top of page

NOTARY

SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Logo of notary pen signing paper
client_reviewing_paperwork_with_notary_public.jpg
Notarization Services
for:
Orlando Real Estate
Legal Services
Financial & Banking
Healthcare & Medical
Corporate & Business
Government & Immigration
Construction & Engineering
Ready to book an appointment?

Book online today for an in-person visit or Remote Online Notarization.

Questions? Call us at:

(407)391-5901

Traveling with a Minor? Why Notarizing a Consent Letter in Orlando is a Non-Negotiable Must

  • Writer: Olivia Sterling
    Olivia Sterling
  • Aug 14
  • 4 min read

That long-awaited family vacation is finally here! You’ve booked the flights from Orlando International (MCO), packed the sunscreen, and the kids are buzzing with excitement. But if your child is traveling with only one parent, grandparents, or another adult, are you missing a crucial document? A simple piece of paper could be the difference between a smooth check-in and a travel-stopping crisis: a notarized travel consent letter. Before you head out, understanding what this letter is and why it's so important is an absolute must for any parent or guardian in Orlando.


Family of four at airport, smiling and holding hands. Little girl points out large windows at palm trees. Bright, sunny day.

💡 Key Takeaways


  • Why You Need It: A Child Travel Consent Letter is strongly recommended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to prevent child abduction and may be requested during international or even domestic travel when a minor travels without both parents.

  • What to Include: The letter must be detailed, including full names and contact info for the child and all parents/guardians, specific travel dates, destinations, itinerary information, and authorization for emergency medical care.

  • Notarization is Key: Getting the letter notarized by a licensed Notary Public verifies the identity of the signing parent(s) and makes the document official and legally sound, reducing the chances of it being questioned by authorities.

  • Getting it Done in Orlando: You can easily get your letter notarized at local banks, shipping centers like The UPS Store, or by using a convenient mobile notary service that comes to you. Remember to bring your valid photo ID and do not sign the document until you are in the notary's presence.


What is a Minor Travel Consent Letter and Why is it So Important?


Imagine this: you’ve planned the perfect Disney cruise or a trip to visit family out of state. The bags are packed, the kids are excited, but at the airport or border crossing, you’re pulled aside. An official is asking for proof that you have permission from the other parent to travel with your child. Suddenly, your dream vacation is on the verge of becoming a nightmare.


This is where a Child Travel Consent Letter becomes your most important travel document.

While not always a mandatory requirement for domestic travel within the U.S., U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends it for international travel and may ask for it at any time. The primary reason is to prevent international child abduction. A consent letter demonstrates that a child traveling with one parent, a guardian, or other adults has permission from any non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s).


You should have a notarized letter if:


  • A child is traveling with only one parent.

  • A child is traveling with friends, relatives (like grandparents or an uncle/aunt), or a group (like a sports team or school trip).

  • A child is traveling alone as an unaccompanied minor.


What Information Must Be Included in the Consent Letter?


A vague, quickly written note won’t cut it. To be effective, the letter needs to be detailed and specific. According to legal resources and travel experts, a comprehensive consent form should include the following key elements:


A black silhouette of a mother giraffe and her calf stand on a hill under a full moon. The sky is a gradient of deep blue and black.

WHO

Full names, addresses, and contact information for the traveling child, the accompanying adult(s), and the non-traveling parent(s) giving consent.

A pumpkin decorated with a black paper cat sits on a porch. There's a carved house pattern, surrounded by autumn leaves and lit by candles.

WHAT

A clear statement authorizing the accompanying adult to travel with the minor. It’s also wise to include authorization for emergency medical care.

A group of young adults joyfully celebrates a birthday outdoors, with balloons and a cake. Green foliage surrounds them under a sunny sky.

WHERE

The specific travel destination, including addresses and phone numbers of where the child will be staying if possible.

Ten dinosaurs in a desert, including T. rex, Triceratops, and Brachiosaurus, under a vibrant sunset sky. Mood is adventurous.

WHEN

The exact dates of travel, from the departure date to the return date.

A man in a suit holds papers while speaking into a microphone on a stage. A large screen displays images behind him. Audience watches attentively.

TRAVEL ITINERARY

Include flight numbers, cruise details, and any other relevant transportation information.

A modern living room with a gray sofa, colorful cushions, and a large window. Sunlight casts patterns on the wooden floor. Cozy ambiance.

CHILD'S INFORMATION

Include the child's full name, date of birth, place of birth, and passport information (if traveling internationally).


The Critical Step: Why Notarization is Non-Negotiable


Simply signing the letter is not enough. Having the travel consent letter notarized is crucial.

A notary public acts as an impartial third-party witness. When you get a document notarized in Orlando, the notary will:


  1. Verify your identity using a valid photo ID (like a driver's license or passport).

  2. Confirm you are signing willingly and are not under duress.

  3. Witness your signature and then apply their official stamp or seal.


This process transforms a simple letter into a legally significant document. As noted by sources like the Government of Canada's travel resource, border officials "may be less likely to question the authenticity of an original document" that has been notarized. It shows you’ve taken the proper steps to create a verifiable and official authorization.


How to Get Your Travel Letter Notarized in Orlando


Getting your consent letter notarized in Orlando is a straightforward process with several convenient options:


  • Mobile Notary Services: This is often the easiest choice. A mobile notary will travel to your home, office, or a local coffee shop to notarize your documents at a time that works for you.


  • Banks and Credit Unions: Many local bank branches offer notary services to their customers, often for free. Call your branch ahead of time to ensure a notary is available.


  • Shipping and Business Centers: Places like The UPS Store often have a notary on staff. This is a great option if you also need to make copies or ship documents.


  • Online Notarization: Florida law permits Remote Online Notarization (RON). You can connect with a commissioned notary via video call to have your document notarized digitally from anywhere.


Remember to bring your unsigned document and a valid, government-issued photo ID with you. Do not sign the letter beforehand; you must sign it in the presence of the notary.


Don't let a documentation issue derail your travel plans. A Child Travel Consent Letter is a simple document that can save you from immense stress, delays, and potential legal hurdles. It’s a small step in your travel preparation that provides significant peace of mind, ensuring your child’s journey is safe and your vacation starts smoothly.


Planning a trip from Orlando with a minor? Get your travel consent letters properly notarized. Contact a professional notary service today to ensure your documents are in perfect order before you go.



Comments

bottom of page