Notarize a Travel Consent Letter for a Minor in San Jose

If your child is traveling internationally (or even domestically in some cases) without both parents, most airlines, customs officers, and destination countries want to see a notarized travel consent letter signed by the non-traveling parent(s). This guide covers what the letter needs, who has to sign, and where to get it notarized in San Jose as a walk-in.

The short version

1. Write the consent letter — no specific template required; just include the details below.
2. Both non-traveling parents sign in person in front of a notary (don’t sign ahead of time).
3. Bring one current, unexpired government-issued photo ID per signer.
4. Pay $15 per signature — California’s statutory notary rate.

At Mailbox Plus, travel consent letters are walk-in friendly — no appointment needed for one or two signatures. Monday through Saturday, 10am–6pm.

Who needs to sign

It depends on the custody arrangement and the destination country’s rules, but typically:

• Two-parent household, one parent traveling with the child: the non-traveling parent signs the consent letter. That parent’s signature gets notarized.
• Two-parent household, child traveling alone or with another adult (grandparent, friend, relative): both parents sign. Both signatures get notarized (two separate notarial acts).
• Single-parent household with sole legal custody: the custodial parent signs. Some destinations also ask for a copy of the custody order.
• Divorced parents with joint custody: whichever parent is NOT traveling signs. Custody order may be helpful to attach if the destination asks.

When in doubt, ask the airline or consulate of the destination country what they require — some countries (e.g. South Africa, Mexico) are stricter than others.

What to include in the letter

There’s no universal template, but most airlines and destination countries look for these details:

1. Child’s full legal name, date of birth, and passport number
2. Traveling adult’s full legal name and relationship to the child (parent, grandparent, family friend, etc.)
3. Non-traveling parent’s full legal name — the one who is signing
4. Travel dates — departure and return
5. Destination city and country
6. Reason for travel (vacation, visit relatives, school program)
7. Contact info for the non-traveling parent — phone and email for verification
8. Statement of consent — “I give my permission for [child’s name] to travel with [adult’s name] from [date] to [date] to [destination].”
9. Signature line (do NOT sign before arriving at the notary)
10. Optional: copy of the non-traveling parent’s ID attached — some countries ask for this

You can write it in plain English. You don’t need a lawyer for a standard travel consent letter unless there’s a custody dispute or unusual circumstance.

What to bring to the notary

• The unsigned letter (printed on paper, not on a phone screen)
• One current, unexpired government-issued photo ID — California driver’s license, passport, state ID, military ID, or similar. Expired IDs are not acceptable.
• Both parents in person if both need to sign — California does not allow remote or electronic notarization of travel consent letters signed in another state or country.
• Payment — $15 per signature in cash, card, or payment app

Common pitfalls we see at the counter

• Pre-signed letter. California law requires the signer to sign in front of the notary. If you sign ahead of time, we have to ask you to sign again — bring a blank signature line.
• Expired ID. Even one day past expiration is a problem. A passport works if your driver’s license is expired.
• Name mismatch. The name on the letter must match the name on the photo ID. If you changed your name (marriage, divorce, court order), bring supporting documentation or use the name on your current ID.
• Missing signer. If the letter requires both parents’ signatures and only one parent shows up, we can only notarize that one. The other parent can come in separately — no need for both to be there simultaneously.
• Last-minute panic. Some countries don’t accept consent letters older than a few months. Notarize close to the travel date, not months in advance.

Does the letter need to be translated?

Depends on the destination:

• Mexico: Most Mexican customs officers accept English letters. Some require a Spanish translation — check with your airline.
• Philippines: English is an official language; English letters are accepted.
• South Africa: Requires an unabridged birth certificate for the child AND a notarized consent letter; very strict enforcement.
• China, Japan, South Korea: English usually acceptable; translations not required by default.
• EU countries: English accepted for most Schengen-area entries.

If you need a translation, we refer local certified translators — ask at the counter.

Ready to get your letter notarized?

Walk in to Mailbox Plus Monday through Saturday, 10am–6pm. Most travel consent notarizations take under 10 minutes. See our notary service page for full hours, fees, and what to bring. If you’re planning a 3+ signer session or need multiple documents notarized, call us ahead at (408) 372-8689 so we can plan for it.

For documents that also need an apostille (common for weddings, adoptions, or legal proceedings abroad), see our apostille guide for San Jose.