Is the letter legally required?

In the United States it is a recommendation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, not a law, but officers can and do ask for it. Many destination countries and airlines do require it, so treat it as essential for international trips.

Does the letter need an apostille?

Only if the destination country or airline says so. Some Latin American countries require an apostilled consent for a minor to exit, especially when the child holds that nationality. Ask the consulate; if needed, allow three to four weeks for standard New Jersey processing or use expedited service.

One parent lives in another country. How can they sign?

They can sign before a notarial authority where they live; if the letter will be used in the U.S., it may need an apostille from that country. Alternatively, if the matter relates to the United States and the parent has verifiable ID, a New Jersey remote online notarization may work. Call us and we will suggest the simplest option.

Guides

Notarized Child Travel Consent Letter in New Jersey

Every summer, children from Essex County fly to visit family in Santo Domingo, Guayaquil, Bogotá, or Puebla, often with one parent, an aunt, or a grandmother. Airlines and border officers can ask the adult to prove that the other parent agreed to the trip. A notarized travel consent letter answers that question before it is asked. Here is what it should say and how Fermin Consulting can notarize it, in English or Spanish.

By Michael Fermin, Notary Public · Fermin Consulting LLC, Bloomfield, NJ · Leer esta guía en español

What the letter should include

The child's full name, date of birth, and passport number.
The full name of the accompanying adult and their relationship to the child, or a statement that the child is traveling alone.
Destination, travel dates, and the flights if known.
A clear statement of consent, for example: I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [name] with my permission.
The non-traveling parent's full name, address, and phone number, plus a copy of their photo ID.
If the child travels with a non-parent, both parents should sign. If a parent is deceased or has sole custody, carry the death certificate or custody order instead.
Signature and date, signed in front of the notary, with the notary's acknowledgment or jurat.

Getting it notarized

The signing parent brings valid photo ID and signs in front of the notary. Fermin Consulting can notarize in Bloomfield, come to you for $40 within 10 miles ($50 beyond), or do it by remote online notarization for $35 if the parent is in another state or working late. Evening and Saturday appointments are available.

If the letter will be shown abroad, we can prepare a bilingual English-Spanish version and arrange the New Jersey apostille ($25 state fee, from $85 for our service) when the destination country requires one.

Michael Fermin is a New Jersey notary public, not an attorney, and cannot advise on custody or a country's entry rules. Any template we provide is for convenience; the content is the parent's own statement.

Timing and travel-day tips

Notarize the letter a week or two before departure; most officials prefer a recent date. The traveling adult should carry the original, not a photocopy, along with the child's passport, a copy of the birth certificate showing both parents' names, and copies of the parents' IDs. Keep a scan on your phone as well.

Common questions

Is the letter legally required?: In the United States it is a recommendation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, not a law, but officers can and do ask for it. Many destination countries and airlines do require it, so treat it as essential for international trips.
Does the letter need an apostille?: Only if the destination country or airline says so. Some Latin American countries require an apostilled consent for a minor to exit, especially when the child holds that nationality. Ask the consulate; if needed, allow three to four weeks for standard New Jersey processing or use expedited service.
One parent lives in another country. How can they sign?: They can sign before a notarial authority where they live; if the letter will be used in the U.S., it may need an apostille from that country. Alternatively, if the matter relates to the United States and the parent has verifiable ID, a New Jersey remote online notarization may work. Call us and we will suggest the simplest option.

This guide is general information from a New Jersey notary public, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult an attorney.

Sources

Official pages and primary sources used for this guide. Fees and processing times change; always confirm with the issuing office.