Single Parent Travelling With Child(ren)

 

• 1Child custody
• 2Child support enforcement offices
• 3Child support help
• 4Child custody jurisdiction
• 5Single Parent Travelling With Child(ren)
  • 5.1United States Law

[top]United States Law

Recent Changes:

• As of July 2, 2001, both parents' signatures must be included on passport applications for children under the age of 14.
  
• In addition, as of January 23, 2007, passports are now required for air travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

The Application Process:

• Print out a passport application.
  
• Complete everything on the application except the signatures.
  
• Go to your local passport office with your child and the other parent.
  
• Both parents will sign the application in the presence of passport officials.
  
• Make sure you bring all of the required documentation, including your child's birth certificate and your own ID.

Alternatives:

• If the other parent is in agreement about applying for the child's passport but cannot accompany you to the passport office, he or she can complete a Statement of Consent and have it notarized to prove the authenticity of the signature.
  
• If the other parent is unavailable, complete the "Statement of Special Circumstances," which can be found at the bottom of the Statement of Consent. This will allow you to explain why it is not possible for the other parent to give consent.

Exceptions:

• If only one parent is listed on the child's birth certificate, then two signatures are not required.
  
• If you have sole custody of your child, submit the court order establishing custody along with the application.

Additional Information:

• If you fear your child's other parent may attempt to apply for a passport without your consent, you should contact your local passport office and have your child's name added to the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program.
  
• Some countries will still require a notarized letter from the child's other parent before permitting you to enter the country. Contact the U.S. Embassy in the location you are traveling to in order to learn more about what might be required.

New Requirements for Travelers
Passports for Children Under 14
Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program
Traveling as a Single Parent
Single Parent Vacations
Required Documentation
Daily Encouragement for Single Parents
Help for Newly Single Parents
Start a Single Parent Support Group
Military News
Consent to Adoption - Definition of Consent to Adoption
What Is Consent - Adoption Consent
Unwed fathers - Preventing your infant child from being adopted without you...
Travel documents for children crossing borders

Read more about the topics listed above:
Single Parent Travel - Passport Rules for Single Parent Families - Child Custody

I am finding more & more countries want to see a notarized letter of consent when one parent is traveling with one or more children. This began with Mexico and Canada, and seems to be spreading. I guess they are tired of the legal hassles involved with parents abducting their kids after messy divorces.
In any case, here is a sample form that I find useful when taking my own kids while my spouse keeps the home fires warm:
Required Documents For Travel With Minors