Minor Travel Document Guide (2026)

Don’t get caught at the airport without the right paperwork. This comprehensive checklist covers every document your child needs to fly alone — for both domestic and international flights.

Quick Answer

For domestic flights: you need a birth certificate or photo ID, the airline’s UM form, and contact details for drop-off/pick-up adults. For international flights: add a valid passport, a notarized parental consent letter, and any required visas. Always bring two copies of everything.

Domestic Flight Document Checklist

  • Birth certificate or government-issued photo ID — TSA doesn’t require ID for under-18, but airlines may request it
  • Completed airline UM form — Available at check-in counter or downloadable from airline website
  • Drop-off adult’s government-issued photo ID — Required to get a gate pass and complete check-in
  • Pick-up adult’s name and contact information — Must match the name on the UM form exactly
  • Emergency contact information — Phone numbers for both parents and an alternate contact
  • Flight confirmation / booking reference — Printed or on your phone
  • Medical information (if applicable) — Allergies, medications, and doctor’s contact info

International Flight — Additional Documents

  • Valid passport — Must be valid for 6+ months beyond travel date for most countries
  • Notarized parental consent letter — Signed by non-traveling parent(s), notarized, with travel details
  • Visa (if required by destination) — Check destination country’s visa requirements for minors
  • Unabridged birth certificate — Required by some countries (South Africa, Brazil)
  • Copies of parents’ passports — Some countries require photocopies of both parents’ passport pages
  • Court custody documents (if applicable) — Certified copy of custody order for single-parent families
  • Travel insurance documentation — Recommended for all international minor travel
  • Return ticket confirmation — Some countries require proof of return travel

What to Include in a Parental Consent Letter

A proper parental consent letter for minor travel should include all of the following:

Child’s Information

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Passport number
  • Nationality

Parent/Guardian Information

  • Full names of both parents
  • Contact phone numbers
  • Home addresses
  • Passport numbers

Travel Details

  • Airline name and flight numbers
  • Travel dates (departure and return)
  • Departure and arrival cities
  • Purpose of travel

Authorization Statement

  • Clear statement of consent
  • Signatures of both parents
  • Date of signing
  • Notary stamp and seal

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents does a child need to fly alone domestically?

For domestic US flights: a valid photo ID or birth certificate, the airline’s completed UM form, and contact details for both drop-off and pick-up adults. TSA does not require ID for children under 18, but airlines may.

Does my child need a passport to fly alone internationally?

Yes. A valid passport is required for all international flights. Many countries require the passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel date.

What is a parental consent letter for minor travel?

A notarized letter signed by the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the child to travel alone. It typically includes parent names, child’s name, travel dates, destinations, and airline information.

Do I need to notarize the consent letter?

For international travel, yes — most countries and airlines recommend or require notarization. For domestic US flights, it’s not typically required but can be helpful.

What if only one parent has custody?

Bring a certified copy of the custody order. If the other parent is deceased, bring a death certificate. Airlines and immigration may request these documents.