Do I need a letter to travel with my child within the US?

Consent Forms: If you're traveling alone with your own child on a domestic flight, you don't need a parental consent form from your child's other parent to fly. But if you don't share a last name with your child, it's a good idea to have a copy of the child's birth certificate on hand to prove your relationship.



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A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age. The adult's government-issued photo ID with their current address. Your phone number so we can contact you. The name, address and phone number of the adult meeting your child at their destination.

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Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant.

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At a minimum, the permission letter should provide your child's name and date of birth, the dates of trip, the name of the adult companion, the specific travel destinations, and the reason for travel. You should also make sure to include both parents' full names, signatures, and phone numbers.

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How do I write a consent letter for my child to travel?
  1. List your child's name, birth date/place, and passport details.
  2. Provide the parent's/guardian's name, custody information, and passport details.
  3. Add contact information for the non-traveling parents/guardians.
  4. Detail the child's destination and dates of travel.


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If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents: If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents.

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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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The document will include the full name of the non-travelling parent(s) or legal guardian and their relationship to the child. The full name and relationship of the person who is travelling with the child should also be included.

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A Child Travel Consent is sometimes called a letter of permission to travel. A Child Travel Consent essentially proves to the transportation providers and Custom Officers that both parents or legal guardians give the child authorization to travel by providing their signatures.

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How do I write a consent letter for my child to travel? List your child's name, birth date/place, and passport details. Provide the parent's/guardian's name, custody information, and passport details. Add contact information for the non-traveling parents/guardians.

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  • DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (for all nonimmigrant categories, including K applications)
  • DS-156E: Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application.
  • DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant.


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If a minor is traveling without their parents (alone, in a group, with other relatives, etc.), they will need a Minor Travel Consent Form. These forms grant parental permission for the minor to travel.

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Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

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Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver's license that's Real ID-compliant or another T.S.A.-approved form of identification like a passport.

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If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents: If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents.

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Children traveling with grandparents, cousins, other relatives, or school groups will need to have a signed document, such as a Child Travel Consent, allowing them to travel without a parent or legal guardian.

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