Parental Consent Form Notarization in Sacramento
Minor medical authorization, school enrollment, caregiver affidavits, travel consent: we notarize parental consent documents quickly and conveniently. We come to you anywhere in Sacramento.
What we notarize
Parental Consent Documents We Notarize
Whenever a minor child is involved in a legal or official process, parental consent documentation is often required, and notarization adds the legal weight to make it accepted by airlines, border agents, schools, and healthcare providers.
Authorizes a grandparent, relative, caregiver, or other designated adult to consent to emergency medical treatment for your child when you are unavailable.
Grants a non-parent guardian or relative the authority to enroll a minor in school on behalf of the parent.
A short-term notarized document granting a trusted adult the authority to care for your child in your absence (e.g., while parents are traveling abroad).
Lets a non-parent caregiver enroll a minor in school and consent to school-related medical care. California Family Code §6550 creates this affidavit; a caregiver who is a qualifying relative can be given broader authority over medical and dental care.
Some youth sports leagues, camps, and school trips require notarized parental consent forms.
For a minor travelling with one parent, a grandparent, another relative, a school group, or any non-parent adult. U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly recommends one for international trips, and some airlines ask for one domestically. See our child travel consent letter page for the full checklist.
At the appointment
What a Notary Can and Can't Do
Parental consent paperwork is where people most often expect a notary to do more than California allows. Here is exactly what happens when we arrive:
- We check government-issued photo ID for every parent or guardian who is signing
- We watch each signature happen in person, so nothing can be signed beforehand
- We complete the notarial certificate and apply the notary seal
- We record the signing in our official journal, as California law requires
- We come to your home, office, school, or wherever is easiest for you
Notarizing a child travel consent letter? That one has its own checklist: passport numbers, destination, travel dates, and what to do when only one parent can sign. We cover all of it on our child travel consent page.
What we can't do
We are not attorneys, so we cannot draft the form, choose which form you need, or advise you on whether one parent's signature is enough in your situation. Notarizing confirms who signed and that they proved their identity. It does not make the underlying arrangement binding, and it does not override a custody order. If you are unsure the wording is right, ask the school, clinic, or agency that will receive it before your appointment.
Before we arrive
What to Have Ready
Before your notary appointment, make sure you have the following:
Have ready
- Valid government-issued photo ID for the signing parent(s) or guardian(s)
- The completed, unsigned consent letter or authorization form
- If both parents are signing, both must be present (or appointments can be scheduled separately)
- Child's full legal name as it appears on their passport or birth certificate
- Travel destination and dates (for travel consent letters)
- If one parent has sole custody, bring a copy of the custody order
- If a parent is deceased, bring a copy of the death certificate
Common mistakes: what NOT to do
- Do not sign the consent letter before the notary arrives
- Do not use a generic or vague letter: border agents may reject letters that lack specific destination, dates, or contact details
- Do not assume one parent's signature is sufficient if both parents have parental rights: include an explanation or court order if only one parent signs
- Do not get the letter notarized months in advance for ongoing use without checking if an expiration date should be included
- Do not forget to include the child's passport number: a letter without this information is weaker at borders
Free download
Download the Caregiver Authorization Form
If a grandparent, relative, or non-parent caregiver needs to enroll your child in school or authorize medical care, California provides an official form, free to download and print.
Print and complete the form before the appointment, but do not sign until the notary is present. The signing caregiver must bring valid government-issued photo ID. Need other forms? See our Download Forms page.
Parental consent questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a notarized travel consent letter legally required?
There is no universal law requiring it, but U.S. CBP and many foreign border agencies strongly recommend or request it when a minor travels without both parents. Airlines may also request it. Having a notarized letter protects both the child and the accompanying adult from being detained or turned back.
Do both parents need to sign?
Ideally yes, if both parents have parental rights. If only one parent signs, include documentation explaining why (sole custody order, death certificate of the other parent, etc.). One parent signing with a clear explanation is far better than no letter at all.
Does the child need to be present?
No. The child does not need to be present for the parents' signatures to be notarized. Only the parents or guardians whose signatures are being notarized need to be present with valid photo ID.
Does a parental consent form need an apostille?
Only if it will be used in another country. Some countries require an apostille on top of the notarization. We notarize the consent form, which is the step that has to come first. The apostille itself is issued by the California Secretary of State, and you submit the notarized form to them. See our Apostille Services page for details.
Can you come to us the same day?
Yes, same-day appointments are often available. Call or text us at (916) 222-2251 to check availability. We serve all of Sacramento and surrounding areas including Elk Grove, Natomas, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, and Folsom.
How much does it cost to notarize a parental consent form?
The notary fee is $15 per notarized signature, the California state-regulated maximum. Most parental consent forms require one or two notarized signatures. The travel fee is $50. Call or text (916) 222-2251 to book. We take cash, credit card, Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App.
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Ready when you are
Need a Parental Consent Form Notarized?
Traveling soon? Don't wait: we can often get to you the same day. Call or text and we'll talk through exactly what you need.
Call or Text(916) 222-2251