GUARDIANSHIP FORM
Information and Instructions
WHO NEEDS A GUARDIANSHIP FORM?
A minor traveling with one parent: Both parents must fill out the form. The traveling parent
should be designated as the child’s guardian for the duration of the trip.
A minor traveling without both parents:
Both parents must fill out the form and designate another
adult traveler as the child’s legal guardian for the duration of the trip.
A minor traveling with both parents:
The guardianship form IS NOT NECESSARY.
FEDERAL LAW REQUIREMENT:
All minors (under 18) traveling internationally must have a guardianship form
completed if they are traveling without one or both parents.
REQUIREMENTS
x Each guardianship form must be completed and notarized.
x Both parents must be present when the form is notarized. (See FAQ’s for common excep-
tions)
x It is illegal to make changes to the form after it has been notarized.
x The designated guardian should keep the ORIGINAL NOTARIZED guardianship form with
him or her at all times while traveling.
MINOR / GUARDIANSHIP GUIDELINES
x Guardians must be with minors at all times during the trip
x If a minor has to stay at the hotel for any reason the guardian must also stay back & vice versa.
SUGGESTIONS
x Parents should designate more than one guardian for each minor.
x One person should not be designated as the only guardian for each minor in the group.
x Take care of the all guardianship forms at one time! Have a meeting with all parents of minors
to fill out the forms. Invite a notary to come and notarize everyone’s forms at the meeting.
By providing this information, Operation Serve is in no way offering legal counsel.
We are only sharing advice based on our past experiences.