If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel.

Yes, you can travel alone with your son in 2026, but the documentation required depends on whether you are crossing international borders. For domestic travel within the U.S., a child’s birth certificate is usually sufficient, though not always required by the TSA. For international travel, however, it is critical to carry a notarized "Child Travel Consent" form signed by the non-traveling parent. This is a global standard in 2026 to prevent international parental child abduction. If you have sole legal custody, you should carry a notarized copy of the court order stating so. Additionally, if you and your son have different last names, carrying a birth certificate that lists you as a parent is highly recommended to avoid delays at immigration. While most 2026 trips go without a hitch, having these documents ready ensures that you won't be denied boarding or detained by border officials who are required to verify that the child is traveling with the permission of all legal guardians.