Traveling with Minors

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It is becoming more and more common these days for parents and children to not share the same last name.  So what do you do when you are traveling with your child and you don’t share a last name?  Let me shed some light on the subject.

 

When traveling with a minor that does not share your last name, it is always a good idea to carry their birth certificate.  If your child is adopted or you have legal guardianship over the minor, you should bring those documents.  The main thing you want to do is provide proof that you are traveling with the minor who you have a familial relationship.  With the upswing in human trafficking, the Customs and Border Patrol screenings are becoming a little more aggressive.  Rather than take offense, be prepared.

 

It is also highly recommended that if you are traveling without your spouse and a minor child is with you, bring a note from the spouse who is not traveling.  This also applies to the custodial parent traveling with shared custody minors.  It is always best to be on the safe side.  The note can be simple and straightforward and should cover the typical 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, and why).

 

You should also look into getting an official ID card for your minor children.  Each state has their own and they are usually good for several years.  This ID can assist in proving that the minor child is who you say they are and assist in getting through Customs and Border screenings.  I often encourage parents to have their children carry their student ID card (if applicable) with them when traveling just to assist in identifying the child.

 

When in doubt, carry the birth certificate of your minor children, bring any photo ID that they might have, and carry a note from the other parent stating that they are aware you will be traveling with the child and they have your permission to do so.  Simple yet effective tools to help you through the Customs and Border Patrol screenings.  You can always contact us for more information about traveling with minor children.  We are your land and cruise experts and can assist you with all aspects of travel.