birth certificates for kids

[new york girl]

I know the subject of passports has been discussed and I know that as US citizens my husband and I just have to show our driver's license and birth certificates. My question is what about our kids, they only have birth certificates? Does anyone know what the policy for kids is? Thanks so much.

[toes in the sand]

Prior to my daughter getting her passport I would bring her birth cert and a picture ID. Some years it was a CYC (sports ID) card. I also made sure that I had another picture of her with us just in case (God forbid) she were to go missing. If you are traveling with minors and the parents listed on the Birth Cert are not traveling with you (friend of your child or a nephew etc.) make sure to bring a signed letter from the parents to be clear that they are traveling under your care and giving you power to make emergency medical decisions for them.

[flip-flop]

All my son has needed for his past two trips (at 10 months and 19 months) was a birth certificate. I think they basically check to make sure your name is on it by cross ref'ing w/ your picture id/passport.

They both have passports for the upcoming trip.

[BeAsUR]

It is so much easier to just have passports....their photo is on them and they are easier to keep up with. I was in STJ in July with my 2 (minor) kids and the passport was all we needed when going to the BVI.

[sinawitatanka]

Good question, new york girl. I'm traveling with my niece, we don't have custody of her, and she has a different last name than us. I'm going to bring her birth certificate, but the letter from mom is good advice.

[toes in the sand]

Good question, new york girl. I'm traveling with my niece, we don't have custody of her, and she has a different last name than us. I'm going to bring her birth certificate, but the letter from mom is good advice.

You might want to make sure that both parents listed on the birth cert signs the letter. On the letter give contact information for the parents.

[sinawitatanka]

That's not going to be possible. I'm only going to be able to get a signature from the mom. How big of a deal is this going to be? Has anybody ever had problems at the airport? Also, does anybody have a letter they would be willing to share?

So glad this question came up! Sorry to hijack the thread a bit - feel free to pm me if you can help me figure this out!

[JC]

A birth certificate with a raised seal...and a notorized note from the parents...you're good to go! Just did this in March...no questions asked!

[toes in the sand]

That's not going to be possible. I'm only going to be able to get a signature from the mom. How big of a deal is this going to be? Has anybody ever had problems at the airport? Also, does anybody have a letter they would be willing to share?

So glad this question came up! Sorry to hijack the thread a bit - feel free to pm me if you can help me figure this out!

If the mom is the sole custodian of the child there is no problem. Under most circumstances you should have no trouble. It is only under circumstances where your ability to make choices for the child is questioned that you might have problems.

[PA Girl]

That's not going to be possible. I'm only going to be able to get a signature from the mom. How big of a deal is this going to be? Has anybody ever had problems at the airport? Also, does anybody have a letter they would be willing to share?

So glad this question came up! Sorry to hijack the thread a bit - feel free to pm me if you can help me figure this out!

I know of a case (friend of a cousin) where they had a very hard time getting into Mexico because the man travelling with the mom and child was not listed as the father on the birth certificate.

I would take copies of any custody orders in addition to a notarized letter.

In March, we had an interesting interaction with the agent when clearing customs in San Juan.

We flew in on a charter and were taken to a special counter, one with no line.

Our son's passport picture was taken when he was an infant. I take his birth certificate in addition to his passport.

The agent sort of gave us the third degree, repeatedly asking first my husband and then me our son's date of birth and his middle name.

His middle name is a family name (German) that is hard to pronouce.

He kept repeating it back to us like "your son's middle name is Smith? Correct, correct?" and not in a curious way, it was like he was trying to trip us up.

I finally said, politely, "is there a problem?" and he simply handed me the passports and told us to go.

It was an odd thing. I have never been challenged by a US agent like that before.

[jerseygirl062]

Your letter should read something along these lines:

I
Mary Queen of Scotts give my permmission for my daughter Suzie Q to travel to beautiful, peaceful, wonderful St. John from June 5 - 12 2009 with Michelle and Baraq Obama.
I can be reached at work 888-8888, home 999-9999 or my cell 222-222-2222. In the event that I can not be reached I authorize the Obamas to make any urgent medical emergency decisions on my behalf.

If available get a copy of med. insurance card for child.

Have fun - what a nice aunt/uncle you are.

[sinawitatanka]

Thanks again for all the advice. I'm drafting a letter for my niece's mother to sign this weekend! Now if only I could get my 8 month old custody request granted by tribal courts...this would all be so much easier! Living on the Reservation certainly has its quirks.