Minors travelling: documents in the United States (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: A US citizen leaving or entering the United States needs a valid passport unless an exception applies; a US citizen under 16 may use a birth certificate at land and sea ports from contiguous territory. No federal rule on parental consent for travel could be confirmed from the official pages readable here.

RuleWhat applies
Child needs own passport or ID cardChild travelling across a borderYes [1]
Consent when travelling with one parentChild travelling across a border⚠ Not yet verified
Consent when travelling without parentsChild travelling across a border⚠ Not yet verified
Official consent form or declarationChild travelling across a border⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Applies to US citizens, whatever their age, entering or departing the United States. Exceptions in 22 CFR 53.2 include a birth certificate for a citizen under 16 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory. Foreign children need the documents of their own nationality and a visa where required.
  • The State Department and CBP pages on minors travelling with one parent returned an access error from this server and could not be read.
  • The State Department and CBP pages on minors travelling without parents returned an access error from this server and could not be read.
  • Not confirmed from a readable official page. Form DS-3053 relates to passport applications, not to travel.

Sources

  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Title 22, Part 53): 22 CFR 53.1 and 53.2: Passport requirements and exceptions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.