Child travel consent letters, commissioned before you fly
Travelling without one parent? Border officers routinely ask for a commissioned consent letter. Book before you pack — these are the ones people leave to the last minute.
When a child travels internationally without both parents or guardians, border officers on either end may ask for a consent letter from the non-travelling parent. The Government of Canada recommends that letter be commissioned by someone with authority to administer an oath, which is exactly what a Commissioner for Oaths does.
It isn't legally mandatory in every case, and plenty of families cross without ever being asked. But when it is asked for and you don't have it, the outcome ranges from a long secondary inspection to a missed flight — and there's no fixing it at the airport.
This is the single most time-sensitive thing Peggy commissions. She keeps evening and weekend slots open partly for exactly this reason, and same-day requests before a flight get prioritized.
You probably need this if…
- Your child is flying with one parent, a grandparent, a relative or a school group
- You share custody and the other parent isn't travelling
- An airline or tour operator asked for a notarized or commissioned consent letter
- You're travelling to a country known for strict entry checks on minors
How to prepare
Every appointment needs the same three things — valid government photo ID, your document filled in, and an unsigned signature line. For this service, add the following:
- 1The non-travelling parent must be present to sign — this is the detail that catches people out, and it can't be worked around.
- 2Use the Government of Canada's recommended consent letter template; it's free, and border officers recognise the format.
- 3Have the travel dates, destination and the accompanying adult's full details filled in before the appointment.
- 4Bring photo ID for the signing parent, plus the child's passport details.
Some destination countries insist on a Notary Public rather than a Commissioner for Oaths for documents originating abroad. Check the destination's entry requirements or ask your airline first — it takes five minutes and saves the whole trip.
Child Travel Consent Letters
Questions about this specifically
How far in advance should I get this done?
A week before departure is comfortable. A day before is doable — call rather than email if you're inside 48 hours, and Peggy will fit you in wherever she can.
Does the non-travelling parent really have to be there?
Yes. They're the one making the statement, so they're the one who signs in front of the commissioner. If they're out of town, they'll need to see a commissioner or notary wherever they are.
What if the other parent is deceased or has no custody?
Bring the supporting documentation — a death certificate, or a custody or guardianship order — and the letter can be drafted to reflect the actual situation. Peggy commissions what you've prepared; a family lawyer can advise on the wording if the arrangement is contested.
Do we need one for domestic travel within Canada?
Generally no, though some airlines have their own policies for unaccompanied minors. The consent letter matters most at international borders.
Often needed alongside this
Statutory Declarations
A formal declaration of fact made outside of court. Alberta Registries, insurers and benefit programs ask for these constantly.
Read moreHospital, Care Home & Workplace Visits
Being mobile is the whole point. If getting out is difficult — or simply inconvenient — Peggy comes to you, including evenings and weekends.
Read moreAll services
Every document type Peggy commissions, plus the published fee schedule.
Need child travel consent letters handled?
Tell Peggy the document and your postal code, and she'll confirm she's the right person for it — then give you the first available window.