Do You Need a Commissioner of Oaths for a Child's Travel Consent Letter in Ontario?
By Secure Commission · Updated
Every year, thousands of Canadian children travel abroad with one parent, a grandparent, a group leader or a family friend instead of both parents. The Government of Canada recommends that all of them carry a signed consent letter, and getting that letter properly witnessed is one of the most common questions parents ask before a trip.
What a consent letter is for
A consent letter is a written statement from a parent or legal guardian who is not travelling, confirming that the child has permission to travel outside Canada. The Government of Canada recommends one whenever a child under 19 is travelling:
- Alone
- With only one parent or guardian
- In the care of a relative, friend, or group such as a school or sports team
A consent letter is not legally required in Canada, but Canadian border services officers, airline agents, and immigration officials in the destination country can all ask to see one. Not having a letter ready can mean delays, extra questioning, or in some cases being denied boarding or entry.
What the letter should include
There is no single official form, but the Government of Canada recommends the letter include:
- The child's full name and date of birth
- The names and contact information of the parent(s) or guardian(s) giving consent
- The full name, address, and contact details of the adult the child is travelling with, and that adult's relationship to the child
- The destination, travel dates, and purpose of the trip
Carry the original signed letter rather than a photocopy where possible, since some border officials will not accept a copy.
Does it need to be commissioned or notarized?
The Government of Canada says any adult can witness the parent's signature, but it strongly recommends having the letter notarized. That recommendation exists because an unwitnessed signature is easy to dispute, while a sworn or solemnly declared statement carries legal weight.
This is where a commissioner of oaths comes in. A commissioner cannot notarize a document or issue an apostille — see our guide on the difference between a commissioner of oaths and a notary public — but a commissioner can administer the consenting parent's signature as a sworn statutory declaration of consent. Ontario municipalities that offer commissioner-of-oaths services routinely handle exactly this kind of travel consent paperwork alongside affidavits and other statutory declarations, so turning a consent letter into a commissioned statutory declaration is an established, recognized option, not an unusual request.
How to get a travel consent letter commissioned remotely
Since 2020, Ontario has allowed a commissioner of oaths to administer a declaration by video under O. Reg. 431/20. See our guide on how remote commissioning works for the full appointment process. In short:
- Prepare the consent letter with the child's details, your details, the travelling adult's details, and the trip dates
- Book a video appointment and have your government-issued photo ID ready — see our ID requirements guide
- Sign the declaration during the live video session while the commissioner witnesses you
- Receive the commissioned document electronically, ready to print and carry on the trip
A single document starts at $29 CAD through Secure Commission, with most straightforward appointments taking 15 to 30 minutes.
What a commissioned consent letter does not guarantee
Having the letter properly commissioned strengthens it, but it does not override the destination country's own entry rules, and it is not a guarantee against a border official asking further questions. Some countries do not recognize remote commissioning, or require the letter to be notarized and carry an apostille instead of a commissioner's declaration. Check the Government of Canada's travel advice for your destination and, if your document needs to be notarized or apostilled rather than commissioned, see our guide on when you need a notary instead of a commissioner.
Travelling soon with a child who isn't accompanied by both parents? Book a remote commissioning appointment or contact us first if you're not sure your consent letter qualifies.
Frequently asked questions
Is a child travel consent letter legally required to leave or enter Canada?
No. The Government of Canada states a consent letter is not legally required. However, Canadian border officials, airline check-in agents and foreign immigration officers can request one when a child is travelling without both parents or guardians, and not having one can cause delays or, in some cases, denied boarding or entry.
Does the consent letter have to be signed in front of a commissioner of oaths?
The Government of Canada says any adult can witness the signature, but strongly recommends having it witnessed by a notary public. A commissioner of oaths cannot notarize a document, but can administer the consenting parent's signature as a sworn statutory declaration, which carries more legal weight than an informal witness signature and is accepted by Ontario municipalities as routine commissioner-of-oaths work.
What if my child is travelling with just one parent, not another adult?
The Government of Canada's guidance still applies: a consent letter is recommended any time a child travels without both parents or legal guardians, including when travelling with only one of them. The letter should be signed by the parent or guardian who is not travelling.
Will a remotely commissioned consent letter be accepted at every border?
Most likely for Canadian and transportation-carrier purposes, since Ontario permits commissioning by video under O. Reg. 431/20. But a foreign country's immigration authority makes its own rules, and some countries do not recognize remote commissioning or ask for additional steps such as notarization or an apostille. Check your destination's entry requirements before you travel.
This guide is general information about remote commissioning in Ontario and is not legal advice.
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