Traveling With Kids This Season? What to Know About Notarized Child Travel Consent Letters

Fall and winter bring school breaks, holiday visits, and family trips — and for a lot of parents in El Paso and Las Cruces, that means one adult flying or driving across the border with the kids while the other parent stays home, works, or lives somewhere else entirely. If that's your situation, you may need a notarized child travel consent letter before you go.

What Is a Child Travel Consent Letter?

A child travel consent letter (sometimes called a travel consent form or parental consent letter) is a written statement from a parent or legal guardian who isn't traveling, confirming that they know about the trip and give permission for the child to travel with the other parent, a grandparent, or another adult. It typically includes the traveling adult's name, the child's name and date of birth, the trip dates and destination, and contact information for the non-traveling parent.

When You Need One

Airlines don't always require this letter, but border agents, foreign governments, and even airline staff can ask for it — especially when a child is traveling with only one parent, with a grandparent or family friend, or when the child's last name doesn't match the traveling adult's. It's also commonly requested for trips into Mexico, where officials may want documented proof that both parents (or the absent parent) consent to the child leaving the country. Having the letter ready avoids a stressful conversation at the airport or the border crossing.

What the Letter Should Include

A solid consent letter covers the basics clearly: who is traveling, who is granting permission, the relationship to the child, the dates and countries involved, and a way to reach the consenting parent if questions come up. If only one parent has legal custody, it's worth including a copy of the custody order as well.

Does It Need to Be Notarized?

It isn't always legally required, but a notarized letter carries far more weight with border officials, consulates, and foreign authorities than an unsigned note. Notarization confirms that the parent who signed the letter is who they say they are and signed it willingly — which is exactly the kind of reassurance an immigration officer is looking for. Given how much smoother it can make a trip, we almost always recommend getting it notarized rather than risking a delay at the gate.

Traveling to Mexico? You May Need an Apostille Too

If your child's trip involves entering Mexico and the letter (or an underlying document like a birth certificate) will be relied on by Mexican authorities, an apostille may be worth discussing as well — it authenticates the document for use in another country. Apostille is one of our specialties here at Royal Seal, so if you're not sure whether your paperwork needs one, just ask us before your trip.

How to Get Yours Notarized

Royal Seal Mobile Notary makes this easy for busy families. We'll come to your home, office, or wherever works best across El Paso and Las Cruces, or we can notarize the letter online in minutes through Remote Online Notarization (RON) if the absent parent lives out of state or can't meet in person. Same-day and evening appointments are available, which matters when a trip is coming up fast. Se habla español — servicio de notaría bilingüe disponible para toda la familia.

I am not an attorney and cannot give legal advice. For questions about custody rights or what a specific country or airline requires, please consult an immigration or family law attorney.

Book Your Appointment

Don't let paperwork hold up your family's trip. Call (915) 209-0119 or book online at calendly.com/raquel-royalseal to get your child travel consent letter notarized — in person or online, wherever you are.