Expert: Pam Smith - 6/25/2008

Question
hi im going to mexico and im taking my 14 year old cousin, do i need permission, if so just a letter from her parents, or a legal document? i need to know asap!
can i just take her birth certificate? her second last name is my last name.

Answer
You will need an affidavit signed by your cousins parents and notarized.  If you are flying you both must have a passport.  If you are driving, or crusing than you both can get by with a CERTIFIED birth certificate with an embossed seal (not what your mother received at the hospital with your foot prints)

Copy the form below, print it out and it will work.  Remember the parents have to sign the form in front of the notary.

Pm

------------------------------------------

AFFIDAVIT


This sworn notarized statement is provided to give permission for a minor child to travel outside of the United States of America

We, the undersigned parents of ___________________________________________________ age _______ whose date of birth is (day-month-year) ____ - ____ - _____ , give our permission for him/her to travel to the country of  ______________________________ from:
Date of Departure (day-month-year) ____ - ____ - _____
Date of Return (day-month-year) ____ - ____ - _____
Minor Child’s Address:
Street Address ______________________________________________________
City ___________________________ State _______ Postal Code _____________
Country of Residence ____________________

This affidavit is to be accompanied by a Passport or a government issued picture identification card (or a drivers license if the child is of driving age) and a certified birth certificate (not a copy) issued by a state of government agency with proper state of agency seal

Signature of Father (if not accompanying child on this trip):  
Signature ______________________________________ Date ____ - ____ - ____
Please Print Name ___________________________________________________

Signature of Mother (if not accompanying child on this trip):  
Signature ______________________________________ Date ____ - ____ - ____
Please Print Name ___________________________________________________

Notary Seal and Signature:

                                   
              Notary Public

              My commission expires on: