Depends when you are traveling... if you are traveling before Dec. 31st 05, you're fine.just need parent signature if its not your child. after that you'd have to have a notarized letter of permission to have the child under your supervision. I have taken my son w/o dad w/no problems ...but Jan 1,06 If I don't have sole custody, I have to have his notarized permission and I believe he has to go with me to get his first passport. I also took my cousin who was 15 and her mom just had to sign one of the forms saying I was responsible for her.. hope that helps...