What Travel Documents Your Child Needs Before You Leave

What documents your child needs depends on where you're going

A child traveling within the United States needs a government-issued photo ID or a birth certificate, depending on the type of trip. A child traveling outside the US needs a passport — and in some cases, additional documents like a visa or travel consent form. The specific requirements shift based on the destination country, the child's age, and whether both parents are traveling together.

Start by identifying your destination and mode of travel. Domestic flights require different documents than international ones. A road trip to Canada or Mexico has its own rules. Cruises departing from US ports have yet another set of requirements. Once you know where you're going, you can work backward to figure out what your child needs and how long it takes to get it.

Key Takeaways

• Domestic US flights require a child to have a government-issued photo ID or an original or certified birth certificate, though a passport works too.
• International travel requires a passport for every child, regardless of age, and the process takes four to twelve weeks depending on whether you pay for expedited service.
• When only one parent is traveling with a child, some countries require a notarized consent letter from the other parent, and airlines may ask for it even on domestic flights.
• Passports for children under 16 must be applied for in person with both parents or guardians present, and the child must appear at the passport acceptance facility.
• Certain destinations like Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean have their own entry requirements beyond a passport, such as tourist cards or specific vaccination records.

Domestic flights and ground travel within the US

For a domestic flight, your child needs one of three things: a valid passport, a government-issued photo ID (such as a state ID or driver's license for older teens), or an original or certified birth certificate. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts all three. A birth certificate is the most common choice for younger children because it's usually already in your possession and requires no advance planning.

Ground travel within the US — driving to another state, taking a bus, or riding a train — has no federal document requirement. You do not need to carry anything beyond what you'd normally have. However, if you're crossing into Canada or Mexico by car, the rules change immediately; see the section on land border crossings below.

If only one parent is traveling with the child, some airlines may request a notarized letter of consent from the other parent, though this is not a federal requirement for domestic flights. It's worth calling your airline ahead of time to ask their specific policy. Having the letter on hand prevents delays at the gate.

International travel and passport requirements

Every child traveling outside the US needs a passport, with no exceptions based on age. Even a newborn traveling to Canada or Mexico must have one. A passport for a child under 16 must be applied for in person at a passport acceptance facility — you cannot mail it in or use an expedited online service. Both parents or legal guardians must appear together, and the child must be present.

The standard processing time is four to six weeks. If you pay for expedited service (roughly double the standard fee), processing takes two to three weeks. Expedited service does not include the time it takes to mail the application to you and back, so plan accordingly. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), even expedited applications can take longer because passport agencies process applications in the order they arrive.

You'll need the child's birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of citizenship, a completed passport application form (DS-11 for a new passport), and a photo ID for the parent applying. The child also needs a new passport photo — one taken within the last six months, meeting specific size and background requirements. Many CVS and Walgreens locations offer passport photos for around $15 to $20.

Parental consent and single-parent travel

When one parent is traveling internationally with a child and the other parent is not, some countries require a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent. This is not a US requirement — it's a requirement of the destination country. Common destinations that enforce this rule include Mexico, Jamaica, and several Central American countries. The letter must state that the absent parent consents to the child's travel and typically includes the dates of travel and the name of the traveling parent.

To obtain a notarized consent letter, you need the absent parent to sign the letter in front of a notary public. Many banks, law offices, and UPS stores have notaries on staff. The cost is usually $5 to $15 per signature. If the absent parent is unwilling or unreachable, you may need a court order granting you sole travel authority — a process that varies by state and can take weeks.

Even on domestic flights, some airlines have internal policies requiring this letter if they notice only one parent's name on the reservation. It's not worth the risk of being denied boarding; if you're traveling alone with your child, bring the letter regardless of destination.

Land border crossings to Canada and Mexico

Traveling by car, bus, or train to Canada or Mexico requires a passport for every child, just as flying does. However, there are two alternatives that some families use for land crossings only: a Trusted Traveler card (such as NEXUS or SENTRI) or a passport card (a wallet-sized version of a passport that works for land and sea travel but not air travel).

