Child flying with only 1 parent - documents needed?
 

I am taking my daughter on a trip to Mexico. The travel agent said I would need to get a notorized statement from her father granting permission.. She does have a different last name than I do..
I allready got his signature once so that I could obtain a passport for her.. Will the passport be sufficient or does anyone know if I will once again have to get his signature for this specific trip?

Please see this website:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/...onal_1174.html

The pertinent data:

&quot;Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) should carefully document legal custody prior to traveling to Mexico. <b>If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent.</b> If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities.&quot; (emphasis added)

I have traveled several times out of Us with our daughter (also different last name) and each time have gotten notarized document from my husband (her father). Never been asked for it, but why risk it.

Great question! I was wondering something similar myself. What if a child is traveling with both parents, within the US...Do they need a picture ID to board the plane?

The airlines aren't requiring photo ID to board planes these days. Adults are required to have photo IDs and boarding passes to get through security, and may be asked to provide it at any time. However, to get on the plane, the boarding pass is all that's needed. For children with their parents, the boarding pass is what they need to get through Security. See:

http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/e...orial_1044.xml

I always bring a notarized letter stating permission to travel,countries, and dates of travel. To be on the safe side, I add several days at beginning and end in case our trip gets extended (by choice or delay) While I have not had to show the letter, I do know people who have had to do so.

Under 18 require no ID - just traveled to Florida with daughter with different last name. No one even blinked when we went thru security, etc.

Interestingly, I discovered this summer that there is no federal law requiring any passenger to show ID - it has been recommended since 9/11 and universally required by airlines - but no law. We discovered this after our 19 year old son lost his wallet while on trip within US last summer after many contacts with law enforcement, TSA, etc.

Still, for kid going to Mexico, bring proof of US legal status (a passport), letter from absent parent, and sunblock.

My husband and I routinely take his daughter out of the US for visitation with us and we always travel with a notarized letter from her mother, even though we all have the same last night. I would be even more inclined to have one with different last names.

We make sure to include the dates and places of travel, flight details, and also permission for us to make medical decisions for the child , if need be.

We've never been asked for this letter, but prefer to have it in case any questions ever arose. I think it's a good idea for all non-custodial parents to have one when traveling in this day and age.

Call the nearest Mexican embassy and consulate and ask them what the specific requirements are. They can answer this better than anybody.

Remember a few weeks ago the post from the gentelman who asked American Airlines if his young child would need a passport to go to Costa Rica. The AA agent said no, but they got a much different answer when they arrived and weren't permitted to enter the country. Consulates are in the business of answering questions about their countries' entry requirements. Check with them.

I am a US citizen who married into a Mexican family (to someone who previously worked for a Mexican carrier), travel there fairly frequently, and my brother in law is a commercial pilot in Mexico. Yes, you need to have the notarized letter of authorization from the absent parent, even if the last name is not different. The document needs to specify the dates it is in effect. The airlines are supposed to ask for it before allowing you to board - Mexican airlines routinely do, others may or may not. I have even seen cases (two of them) where a death certificate was required for a parent absent because he was deceased. You may luck out at immigration on the way in, but still stand a good chance of being asked for the documentation when checking in for your return flight. It is not worth the risk.

Thank you for all of your responses!
Much appreciated..