Scarborough Public Notary Service

Child Travel Consent

When a minor travels alone, with one parent, or with another adult, border officials and airlines may ask for a travel consent letter. The Government of Canada publishes a recommended template and suggests having it witnessed by a notary.

What's included

  • Witnessing and notarization of the consent letter
  • Guidance on using the recommended template
  • Explanation of one-parent and both-parent scenarios
  • Certified copies of itineraries or ID where needed

What to bring

  • The completed but unsigned consent letter
  • Valid photo ID for the signing parent or guardian
  • The child's passport bio page, itinerary and accompanying adult's details

Reference fee

From CAD $80 (excludes form preparation and other services)

If one parent cannot attend, call ahead and we will explain the options available.

What the letter should cover

The child's name and date of birth, the accompanying adult's name and relationship, travel dates and destination, contact details for the parents or guardians, and emergency arrangements where relevant.

About acceptance

Whether a letter is accepted is decided by the destination's border authorities and the airline; notarization does not determine the outcome at the border. Check the destination's official requirements before you travel.

Official Canadian Recommended Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad

Download the consent letter template from Government of Canada

Important signing instructions

Please complete the letter in advance, but DO NOT sign it. Bring valid government-issued photo ID and visit our office at 20 Bamburgh Cir (no appointment needed) to sign and have it stamped in front of a notary.

Disclaimer: this link points to the official consent-letter reference page of Global Affairs Canada; copyright belongs to that department. Entry requirements vary by country and border authority. The notary witnesses and seals the non-accompanying guardian's signature only and accepts no liability for the traveller's admission at any border.