Passports, documents and travelling with a child you are raising.
The document you need depends on your legal authority. A little preparation can prevent a school, passport or border problem later.
Part of our Legal & Guardianship resource series. See the main Legal & Guardianship guide for the wider topic and related resources. Following a guided route? Return to the Legal-authority route.
Another part of the same family story.
Newcomer kinship families
Immigration status, foreign documents and interpretation can affect the paperwork you need.
Read: Newcomer kinship familiesNavigating PEI Family Court
Legal authority may need to be clarified before passports or travel can proceed.
Read: Navigating PEI Family CourtUnderstanding the family story
Identity documents can also become part of a child's questions about family history.
Read: Understanding the family storyInformation reviewed September 2026. Program rules and services can change, so use the linked official source for current requirements.
Build a core document folder
Useful documents can include the child's birth certificate, health card information, Social Insurance Number information, custody or guardianship orders, GACP or child-protection documents, school records, immunization records and any written consent that applies to travel or medical care.
Birth certificates in PEI
PEI Vital Statistics allows applications for PEI birth certificates through its online or paper process. The province recommends a detailed birth certificate for minors under 16. If you are not the child's parent, confirm directly with Vital Statistics what authority and supporting documentation it requires in your situation.
Apply for a PEI Birth Certificate
Applying for a child's Canadian passport
A legal guardian can apply for a child's Canadian passport, but Passport Canada requires legal documents showing the guardianship. Current court orders or agreements containing valid clauses about custody, decision-making responsibility, parenting time, access, mobility or the child's passport must be provided when they exist.
For children under 16, proof of Canadian citizenship is required, and proof of parentage is part of the application requirements.
Travelling internationally with a child
If you are the legal guardian
Canada advises carrying the child's passport and a copy of the guardianship papers when travelling with a minor. Carry any relevant custody or decision-making documents as well.
If you are not the parent or legal guardian
Canada advises having written permission from the parent or legal guardian authorizing you to supervise or travel with the child. Border officers may ask additional questions when a child is travelling with someone who is not their parent or legal guardian.
Canada: Minor Children Travelling to Canada
A consent letter is useful, but it does not replace legal authority
Canada strongly recommends consent letters when children travel abroad alone, with relatives or friends, or with only one parent or guardian. A letter can help explain the travel arrangement, but a privately written letter cannot override a court order or create guardianship where none exists.
Before booking travel
- Read every custody, guardianship or child-protection document for travel restrictions.
- Confirm whose signature is required for the passport.
- Check the destination country's entry requirements.
- Carry copies of relevant court or guardianship documents.
- If a parent is deceased, carry the official death certificate where it is relevant to the travel documentation.
- Resolve disagreements before paying for non-refundable travel.
When to get legal help
If a parent will not consent, the legal documents are unclear, there is a mobility restriction or you are worried someone may remove the child without authorization, get legal advice before travel.
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