Travel · Sole custody
Sole Custody Travel Consent Letter
For a parent who alone has decision-making responsibility. The letter says why you sign alone, describes the trip, and is signed by you in front of a notary public by video.
You fill in this form yourself, and we commission it by video. We don't give legal advice or draft documents.
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Also known as: Sole Decision-Making Responsibility Travel Letter · Single Parent Travel Consent Letter · Sole Custody Letter for Travel · Travel Letter When the Other Parent Is Deceased · One Parent Travel Authorization
Contents
CONTENTS
Why a sole custody letter is different
An ordinary consent letter is signed by the parent who stays home. When only one parent has decision-making responsibility, there is often no second parent to sign, and an officer looking at a child travelling with one parent may ask why. This letter answers that question in its first paragraph.
In 2021 the federal Divorce Act and Ontario family law replaced the word "custody" with "decision-making responsibility". Many people and many border officers still say "sole custody", so the letter uses the new term and mentions the old one in brackets: "sole decision-making responsibility (formerly called sole custody)".
The three reasons the letter can give
A court order or agreement. The most common case. You choose the document (court order, divorce order, separation agreement or parenting plan), its date and, if you like, the court and file number. The letter also says that a copy of the document travels with the children.
The other parent has passed away. The letter names the other parent and states that you are the only parent with decision-making responsibility.
No other parent on the birth registration. The letter says so in one sentence, without further detail.
Whatever the reason, carry the supporting document itself on the trip: the order, the death certificate or the birth certificate. The letter points to it; it does not replace it.
Filling in the letter
| Part | What to enter |
|---|---|
| About you | Your name as in your passport and whether you are the mother, father or legal guardian |
| Why only you sign | The reason, and for an order its type and date; the court and file number are optional |
| The children | Every detail from each child's passport, up to four children |
| The trip | Destinations, departure and return dates, and whether the children travel with you, another adult or alone |
| Contact | Address, phone and email where you can be reached during the trip |
Things to check before you sign
- The order does not cover travel. Some orders give one parent decision-making responsibility but set rules for travel outside Canada. Read your order; if it requires the other parent's consent, use our two-parent letter instead.
- An outdated order. If the order was changed later, use the date of the order that applies now.
- No copy of the order on the trip. The letter mentions the document, so have a copy in the travel folder with the passports.
- Different names on documents. If your name changed since the order, bring proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate.
Sole custody letter or the standard letter?
| Situation | Letter to use |
|---|---|
| Both parents share decision-making and one travels | Travel consent letter, signed by the parent who stays home |
| Both parents share decision-making and neither travels | Both parents letter |
| Only you have decision-making responsibility | This sole custody letter, signed by you alone |
Signing it with a notary public by video
Press Book and Sign and the letter is attached to your booking. On the call the notary public checks your photo ID, you confirm the letter and sign it on screen, and the commissioned letter is emailed to you right after. Many parents book it together with the trip paperwork a week or two before departure; same-day appointments are often open too.
Already have it filled in?
Upload your own copy when you book and sign it with us by video.
FAQ
Do I need to show the court order on the call?
No. The notary public checks your identity and witnesses your signature. Keep the order with the children's travel documents for the trip.
My order says "custody", not "decision-making responsibility". Is that a problem?
No. The letter uses the current term and mentions sole custody in brackets, so both readings are covered.
Can I use this letter if I travel with the children myself?
Yes. Choose "With me" in the trip section; that is the most common use of this letter.
The other parent has passed away. What should I carry?
This letter and a copy of the death certificate, together with the children's passports.
Can I download the letter?
No. The letter is attached to your booking and signed on the call; the commissioned letter is emailed to you afterwards.
Do you check my court order?
No. You fill in the letter yourself and are responsible for its content. We do not review orders or give legal advice.
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