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Document Checklist

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.

International Rules

Country-specific requirements for minor travel

Child Flying Alone

Complete step-by-step parent guide

UM Travel Hub

All airline UM policies in one place

Why You Can Trust Camli — Document requirements verified from official airline, government, and embassy sources. Last editorial review: May 2026.

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