traveling with a toddler on my own - do I really need a consent letter?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know how this is handled for single parents? My DD's birth father is not involved in her life and not listed on her birth certificate. Can I just bring the birth certificate or would I need some kind of notarized letter?

When I travel with my child, I bring his passport and either a copy of his birth certificate listing me as sole parent, or a copy of the adoption decree listing me as sole parent. (Note: when you adopt a child in this country they give you a replacement birth certificate that makes it look like the child was born to you). I don't know if they'd ask for it, because I always hand them over together and say "I'm adding this to demonstrate that I'm the sole parent", and they always thank me for making it easy.

My understanding is that if the parent isn't listed on the birth certificate they don't need to give consent, but my situation is a little different since Dad's rights were terminated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP,

It applies to everyone -- any parent traveling alone. Yes you need to do it! I've shown mine when traveling solo with my child. (Mexico, Costa Rica, etc.)

what if you're traveling domestic? I'm meeting my mom in TX next month and it'll be just me and the kids. Do I still need a consent letter from DH? I've never heard of this since I read this thread.

No, I'm the single adoptive parent above. When I've traveled domestically alone with DS, the only time I've been asked for any kind of ID was when he was under 2 and they wanted proof of age for him to be a lap baby. I've also traveled with other people's kids, now that he's older and brings a friend, and they never ask for anything.