Travel Arrangements
"Sole custody" means that only one parent/guardian has the right to make decisions affecting the child (e.g., schooling, health care, etc.). "Joint custody" means that both parents have the right to participate in making these kinds of decisions. Parents may have joint custody even if the child resides with only one parent.
What if the parent's name is different than the child's name?
Information of Traveling Adult
Check two if there are two parents on the child's birth certificate, even if only one is the legal guardian.
Check "no" if the other parent is deceased.
When the non-custodial parent has legal rights of access to the child/children (e.g., visitation rights) it is advisable to obtain his or her consent to the travel, if possible.If you have sole custody, you may be required to produce the original (or a certified true copy) of the court order awarding you custody unless the other parent is deceased. If the other parent is deceased, you may be required to produce the original (or a certified true copy) of the death certificate.
Note: If there are two parents listed on the child's birth certificate, you should be prepared to provide documentation to border officials showing that the second parent's consent is not necessary. For example, if a parent has sole custody, provide the original (or a notarized true copy) of the Custody Order or Judgment awarding sole custody. If a parent is deceased, provide the original (or a notarized true copy) of the death certificate.
Information about parents/guardians:
Information of Parent/Guardian
Information of First Parent/Guardian
Information of Traveling Parent/Guardian
Information of Custodial Parent
Information of Second Parent/Guardian
Information of Non-Traveling Parent/Guardian
Information of Non-Custodial Parent/Guardian
Information of Organization/Group
Complete this sentence: "My child is traveling to ________________."
Examples:
1. Yellowstone National Park, Montana for a camping trip from July 1, 2000 to July 16, 2000
2. Orlando, Florida for a trip to Disney World on June 15, 2000
Signing Details
Where will the document be signed?
Notary Public Signing: To be of full effect, this document should be sworn and signed before a Notary Public. DO bring government issued identification and the child's birth certificate. DO NOT sign this consent form before meeting with the Notary Public.
Witness Signing: It is possible that signing before a Witness instead of a Notary Public will be adequate. However, we recommend you check the current policy of your airlines and/or the countries you are traveling to before taking this approach.
Other: If there is a custody order or death certificate, the original or a certified true copy should travel with the child.