Travel Authorization Letter for Minor

From $49 USD

A Travel Authorization Letter (Travel Consent Letter) is a legal document that a parent or guardian signs to authorize a minor to travel without one or both parents. It is ESSENTIAL for Latin American minors traveling to their countries of origin — without this notarized letter, your child can be detained at immigration. Bilingual English/Spanish, valid across Latin America. $49.

When is it needed?

It is needed any time a minor under 18 travels internationally without BOTH parents. The most common cases: children visiting grandparents in Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Cuba; minors traveling with aunts/uncles or family friends; divorced parents where only one accompanies the minor; minors flying alone (Unaccompanied Minor). Airlines and immigration require seeing the document BEFORE boarding — without it, your child can be detained and returned.

What is included?

Complete identification of the minor (passport)
Identification of both parents
Identification of accompanying adult (if applicable)
Specific travel dates and destinations
Flight or route details
Bilingual English/Spanish document
Space for notarization (required)

International validity from California

The letter must be signed by BOTH parents (or the parent with documented sole custody) before a California Notary Public. For some countries (Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras), APOSTILLE from The Hague is also required — an additional certificate that validates the notary's signature internationally. The apostille is obtained from California Secretary of State for $20. For non-Hague Convention countries (Cuba, China), "legalization" at the destination consulate is required.

How to prepare a Minor Travel Authorization valid internationally

1. Identify parents and minorFull legal names, dates of birth, passport numbers. If the minor is a US citizen traveling to Mexico or another Hispanic country, both parents must appear even if one of them is NOT traveling.
2. Identify the accompanying adultFull legal name + relationship to minor + passport + address + phone. If traveling alone, this authorization is NOT used — use the airline's Unaccompanied Minor Form (separate process).
3. Specify destination and datesCountry + destination city + exact departure date + exact return date. Some countries (Mexico) reject authorization with "open" or "up to 30 days".
4. Include basic medical informationAllergies, conditions, medications. Some countries require consent for emergency medical treatment — include clause authorizing emergency treatment.
5. Attach passport copiesParents + minor + companion. Each must be clear photocopy of passport (biographical info page). Some countries also require copy of Birth Certificate.
6. Notarize the authorizationMANDATORY for Mexico and most Latin countries. In California, licensed notary public. Cost: $15-25.
7. Apostille if country requiresMexico REQUIRES Apostille (not just notarization). Others: Argentina, Spain, Brazil. Apostille by California Secretary of State: $20, 2-4 weeks. Use our Apostille Letter service ($79) for the cover.

Common Travel Authorization mistakes

Only one parent signs when both have custodyMexico REQUIRES signature of BOTH parents (or exclusive custody court order if applicable). Without both signatures, the minor can be DETAINED at the border on return.
Not notarizingWithout notarization, border officials may reject authorization. Notarize ALWAYS, even if not "mandatory" per country.
Forgetting Apostille for MexicoMexico REQUIRES Apostille (not optional). Without Apostille, Mexican official rejects document and minor cannot enter/exit.
Vague dates ("summer 2026")Specify exact dates. "June 15 to July 22, 2026" — not "summer 2026".
Not carrying copies during travelBring original + 2 copies. Original at border crossing, copy in carry-on, copy with family in US. If you lose the original, copies save you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does only one parent need to sign or both?

Both parents, ideally. If only one parent signs, you must legally document why (sole custody by court order, other parent absent or deceased). In doubtful cases, authorities can detain the minor.

How long is it valid?

Generally valid only for the specific trip mentioned in the letter. If your child travels multiple times a year, you can prepare an "open" letter valid for 1 year.

Do I always need an apostille?

Not always, but ALMOST always for Latin America. Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Argentina, Chile — all require apostille. Cuba and Venezuela are NOT part of the Hague Convention and require consular legalization.

What if the parents are divorced?

The parent with sole legal custody can sign alone, but must carry a certified copy of the custody order. If custody is shared, BOTH parents must sign.

How much does it cost?

Only $49. The additional apostille is $20 separately from the California Secretary of State.

Travel Authorization Letter for Minor

When is it needed?

What is included?

International validity from California

How to prepare a Minor Travel Authorization valid internationally

Common Travel Authorization mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Client Information

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