A minor travel consent form authorizes a child to travel without both parents present. While not always legally required for domestic U.S. travel, it can prevent delays at airports, border crossings, and cruise terminals. Many countries and airlines will ask for proof that the absent parent consents, especially for international trips.

Strongly recommended. Countries including Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and the Philippines require notarized consent for minors entering without both parents. Airlines and cruise lines also prefer notarized forms. Our Remote Online Notarization takes about 15 minutes and costs $25.

Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) is a U.S. Department of State form required when applying for a child’s passport and one parent cannot appear in person at the passport acceptance facility. The absent parent completes and signs the DS-3053, which must be notarized within the last 3 months. This is specifically for passport issuance, not general travel authorization.

Yes. The DS-3053 can be notarized via Remote Online Notarization — especially useful when the absent parent lives in another state or country. Florida RON is legally valid nationwide and the notarized DS-3053 is accepted by passport acceptance facilities across the United States. The session takes about 10–15 minutes.

You’ll need a completed and notarized DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) from the absent parent, plus a photocopy of the absent parent’s ID. The DS-3053 must be notarized within the last 3 months. If the other parent is unavailable, incarcerated, or their location is unknown, the State Department provides guidance for special circumstances on the DS-3053 form.

Any parent with custody rights can legally travel with their child. However, border officials in many countries ask for proof that the absent parent consents — this prevents international child abduction. A notarized travel consent signed by the non-traveling parent is the safest approach. Some countries (Brazil, Mexico, Dominican Republic) will deny entry to a minor without this documentation.

Strongly recommended. When a child travels with grandparents, relatives, or family friends, a signed and notarized consent form helps avoid delays, questioning, or disputes with authorities. Cruise lines almost universally require consent forms for minors not accompanied by both parents.

For most travel, a notarized form is sufficient. Some countries — particularly in Latin America and parts of Europe — explicitly require an apostille on the consent form. If your destination requires it, we can process the apostille after notarization. Check with the destination country’s consulate if you’re unsure.