CHILDREN TRAVELING ABROAD
Notarized Child Travel Consent Letters
If a child is traveling internationally with one parent, grandparents, a school group or a family friend, airlines and border officers may request a letter of consent from the parent who isn't traveling. We notarize your letter, add an apostille when the destination requires it, and arrange translation.
Over 20 years in business · Thousands of documents processed · 600+ five-star Google reviews
TRAVEL CONSENT
Notarized, apostilled if needed
For trips abroad without one or both parents.
- Mobile notarization across Greater Boston
- Apostille or legalization where required
- Certified translation available
- Rush service for last-minute trips
Why a consent letter matters
Situations we help with
- One parent traveling alone with a child
- Grandparents, relatives or friends traveling with a child
- School, sports and church group trips
- Custody and guardianship travel permissions
- International adoption travel and dossier documents
- Children traveling alone as unaccompanied minors
Check the airline and the destination country's embassy for their current requirements.
How it works
- 1
Prepare your letter
Include the child's details, travel dates, destinations and who the child is traveling with. Many families use a template from the airline or embassy.
- 2
Sign in front of us
Each parent signing brings valid photo ID. We come to you.
- 3
Apostille if required
For countries that need it, we get the Massachusetts apostille or handle legalization.
- 4
Translate and ship
We arrange translation and send the documents wherever they need to go.
Good to know
Bring a copy of the custody order
If there is a custody or guardianship order, travelers often carry a copy with the letter.
Plan for both parents
If neither parent will be traveling, both may need to sign.
Passports first
Still need a passport for your child? See DS-3053 Passport Consent.
Spanish and Portuguese
We often prepare letters for Latin America and Brazil. See Spanish Translation.
Ready to get started?
Tell us what you need, and we will take care of every step.
What happens at your appointment
What a strong consent letter usually includes
The child's details
Full name, date of birth and passport number, matching the passport exactly.
The trip
Destinations, travel dates and flight details, if available.
Who's traveling
The name and passport details of the adult traveling with the child.
Contact information
Phone numbers and addresses for the parent or parents who aren't traveling.
Mistakes we help you avoid
- Names that don't match the passport. Border officers compare the letter to the passport. Nicknames and missing middle names cause delays.
- Only one parent signing when both are needed. If neither parent is traveling, airlines often expect consent from both.
- Waiting until you reach the airport. A notarized letter cannot be obtained at the check-in desk, so arrange it before you travel.
- Assuming notarization is enough everywhere. Some countries require the letter to be apostilled or translated. We check what is commonly requested.
Official sources
We link to official sources so you can check the current rules yourself. Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word.
Where we meet you
Frequently asked questions
Do you write the consent letter?
We cannot draft it, but we will make sure the notarization is correct. We're notaries and document specialists, not attorneys, so we can't give legal advice, draft documents or explain their legal effect.
Does my letter need an apostille?
Only if the destination country or airline requires one. We can tell you what is commonly requested, but the receiving country makes the final decision.
Can both parents sign at different times?
Yes. We can notarize each signature separately, even in different locations.
How quickly can you help?
Often the same day for notarization. Apostilles add processing time, so ask about rush service.
Is there an official form for travel consent?
The U.S. does not have a single standard form. Some airlines and countries publish their own; use theirs when available.
Can you notarize a letter written in Spanish or Portuguese?
Yes, as long as you understand what you're signing. The notarial certificate will be in English.
Traveling with a child soon?
We will notarize your letter and handle any further steps it requires.