If you're preparing a child travel consent letter, one of the first questions you'll likely ask is whether it needs to be notarized.

The short answer is no. Canadian law does not generally require a travel consent letter to be notarized before a child travels internationally.

However, the Government of Canada strongly recommends having the signature witnessed by a notary public. Many parents choose to do so because it adds credibility to the document and may help avoid unnecessary questions from airlines or border officials.

This article explains when notarization is recommended, what a notary public does, and what to expect during the notarization process.

Is Notarization Legally Required?

In most situations, no. There is no Canadian law that says every child travel consent letter must be notarized.

However, the Government of Canada's travel guidance recommends that the signature on the consent letter be witnessed by a notary public.

Because every country has its own immigration requirements, carrying a notarized consent letter may help demonstrate that the document is genuine if questions arise during your trip.

For the official Government of Canada guidance, visit: Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad

Why Does the Government Recommend Notarization?

A notary public verifies the identity of the person signing the document and witnesses their signature.

This helps establish that:

• the document was signed voluntarily;

• the signer presented acceptable identification;

• the signature was witnessed in person; and

• the document is authentic.

While notarization does not guarantee that a foreign country will accept the document, it may give airline staff and border officials greater confidence in its authenticity.

What Does a Notary Public Actually Do?

Many people think a notary "approves" the contents of a document.

That isn't the case.

A notary public does not determine whether you have legal authority to travel with a child or whether the information in the consent letter is accurate.

Instead, the notary:

• confirms the identity of the person signing;

• ensures the signer appears to understand the document;

• witnesses the signature; and

• applies an official seal and notarial certificate.

The notary is verifying the signature and not deciding whether the travel is legally permitted.

Can a Commissioner for Oaths Notarize a Travel Consent Letter?

Not necessarily.

Although commissioners for oaths and notaries both witness signatures, they do not have the same legal authority.

Because a child travel consent letter is intended for use outside Canada, many airlines, border officials, and foreign authorities expect the document to be notarized by a notary public.

If you're unsure whether your document requires notarization or commissioning, it's best to ask before your appointment.

What Should You Bring to the Appointment?

A notary appointment is usually brief, provided you arrive prepared.

Bring:

• the unsigned travel consent letter;

• valid government-issued photo identification (such as a passport or driver's licence); and

• any supporting documents if they are needed to complete the letter.

Do not sign the document before your appointment if the notary is expected to witness your signature.

What Happens During the Appointment?

Although every appointment is different, the process is generally straightforward.

The notary will:

1. review your government-issued identification;

2. confirm your identity;

3. ask you to sign the document in their presence;

4. witness your signature; and

5. apply the notarial seal and certificate.

The appointment often takes only a few minutes.

Will Every Country Accept a Notarized Travel Consent Letter?

Not necessarily.

Every country has its own immigration and entry requirements.

Some countries may request additional documents, such as:

• birth certificates;

• parenting orders;

• visas;

• translations;

• authentication or apostille certificates; or

• government-issued consent forms.

A notarized travel consent letter should be viewed as one important part of your travel documentation and not a guarantee that every authority will accept it.

Before travelling, always review the requirements of your destination country.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

Many travel delays result from avoidable mistakes.

Some of the most common include:

• signing the document before the appointment;

• bringing expired identification;

• using names that do not exactly match the child's passport;

• waiting until the day before travel;

• assuming every country has the same requirements; and

• confusing a commissioner for oaths with a notary public.

Scheduling your appointment well before your departure date provides time to correct any issues if necessary.

Should You Have Your Travel Consent Letter Notarized?

For many families, the answer is yes.

Although notarization is not generally required by Canadian law, it is recommended by the Government of Canada and may help reduce questions about the authenticity of your child's travel consent letter.

For a relatively small amount of time and cost, many parents consider notarization worthwhile before travelling internationally.

Bridgestone Law's Notary Services

Bridgestone Law provides notary public services for travel consent letters and other documents throughout Calgary.

During your appointment, we will:

• verify your identification;

• witness your signature;

• notarize the document; and

• answer general questions about the notarization process.

If you also need a travel consent letter prepared, we offer a flat-rate Travel Consent Letter Service that includes drafting and notarization.

• Learn more about our Notary Public Services

• Start a Travel Consent Letter Request