Travel Documents for Children Under 18

"probably" and "could' really make me nervous

Take a look at these two:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

http://www.jmtravel.com/authorization_minor_travel.htm

I could not find an original source for the jmtravel document.

Additionally, the State Department citation is for entry into the United States.

I have never, since the travel mess began, been at an airline check-in desk without having to produce a second form of identification issued by some governmenatal agency within the United States. I'd sure as heck take the driver's license. It's odd that an expert, who has just traveled internationally, missed this.

My comment's withdrawn then. But when you walk in in Pensacola and don't have that second id out, the airline gal is tappin her fingernails on the counter waiting for it.

Get it notarized. I had the letter from my ex notarized when I took our children to Europe. It wasn't checked, but if it had been, they would not have accepted it with just his signature (I did a ton of research beforehand.)

A passport is the ultimate "government issued ID" and I don't why you would need anything else. I have never had to produce a 2nd ID when I used my passport.

Jeff,

Not even at the intial airline check-in on an outbound trip from the US? I guess things are different here in Podunk.

Thanks for all the replies, guys! It seems that there's some discussion over whether or not to bring a second government issued ID, but from what I've read other places, it seems like that would be a good thing to have along just in case, whether she will need it or not. Can anyone give me more information about what details should be included in the travel letter?

Ed, I have never been asked for a 2nd ID, either. There is no more definitive identification than a passport.

Never been asked for a 2nd ID either, travelled to about 30 countries (Including multiple US/Canada trips) since 9/11.

As for notarized letter. It might be needed, but I was under the impression it was required for one parent taking a minor out of the country when the other parent was not present.

I would do the letter just to be on the safe side, but I think I remember reading the law is for 16 and under. It can't hurt, though. Like I said, we had our letters for my kids, and no-one even looked. (I have heard that Europe is less likely to look- but if you travel to Mexico, they won't let you in without the notarized letter...Canada, I haven't had it checked, but I always had the letters, too.) I will have notarized letters, again, this time. Why risk getting held up for something simple?

I have sent my kids across the U.S./Canada border repeatedly with their grandparents, on their own, or with just me. They have both U.S. and Cdn passports. They NEVER go without a notarized letter. My lawyers and the border guards have said it is necessary. It isn't always checked, but I'm not taking a chance.

P.S. Don't know what passport your daughter has - but if she has two, you do know that U.S. citizens must use a U.S. passport to enter the country (U.S. law)? Again, I haven't tested that but I don't want my kids to be the test case!

When my daughter flew to the US when she was 17, she didn't have anything other than her passport. No problems on either side of the pond.

I have never been asked for another form of ID card either. A passport is it. What if people don't have a drivers license? What else would they use?

Hi, Marie.

Directly from the Canadian Border Services Agency:

"Minor children travelling alone must have proof of citizenship. We also strongly recommend that the children carry a letter from both parents (if applicable) that authorizes the person meeting them to take care of them while they are in Canada. The letter should include the length of the stay and the address and telephone numbers of the parents."

Last part tells you what you need in letter. Here's the link to the site:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5082-eng.html#s2x3

I agree a letter will be correct and legal,, but no one will ask a 17 yr old for it ( they are old enough to travel independently )

Send here with one though ,, just to be correct.

I have never ever been asked for a secondary piece of id at an airport,, Florida must be tough if passports are not good enough??

WOW - how things have changed in out post 9/11 environment. By age 10 I was crossing the border alone at Windsor-Detroit, probably 2-3 times a week, with only a wave of my birth certificate. Of course, that was in the early 60s. What parent could even consider such a thing now a days?

For children 16 and up, a passport is required as proof of citizenship/ID. I don't think she'll need her driver's license for other than driving.

A notarized letter from her parents authorizing her travel plans is a really good idea. There is a good chance that she won't be asked for it but it's better to have it and not need it than the other way around.