How to notarize a child travel consent letter online.

Why a travel consent letter exists

When a child crosses an international border without both parents or legal guardians present, officials need some assurance that the trip is authorized. A travel consent letter is that assurance. The Government of Canada recommends one for any child travelling alone, with one parent, with friends or relatives, or with a group. It is not a legally mandated document in every case, but in practice it is what prevents a difficult conversation at the border — or a denied boarding.

Notarization is not always strictly required either. It is, however, strongly recommended, because a notarized letter carries far more weight with border officers and airline staff than an unwitnessed note. Several destination countries effectively expect it.

What the letter should contain

• The child's full legal name, date of birth, and passport details
• The full names, addresses, and phone numbers of both parents or guardians
• Who the child is travelling with, and that adult's relationship to the child
• Exact travel dates, destination, and return date
• A clear statement of consent from the non-accompanying parent or guardian
• Contact details where the consenting parent can be reached during the trip

Global Affairs Canada publishes a recommended template and interactive form, which is a sensible starting point. Bring the completed letter to your appointment unsigned.

Who needs to sign

Every parent or guardian with custody rights who is not travelling should sign. If one parent is taking the child, the other signs the consent. If the child is travelling with grandparents or a school group, both parents sign. Both parents can be notarized in the same appointment, even from different locations, since each joins the video call and signs on camera.

Where one parent has sole custody, bring the custody order or agreement — that document, not a consent letter, is usually what officials want to see. If a parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate typically replaces their consent. In separation or custody disputes, what you can sign may be constrained by a court order, and a notary cannot interpret that order for you; check with your lawyer first.

Getting it notarized remotely

1. Complete the letter with all travel details filled in, but leave the signatures blank.
2. Book an appointment and upload the letter in advance.
3. Each signing parent shows government-issued photo ID on camera.
4. Each signs while the notary watches, and the notary applies signature and seal.
5. You receive the notarized letter by email the same day — print a copy and keep a digital one on your phone.

Practical tips from actual trips

Carry a printed copy rather than relying on your phone; connectivity at borders is unpredictable. Keep the letter with the child's passport. If the trip involves multiple countries, name each one. And check the destination's specific rules — a few countries have additional requirements such as apostille or embassy legalization, which is a separate process from notarization and takes longer, so start early if it applies.

What it costs

A single consent letter with one signer is $49.99 CAD. A second parent signing in the same appointment is handled at the additional-signature rate. See travel consent letter costs for a breakdown.