Different Last Name to the Minor You’re Traveling With? Here’s What You Need to Know Dhinesh Manuel May 28, 2019 Family Travel, Travel Tips Today’s modern family comes in various forms and combinations. In the mix of single parents, divorcees, adopters, and legal guardians, there’s no guarantee that an adult and a child may have the same last name. This usually might pose minor problems when attending to day-to-day tasks, but when it comes to travel there are a few more boxes you need to make sure are ticked. In addition, the heightened level of security, especially when it comes to global travel, further reinforces the need for clear and presentable information on a person’s identity when flying. As a parent or guardian, you shouldn’t have to think twice about snatching cheap airfare when you see it, just because you’re worried about if the child you’re traveling with will face a barrage of questions when trying to get through airport security. But there’s no need to worry: we’ve done the research so that you can confidently travel with a minor, even if you don’t share the same last name! For Domestic Flights… Domestic travel within the U.S. usually has fewer rules when it comes to traveling with a minor with a different last name. There are a couple of key documents that you’ll need: The child’s ID A form of consent from the legal guardian It’s important to remember that, even though the TSA doesn’t require a minor below the age of 18 to present an ID when checking in for a flight, some airlines may deem it mandatory. It’s always a safe bet to check with your airline before you arrive at the airport so that you can avoid any rude surprises and unnecessary hassle. In any case, the best document to always carry with you, whether you share the same last name as the minor or not, is the child’s birth certificate. The birth certificate serves many purposes. It acts as a proof of age, a recognized form of identification, and also, is applicable, proof that you’re the child’s parent, even if your last names don’t match. So, make sure to always slip it in your carry-on on any trip with a child. When it comes to the consent form, parents traveling with children should not have any problems, as the child’s birth certificate will suffice as proof of relationship as well as identity. If you’re traveling with a child who is under your guardianship, then you’ll need a travel consent form. There’s no set template for a consent form, and it’s up to you to create a signed and notarized consent letter from the child’s parent or parents. Just make sure that it contains the following essential information: The child’s complete name as given on the birth certificate The travel companion (your) name The dates you’re traveling The destination where you’re heading The parents’ names and contact information A small statement of permission from the parent(s) While a lot of domestic flights may not require a letter of consent, it’s always better to be safe. You may also like: Seven Ways to Prepare Your Unaccompanied Minor for Their First Solo Flight! For International Trips… There are stringent rules on traveling with a minor to destinations outside the US. These rules are in place to prevent parental kidnapping as well as child abduction, so it’s important that you comply with identification requirements at your ports of arrival and departure. If you’re traveling with a minor with a different last name and your destination is outside the US, you’ll need to carry the following documentation: The child’s passport Consent form from the guardian Birth certificate (not required always with a child’s passport, but useful to carry with you to prove the relationship with the child) All children, regardless of age, are required to have a valid passport when traveling abroad. Children have to be present when applying for a passport (including newborns) and their parent(s) or legal guardians must sign documents in front of a government authorized passport agent. If a situation arises where a parent cannot be present when applying for their child’s passport, they need to submit a notarized Statement of Consent, which is Form DS-3053. As you cannot take a minor on an international flight without the presence or consent of their other parent or legal guardian, a consent form is pretty important. You’ll need to have the same information in the consent form as mentioned in the “Domestic Travel” section above. As mentioned earlier, the child’s birth certificate is a useful document to always carry with you, especially if you have a different name than the child. If adoption or legal guardianship factor into the relationship with the child, then make sure you bring notarized copies of the relevant documentation with you as well. It’s very important to remember that, if your name on the birth certificate, adoption certificate, or legal guardianship documents is different from that on your passport, you’ll need to bring a notarized proof of name change too (e.g. a court order or marriage license). Another important thing to keep in mind is that customs and security officials at your port of arrival are well within their rights to question the relationship between you and the child you’re traveling with. So when this happens, it’s crucial to stay calm, brush off that jet lag, and concentrate so that information rolls off your tongue naturally. And that’s it! Whether you decide to take cheap flights in April or August and are hesitant about traveling with a minor with a different last name, just follow these simple steps and you’ll be sure to have a stress-free experience next time you go through airport security! How do you feel about these tips? Let us know in the comments section below!
