NEXUS Card Application for Children: Everything Parents Need to Know

Quick Summary

Children under 18 can apply for a NEXUS Card for free when applying with a parent or legal guardian.
Both parents must provide consent, unless one has sole custody.
Interviews are required for children, and at least one parent or guardian must accompany them.
NEXUS Cards for children must be renewed when they turn 18.
The application process is similar to adults, but with additional parental requirements.

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Introduction

A NEXUS Card for children allows kids to travel quickly between the U.S. and Canada using dedicated lanes and kiosks. It’s a great way for families to save time at the border, but applying for a child’s NEXUS Card involves additional steps compared to adult applications.

This guide covers everything parents need to know, including eligibility, required documents, parental consent, and interview details.

For details on applying as a whole family, visit our NEXUS Card Application for Families.

Who Qualifies for a Child’s NEXUS Card?

Children under 18 years old are eligible for a free NEXUS Card, as long as they meet the program’s criteria.

Requirement	Details
Age	Under 18 years old
Nationality	Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada
Parental Consent	Required from both parents unless one has sole custody
Interview	Required; a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child

Required Documents for a Child’s NEXUS Application

Children must provide specific identification documents. Parents must also submit proof of relationship and consent.

Special Cases: Name Changes & Missing Parent Information

Child’s Name Change: If the child has undergone a legal name change (e.g., through adoption or court order), you must provide a legal name change certificate or adoption papers.
Parent’s Name Discrepancies: If a parent’s name has changed due to marriage or other reasons, they must provide a marriage certificate or legal name change document to verify their identity.
Birth Certificate Missing One Parent’s Name: If only one parent is listed on the birth certificate, a consent letter from the absent parent is typically not required. However, having additional custody documents can help prevent delays.
Consent Letter for Absent Parent: If both parents share custody but only one parent can attend the interview, the absent parent should provide a notarized consent letter authorizing the child’s NEXUS enrollment.

For more details on required documents, visit our NEXUS Card Application Requirements.

Children must provide specific identification documents. Parents must also submit proof of relationship and consent.

Document Type	Required for Child	Required for Parent(s)
Valid Passport	✅ Required	✅ Required
Birth Certificate	✅ Required	❌ Not required
Proof of Residency	✅ Parent’s residency proof	✅ Required
Parental Consent Form	✅ Required	✅ Required if only one parent attends the interview
Custody Documents (if applicable)	✅ Required if parents are divorced/separated	✅ Required if applying as a sole guardian

For more details on required documents, visit our NEXUS Card Application Requirements.

Special Rules for Divorced or Separated Parents

If parents are divorced or separated, additional requirements apply:

Both parents must provide written consent unless one has sole custody.
If only one parent is present at the interview, they must bring a notarized consent letter from the non-accompanying parent.
If a parent has sole custody, they must provide legal custody documents.
If the other parent is uninvolved, legal documentation may be required to show the applying parent’s legal authority to enroll the child.

For official government guidelines, visit the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website:
🔗 https://ttp.dhs.gov

How to Apply for a NEXUS Card for a Child

The application process for children follows these steps:

1. Submit the Online Application

Applications are submitted through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP).
A separate application is required for each child.
Children under 18 do not pay the $120 USD application fee.

2. Wait for Conditional Approval

CBP and CBSA conduct background checks.
Processing time ranges from 4 to 12 weeks.

3. Schedule the Child’s NEXUS Interview

All applicants, including children, must attend an interview.
Parents can schedule family interviews together for convenience.
At least one parent or legal guardian must attend.

4. Attend the NEXUS Interview

The child will be asked basic questions about travel habits.
Parents must bring all required documents.
The interview includes identity verification and fingerprinting (for children over 14).

5. Receive and Activate the NEXUS Card

If approved, the child’s NEXUS Card arrives by mail within 7-10 business days.
The card must be activated online before use.

Parental Consent Letter Requirements

When a child is traveling alone with a NEXUS Card or applying without both parents present, a parental consent letter is often required. This letter should include:

✅ Child’s full name and date of birth ✅ Details of the trip (dates, destinations, transportation method) ✅ Name and contact information of both parents or guardians ✅ Signature of the non-accompanying parent or guardian ✅ A photocopy of the non-accompanying parent’s ID (recommended) ✅ Notarization (optional but can help prevent issues at the border)

While this is not legally required in Canada, border officers may request it at their discretion. A well-prepared consent letter can help prevent delays or denied entry.

For official guidelines, visit the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website:
🔗 https://ttp.dhs.gov

Can a Child Travel Alone Using a NEXUS Card?

Parental Consent Required: Although a child with a valid NEXUS Card can use the dedicated lanes and kiosks, they should carry a signed parental consent letter when traveling alone. This letter should include the trip details and both parents’ contact information.
Border Officer Discretion: While a consent letter is not legally required in Canada, border officials may request it at their discretion. Failure to provide proof of parental consent may lead to delays or denied entry.

For official guidelines, visit the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website:
🔗 https://ttp.dhs.gov

Common NEXUS Interview Questions for Children

Children may be asked simple questions about their travel habits:

How often do you travel to the U.S./Canada?
Who do you usually travel with?
What is your home address?
Have you ever had any trouble at the border?

Parents should prepare their children to answer confidently and honestly.

For more on interview preparation, visit NEXUS Card Application Interview Tips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does my child need a NEXUS Card to travel with me?

Yes. If parents have a NEXUS Card but their child does not, the child must use the regular border lane.

2. Do both parents have to attend the NEXUS interview?

If both parents are listed on the child’s application, both must attend unless one has sole custody.

3. How long does a child’s NEXUS Card last?

A child’s NEXUS Card is valid for five years but must be renewed when they turn 18.

4. Can a grandparent apply for a child’s NEXUS Card?

Only if they are the child’s legal guardian and can provide custody documentation.

5. Can a child apply for a NEXUS Card without a passport?

No. A valid passport is mandatory for all applicants, including children.

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