Notarized Travel Consent Letters for Children — Brampton
Recommended
If a child is travelling outside Canada without both parents or guardians, the Government of Canada recommends they carry a consent letter, and recommends that it be witnessed by a notary public so border officials are more likely to accept it.
Border officers in Canada and abroad can and do ask for one, and a child being turned back at check-in is an expensive way to find out. Most parents decide the $25 is worth it.
Sweta Bajaj is a Licensed Paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario and a Certified Notary Public in Brampton. Same-day appointments are usually available, which matters when you are flying this week.
When you need one
A consent letter is recommended whenever a child under 18 travels abroad with only one parent or guardian; with grandparents, other relatives or family friends; with a school, sports team or youth organisation; or alone, as an unaccompanied minor.
It is recommended regardless of custody arrangements — including where parents are separated or divorced and one parent has sole custody, and where a parent has died.
What goes in the letter
The Government of Canada publishes a recommended consent letter form and an interactive tool for generating one. A letter generally includes the child’s full name, date of birth and passport details; the names and contact details of both parents or guardians; the name and contact details of the accompanying adult; the travel dates and destination; and the signature of the non-accompanying parent or guardian.
We notarize and draft the letter. Bring it written and we will witness the signature and notarize it. If custody is disputed or a court order restricts travel, speak to a family lawyer before you travel.
What we notarize
Consent to travel letters for minors
Invitation letters for visitors to Canada
Custodianship declarations, including IMM 5646E for a minor studying in Canada
Visa support letters and sponsorship documents
Immigration supporting documents
International travel authorizations
School authorization forms
Certified true copies of a child’s passport, birth certificate or custody order
$25 + HST per document. Most jobs are a single document, so that is usually the whole cost. Ask about discounted rates for several.
We serve Brampton and surrounding communities, including Mississauga, Caledon, Vaughan, Oakville, Georgetown, Norval, Malton, Milton, Etobicoke, Newmarket and Markham.
What it costs
$25 + HST per document. A consent letter is normally one document.
Travelling with more than one child, or need certified copies of passports at the same time? Ask about discounted rates. Mobile and virtual appointments are priced by call.
Free printing and free copying — so if you have the letter on your phone, we can print it when you arrive.
What to bring
1. The letter, complete but not yet signed. The non-accompanying parent must sign it in front of the notary.
2. Valid government-issued photo ID for every adult signing.
3. The child’s passport or birth certificate, if you also want a certified true copy made.
4. Any custody order or court document the destination country has asked for.
Both parents do not have to attend — only the one giving consent and signing. If both are signing, both need ID and both must sign in person.
How it works
1. Call +1 (647) 684-8559 with your travel date. Flying soon? Say so — same-day appointments are often available.
2. Come in, or we come to you. Brampton office, or mobile to your home if it is easier to get the signing parent and the ID in one room.
3. Sign and notarize. ID checked, signature witnessed, notarial stamp and signature applied. Take the original with you and keep a copy at home.
What clients say
“Sweta is a friendly, professional, incredibly flexible, and fair. She accommodated my last minute request and the notary that came fast and efficient.” — Jaspreet Kaur
Rated 5.0 on Google. Read the reviews.
Frequently asked questions
No — it is a recommendation, not a legal requirement. But the Government of Canada recommends notarization because border officials are more likely to accept a letter whose signature has been witnessed by a notary public.
$25 + HST. Call +1 (647) 684-8559 for a same-day appointment.
Only the parent or guardian who is signing. If both are signing, both must attend with ID.
A letter is recommended any time a child travels without both parents or guardians, including with grandparents.
Yes. A certified true copy is $25 + HST and takes a few minutes at the same appointment.
Often, yes. See online and virtual service.
Call +1 (647) 684-8559 for a same-day appointment, or book online. $25 + HST per document · Free printing · Brampton, Ontario.