How to Notarize a Minor Travel Consent Form in Massachusetts
If your child is traveling without one or both parents, especially internationally, chances are you’ll be asked to provide a Minor Travel Consent Form. Whether it’s for a family vacation, school trip, or summer program abroad, many airlines, customs agents, and border authorities now require notarized parental permission.
In Massachusetts, notarizing this form is not only recommended—it’s often mandatory. At Tewksbury Notary, we help parents and guardians across Tewksbury, Lowell, Billerica, Andover, Wilmington, and nearby towns ensure their documents are legally valid and accepted without issues.
In this article, we break down what a Minor Travel Consent Form is, when you need one, and how to get it properly notarized in Massachusetts.
What Is a Minor Travel Consent Form?
A Minor Travel Consent Form is a legal document that authorizes a child under 18 to travel with someone other than both legal parents or guardians. It’s used when:
- One parent is traveling alone with the child
- A child is traveling with relatives, friends, or school groups
- A child is flying unaccompanied
- The child is leaving the country without one or both parents
The form typically includes:
- The child’s full name and date of birth
- Travel details (dates, destinations, who they are traveling with)
- Parent or guardian contact information
- A statement of consent
- Parent signatures
- A notarial certificate verifying the parent(s) signed willingly and legally
Why Notarization Is Important
Airlines, border officers, and international authorities rely on notarized forms to verify that:
- The permission is legitimate
- The signatures are authentic
- The document wasn’t forged or coerced
- The child is not being taken without consent
Without a properly notarized Minor Travel Consent Form, travel plans can be delayed—or denied entirely. This is especially true for trips to Canada, Europe, Latin America, and other regions with strict travel protocols for minors.
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Who Should Sign the Consent Form?
Both legal parents or guardians must usually sign the consent form unless:
- One parent has sole custody (documentation should accompany the form)
- A court order grants special permission
- One parent is deceased (a copy of the death certificate may be required)
Each signing party must appear in person before a notary and present valid photo identification.
What Identification Is Required?
Massachusetts notaries must verify the identity of each signer. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID
- U.S. passport
- Foreign passport (with English translation if needed)
- Permanent resident card or military ID
All IDs must be current and issued by a government agency.
What Happens During Notarization?
When you visit Tewksbury Notary, here’s what to expect:
- Review of the form – We ensure all required fields are completed.
- Verification of identity – Each signer presents a valid ID.
- Witnessing the signature(s) – The parent(s) sign in front of the notary.
- Completion of the notarial certificate – We stamp and sign the document.
- Optional copies – We can create certified copies if needed for backup.
We also answer any questions you have about the form and help you avoid common mistakes that could result in rejection at the airport or customs.
Real-Life Scenario: Preventing a Travel Delay
A Lowell mother was flying with her 13-year-old son to visit family in Portugal. Her husband couldn’t travel due to work. At the airport, airline staff requested a notarized travel consent form—which she didn’t have.
She rushed to our office at Tewksbury Notary, where we walked her through the form, notarized it within 15 minutes, and provided extra copies. She managed to board her flight punctually and found comfort in the knowledge that her paperwork was accurate.
“I had no idea the form needed to be notarized. Tewksbury Notary saved our trip!”
— Ana R., Lowell, MA
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing the form before meeting with a notary
- Missing travel dates or destination details
- Using expired IDs
- Forgetting to bring both parents
- Using an outdated or unofficial form
Our team will make sure none of these errors happen during your visit.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
No. You do not need an attorney to complete or notarize this form, although we always recommend seeking legal advice if your custody situation is complex or contested. Our notaries cannot provide legal advice—but we can notarize the form once it’s prepared and understood.
How Much Does Notarization Cost?
At Tewksbury Notary, we charge a flat, transparent fee per notarized signature. Additional fees may apply if you need witnesses or copies.
✔️ Walk-ins welcome
✔️ Evening and weekend appointments available
✔️ Mobile notary available in Tewksbury, Lowell, Dracut, Billerica, Andover, and Wilmington upon request
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Completed but unsigned travel consent form
- A valid photo ID for each signer
- A second copy if you want one for your records
- Documentation of custody, if applicable (optional)
We handle the rest.
Final Thoughts
A notarized Minor Travel Consent Form is a simple way to prevent major complications at the airport, border, or overseas. It protects your child, provides proof of permission, and offers peace of mind to everyone involved.
Don’t risk delays or denials. Let Tewksbury Notary help you get it done right, quickly, and legally.
📍 Walk-in service available at TewksburyNotary.com
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