Top 4 Child Travel Documents You Need in 2024
What documents will my child need to travel?
As the summer travel season winds down and the holiday season approaches, many consider booking airline flights and hotels. However, when traveling with children, they often overlook the importance of having the necessary travel documents. To combat child abduction or trafficking, if both parents are not traveling, one parent needs to provide notarized permission for the child to travel or obtain a passport.
Planning and getting these documents notarized can help avoid last-minute stress, provide reassurance, and ensure a hassle-free trip.
We will discuss the top four child travel documents you need in 2024.
- Minor (Child) Travel Consent
- U.S. Department of State – Statement of Consent DS-3053
- Certificate of Identity/Sworn Statement for Birth & Death
- Written Consent for Minor Visitation
Purpose: The document permits minors to travel without one or both parents across state lines, to another country, or on a cruise.For instance, this document is essential if a child travels with a grandparent or a family friend. One or both parents’ signatures must be notarized on the document. The permission to travel document, sometimes for a TSA Minor Consent Form, is official consent for the child to travel without one or both parents.
Purpose: In the U.S., parents or legal guardians must be present at the passport office for a child under 16 to obtain a passport. If both parents cannot be present, the U.S. Department of State allows the absent parent to participate by filling out and notarizing the DS-3053 Statement of Consent. The notarized form and a copy of the absent parent’s ID are required at the time of the passport appointment.
In limited circumstances, if one parent or guardian cannot locate the other parent or guardian, the parent applying for the passport should submit a Statement of Special Family Circumstances (DS-5525) special form with Form DS-11.
Certificate of Identity / Sworn Statement
Purpose: To obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate. A birth certificate is required paperwork when applying for a passport. This form is notarized and processed through the Registrar-Recorder County Clerk or State Department of Public Health.
Written Consent for Minor Visitation
Purpose: The document must be notarized when minors visit an inmate incarcerated at a jail or prison accompanied by someone other than their parent or legal guardian. Consent is crucial because correctional facilities have strict protocols regarding visitation. Jails require notarized documentation proving the accompanying adult has legal authority or permission to visit the inmate.
If you need these vital documents notarized, schedule your appointment today with The Document Diva. I provide an easy travel service that guarantees your child’s travel documents are notarized quickly and efficiently, ensuring you are fully prepared for your travels. This convenience will make you feel at ease and ready for your trip.
Don’t let overlooked paperwork cause unnecessary stress—reach out today for convenient and professional notarization services. These services are crucial for your peace of mind. Safe travels!
If you require the services of a mobile notary, please call or text LaShon at (562) 314-4319. You can also easily schedule an appointment online.
