Spring break, summer and back to school
Consent forms for kids: travel, camps and passports
A notarized consent form is something families need before a trip, a camp session or a first passport. The notary confirms who signed. We can come to your home or meet you at a convenient spot.
Which form do you need?
Child travel consent letter. A letter from a parent saying a child may travel without that parent. Airlines, cruise lines and border officials sometimes ask for one, and a notarized signature is commonly recommended. Check with the carrier or the destination, because requirements differ.
Passport consent (Form DS-3053). When a child under 16 applies for a passport and one parent can't come to the application, that parent's consent is signed in front of a notary. The form says what else to include, such as a copy of that parent's ID.
Camp, school and medical consent. Some programs ask for a notarized parent signature. Ask the program which form and wording it wants.
What to bring
The form or letter, completed but not signed. A current government-issued photo ID for each person signing. Trip dates, the traveling adult's name and the destination, if your letter includes them.
The person giving consent must be present. A notary can't sign for someone or notarize a signature they didn't watch being made.
Plan ahead
These requests bunch up before school breaks and summer. If a deadline is close, book early and tell us the date it's due. Same-day visits are sometimes possible but never guaranteed, and no time is confirmed until you get our email.
A notary can't write the letter or tell you what a foreign country requires. For that, ask the carrier, the embassy or an attorney.
Related
- Child travel consent notarization
- Passport consent form (DS-3053)
- Mobile notary
- What to bring checklist
General information, not legal advice. Updated October 2026.
FAQ
Common questions
Do both parents have to sign a travel consent letter?
Only the parent giving consent signs it. Whether you need one at all depends on the airline, cruise line or destination, so check with them.
Can you notarize a passport consent form online?
The form needs to be signed in front of a notary. Ask the passport agency or acceptance facility whether a remote notarization will be accepted before you rely on one.
How much does it cost?
See our starting prices on the mobile notary page. The desk confirms the fee before the appointment, and New Jersey sets the notarial fee.