A mobile notary comes to your home or office to notarize your child's travel consent letter - so airlines, border agents, and authorities know your child has permission to travel. Don't have a letter yet? We bring a laptop and printer to create it on the spot.
A minor travel consent letter is a signed and notarized document in which a parent or legal guardian grants permission for their child to travel with another adult - whether that is the other parent, a grandparent, a family friend, a school group, or an organized tour. It serves as proof that the child is not being taken without authorization.
A complete travel consent letter reduces the chance of problems at checkpoints. While there is no single required federal format, the letter should include enough detail for any official to verify the child has permission to travel.
Note: Only the consenting parent or guardian needs to appear and sign. The child and the accompanying adult do not need to be present at the notary appointment.
These two documents are often confused because both involve a parent giving permission related to a child. They serve very different purposes.
Tip: If your child does not yet have a passport and will be traveling internationally, you may need both documents - a DS-3053 to get the passport issued and a travel consent letter for the trip itself.
We arrive with a laptop, portable printer, and scanner. If you don't already have a travel consent letter, you can create one during your appointment.
Disclaimer: Mobile American Notary & Apostilles is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Document templates are selected and customized by the client. The notary facilitates printing and notarization only. Please consult an attorney for legal questions.
Notarization is not always legally required for domestic travel, but it is strongly recommended. For international travel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends a notarized consent letter when a child is traveling without one or both parents. Many foreign countries require notarization, and some require an apostille as well. Airlines, cruise lines, and border agents are far more likely to accept a notarized letter without question.
A properly prepared letter should include the child's full legal name and date of birth, travel dates and destinations, the name and relationship of the accompanying adult, contact information for the consenting parent, a clear statement granting permission, and the parent's notarized signature. For international travel, include the child's passport number.
A travel consent letter authorizes a child to travel with another adult. A DS-3053 authorizes the issuance of a U.S. passport for a child under 16 when one parent cannot appear at the passport office. They serve different purposes - and you may need both if your child does not yet have a passport.
Yes. We bring a laptop, portable printer, and scanner. You can use our Rocket Lawyer account or any legal document platform to create the letter on the spot - then print, sign, and notarize in one visit.
Some countries require an apostille on the notarized consent letter before accepting it at the border. Check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country. If needed, we offer apostille services with same or next business day processing.
Yes. Same-day and next-day appointments are frequently available. Travel consent letters are often urgent, and we prioritize getting to you quickly. Book online or call and text (213) 933-2507.