What is a travel authorization for minors?
It is a document signed by the parents or legal guardians authorizing a minor to travel with only one parent, with another relative, with a family friend, with a group, or alone, to a specific destination on specific dates.
The document identifies the child, the parents or guardians giving permission, the person traveling with the child, and the trip details. It is recommended that it be in English and notarized: the authorizations we prepare are always notarized, in person or online.
The United States does not require proof of both parents' permission for a minor to travel abroad, but some countries do. That is why it is a good idea to have it ready before the trip.
When might you need it?
It is not required for every trip. The requirements depend on the country of destination or departure: check them with that country's embassy or consulate before you travel.
What information do we need?
The child's details
- Full name, date and place of birth.
- The child's passport, if it will be included in the authorization.
Parents or guardians
- Names, contact details, and ID of the people authorizing the trip.
- Custody or guardianship documents, when they apply.
Companion
- Name, relationship to the child, and ID of the person traveling with the child, if any.
The trip
- Destination, departure and return dates, and reason for the trip.
Please do not send documents through the form on this page. After you request the service, we will email you a simple questionnaire in Spanish to gather this information.
How does our service work?
- Request the service.Fill out the form on this page.
- Receive the questionnaire.We email you a simple questionnaire in Spanish.
- Send the information.Complete the questionnaire and send it with copies of the documents that apply.
- We prepare the authorization.We draft the document with the details of the child, the parents or guardians, the companion, and the trip, and send it to you for review.
- In-person or online notarization.The authorization is signed before a notary, and notarization is included in our fees. You choose: in person at our office in Odessa, Texas, or online by video call, from home.
Important information
- The authorization does not replace the passport or any visas the child needs.
- Before the trip, check the entry and exit requirements of the destination country and the airline's rules.
- Always carry a copy of the child's birth certificate or other proof of your legal relationship to the child.
- If there is a custody order, the document must agree with it; carry a copy.
- We prepare the document with the information you give us. We do not guarantee that an authority or airline will accept it, and we do not give legal advice about custody.
- If you are worried that a child may be taken out of the country without your permission, you can contact the Department of State's Office of Children's Issues: 1-888-407-4747.
Costs
Our fees
Notarization included, in person or online. If your case needs another additional service, such as a translation, we will tell you the cost before you hire us.
Government filing fees
There is no government fee for this service.
Official sources
Ge Chanfon Services LLC provides document preparation and administrative assistance services. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Approval of any application is decided by the appropriate government agency.