel consent form by searching “travel consent form for minor PDF,” but be sure to use a fillable PDF form in Adobe Acrobat so it’s easier for you to write and fill in the most accurate information. Check out how to fill out a PDF form so the document looks presentable and you don’t miss important details.
When is a child travel consent form needed?
Are you wondering if it’s even necessary to fill out a child travel consent form? In most cases of a child traveling alone, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Travel requirements for minors vary from airline to airline. So, check the airline’s policy and the destination’s entry requirements ahead of time, ensuring your child faces zero issues on their travel journey.
Here are the specific instances where creating a minor travel consent form is required.
Domestic travel
For domestic travel, a consent form is recommended if the child is traveling solo or with an adult who is neither a parent nor a guardian. Although TSA does not require identification for minors, some airlines may request an ID.
International travel
For international travel, a valid passport is required for children, and your child may need a visa, depending on the destination. Additionally, a minor travel consent form is strongly recommended, especially if the child is traveling with someone other than a parent or guardian.
Solo travel
If your child is traveling alone, most airlines usually require a child travel consent form. Additionally, many airlines require participation in an unaccompanied minor program for children 5 to 14. A handful of major airlines may permit teens aged 15 to 17 to travel without participating in the unaccompanied minor program.
Travel with one parent
Even though it is less common, some countries and airlines require written permission from the non-traveling parent. However, if the parents are divorced and share custody, then their legal agreement may require written consent from the other parent. If you have sole custody of your child, then carry a copy of your custody order.
Travel with a legal guardian
Even though it’s likely not required for a legal guardian to have special permission, a consent form is a good item to add to your travel documents. However, if the guardian has a different last name from the child, then yes, you should carry a travel consent form for minors.
Travel with an adult who is not a parent or legal guardian
If the child is traveling with a relative, teacher, school group, coach, or other authorized adult, the child should have a travel consent form. It should be signed by both parents or legal guardians. A medical consent form should also be included in case of an emergency.
Minor travel consent form FAQs.
Can I write my own child consent form for travel?
How to get a child travel consent form notarized?
You can get a child travel consent form notarized by hiring a local notary. Many notaries are freelance, and it’s easy to hire one online. Or, you can go to your local post office and use their notary service — call them ahead of time to let them know you are coming.
However, do not notarize the child travel consent form at the very last minute. Sometimes, notaries cancel or mistakes are made, and the form needs to be redone. Be sure to write the consent form and get it notarized at least a week before your child’s departure date so nothing is left to chance.
Can I leave the country with my child without the permission of their other parent?
Depending on your custody agreement, you may be able to travel out of the country with your child without the other parent’s permission. If you have sole custody, then you have the legal right to make decisions about your child, including taking them on a trip out of the country. Most likely, you do not need the other parent’s consent.
However, if you share custody, you may need written permission from the other parent or a court order to allow it. If you’re traveling out of the country, ensure you have the proper documentation so you’re not questioned by the authorities. Remember to bring a copy of your custody order or notarized consent from the other parent.
What documents does my child need to travel within the US?
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