A passport card costs less than a full passport and takes the same processing time. It's useful if your family frequently crosses land borders but rarely flies internationally. A Trusted Traveler program requires a background check and an in-person interview, which adds time and cost but can speed up border crossings significantly if you travel frequently.

Mexico also requires a Temporary Resident Permit (FMM) for stays longer than 180 days, though most family vacations don't trigger this. Canada has no additional document requirement beyond a passport. Both countries may ask for proof of vaccination depending on current health requirements, so check their official travel advisories before you leave.

Cruises and sea travel

Cruise requirements depend on where the ship departs and where it goes. A cruise departing from a US port and returning to the same port (a "closed-loop" cruise) technically allows children to travel with just a birth certificate, though cruise lines often recommend a passport anyway. If the cruise stops at any foreign port or departs from a foreign port, every child needs a passport.

Some cruise lines have their own policies that are stricter than the legal minimum. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney Cruise Line all recommend passports for all passengers, even on closed-loop sailings. Check your cruise line's website or call their customer service to confirm their specific requirements before you book.

If your child becomes ill or injured during a cruise and needs to be airlifted to a foreign country for medical care, having a passport on hand prevents delays in emergency treatment. For this reason alone, bringing passports on any cruise is worth the extra luggage space.

Visas and country-specific requirements

Some countries require a visa in addition to a passport. A visa is a separate document, issued by the destination country's embassy or consulate, that grants permission to enter. The US has visa-waiver agreements with many countries (including most of Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand), meaning US citizens, including children, can visit for tourism without a visa. However, you still need a passport.

Countries that do require visas for US citizens include China, India, Russia, Brazil, and Egypt, among others. The visa process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the country. Some countries offer expedited visas for an additional fee. Check the destination country's official embassy website to confirm whether your child needs a visa, and start the process as soon as your travel dates are set.

A few destinations also require proof of vaccination (yellow fever, for example, in parts of Africa and South America) or a negative COVID-19 test taken within a certain timeframe. These requirements change frequently, so visit the CDC's travel health notices and your destination country's official government website within two weeks of departure to confirm current rules.

How to apply for a child's passport

To apply for a passport for a child under 16, visit the State Department's website to find a passport acceptance facility near you. These are usually located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment — many facilities now require one.

Bring the child's original birth certificate (certified copy), proof of citizenship (the birth certificate serves this purpose), a completed DS-11 form (available on the State Department website), a photo ID for the applying parent, and a new passport photo. The child must be present. You'll pay a fee (currently around $130 for a child's passport book, plus a $35 execution fee, though prices vary slightly by location).

If you need the passport faster than the standard four to six weeks, you can request expedited processing at the acceptance facility for an additional fee. Some facilities also offer a "rush" service where you pay extra to have your application processed within one to two weeks, but this is not available everywhere. Check your local facility's website to see what options they offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child travel internationally with a birth certificate instead of a passport?

No. Every child traveling outside the US needs a passport, regardless of age. A birth certificate is not accepted as a travel document for international travel. The only exception is for closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the US, where some cruise lines accept a birth certificate, though a passport is still recommended.

What if I don't have the other parent's consent for international travel?

If the other parent refuses to sign a consent letter and you have sole custody, bring your custody order to the passport acceptance facility when you apply. If you share custody but the other parent is unwilling to consent, you may need a court order before you can travel. Contact a family law attorney in your state for guidance on your specific situation.

How long does it take to get a child's passport?

Standard processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks, plus mailing time. During peak travel seasons (May through August), even expedited applications can take longer. If you need a passport in less than two weeks, some passport agencies offer emergency same-day or next-day service, but this requires an appointment and proof of imminent travel.

Do I need a visa for my child to visit Canada or Mexico?

No. US citizens, including children, do not need a visa to visit Canada or Mexico for tourism. A passport is required for entry, but no visa is necessary. However, Mexico does require a Temporary Resident Permit (FMM) for stays longer than 180 days, which is rare for family vacations.

Can my child use a passport card instead of a passport book for flying?

No. A passport card is only valid for land and sea travel. If your child is flying internationally, they must have a passport book. A passport card is useful only for driving or taking a cruise to Canada or Mexico.