First time cruiser- last minute questions

[Nicnicnic.nic]

Hello! Based off the website the documents required to leave from Miami are passports for me and the kids plus my driver's license? Also I'm a single mom. Do I need something extra since their dad won't be there? I saw nothing about that ok the website. Thanks!

 

[lanejudy]

You should be fine. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can ask their dad for a letter stating you have permission to take them out of the country, but my understanding is that with a passport that isn't an issue.

 

[Mathmagicland]

Hello! Based off the website the documents required to leave from Miami are passports for me and the kids plus my driver's license? Also I'm a single mom. Do I need something extra since their dad won't be there? I saw nothing about that ok the website. Thanks!

If you have a passport, you should not need a drivers license to board the ship. If you plan to leave the ship either on your own or on a port adventure, even to Castaway Cay, you need some or government ID with you to get back. This can be either your passport or a drivers license, if any of the kids are 18+, they too will need a government issued iD to get back on board in a port.

Re traveling as a single parent, best to review the US government and different countries requirements as each could be different on what sort of paperwork or permission is needed,

https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-449?language=en_US

 

[Calantha]

Also I'm a single mom. Do I need something extra since their dad won't be there?

My dad took a letter when we left the country when I was a kid and visited Mexico one time but no one ever asked that I'm aware of.

That being said:
I sailed solo with my son and in-laws last summer (DH skipped) and the CBP officer had a fit at the port getting OFF the ship. Thanksfully my in-laws were in the next lane (with the same last name as my son) and I offered to call them over. He declined, but said I should always have a birth certificate, etc. etc.

Haven't had another issue since then (and sailed with him and my mom in January).

Anyway, as others said, you might consider a letter or copy of the custody agreement. It really depends on who you get and what kind of mood they are in.

 

[auntlynne]

Passport trumps driver’s license for ID for anything other than driving / renting a car.

Also, in May 2025, we are supposed to have Real ID (enhanced) driver’s licenses as minimum to board a plane in the US. If you have a valid (unexpired) passport, you will not need to replace/ update your driver’s license.

 

[RedHead0186]

Also, in May 2025, we are supposed to have Real ID (enhanced) driver’s licenses as minimum to board a plane in the US. If you have a valid (unexpired) passport, you will not need to replace/ update your driver’s license.

FYI, REAL ID and enhanced drivers license are not the same thing. Enhanced driver's license, which is only offered in a handful of states (at least right now) provide proof of identity and citizenship and can be used when crossing into the US in a vehicle. REAL ID is the 'standardized' driver's license that's been in implementation for the past few years.

After May 7, 2025 (assuming they don't push back the deadline again), if you want to use a driver's license to board a commercial aircraft, it will need to be REAL ID compliant. An enhanced driver's license would also work, but is not required (and that's only offered in certain states). A passport can also continue to be used as ID; no changes there.

 

[loislane]

From my own experience at a border crossing, I would always advise people to have a letter from the other parent and a copy of your custody documentation. Better to have it with you and not need it than need it and not have them.

 

[Scottishdisneyfan]

I cant speak for US laws but i know as a UK based LEO a letter is incredibly helpful, you’d be surprised how many times parents do this without permission (and sometime for very bad reasons) if you’re asked about it, its only because of the few bad parents and not a judgement on you.