Do we need a notarized consent document for my grandson to travel to Canada with us?

Question:  Our daughter and son-in-law are tax accountants. This time of year is very busy for them and they work very long hours for a 4 month period. Their son, our grandson has become very bored, for lack of a better word, due to the time his parents spend in the office daily. He is on vacation from school and we would like to take him to Canada. That is to help him get away and enjoy himself a bit. We will be going for about 4 days. Do we need a notarized consent document for my grandson to travel to Canada with us?

Answer:  Hello, that is a very thoughtful gesture. Fortunately, in order to travel to Canada from the U.S., children under the age of 16 will not need a passport. What they will need is to provide proof that they are U.S. citizens. A birth certificate or certified copy of a birth certificate can prove that your grandson is a U.S. citizen.  Along with his birth certificate, you might be required to provide a notarized consent document that confirms your daughter and son-in-law’s consent to have their son travel to Canada with you, the grandparents. This notarized consent document will not be provided by a particular form. However, it should include names and photo copies of the parents. Also, State Identifications, his parents’ names, and the traveling dates for your trip. Enjoy your trip!