If the child is traveling to Mexico with her stepfather, Mexican law treats him as a third party/non-legal guardian unless he has legally adopted her.

Because he does not have automatic legal parental rights under immigration law, an apostille is strictly required.

Here is exactly how the situation breaks down:

1. Is the Mother Traveling Too?

• YES (Mother + Stepfather + Child): If the biological mother is also traveling on the trip, an apostille is not required. The mother’s presence satisfies Mexican immigration laws. (A standard notarized consent letter from the biological father is still highly recommended by U.S. CBP, but no apostille is needed).

• NO (Stepfather + Child only): If the daughter is traveling with only her stepfather, Mexican authorities view this the same as traveling with a tour guide, friend, or grandparent. The strict minor protection rules apply.

2. Requirements if Traveling with Only the Stepfather

To allow the daughter to enter and leave Mexico with her stepfather, your client must prepare a Consent to Travel document that undergoes the full authentication process:

• The Consent Letter: The letter must explicitly grant permission for the daughter to travel to Mexico accompanied by her stepfather (listing his full legal name and passport number). It should ideally be signed by both biological parents (or your client must provide legal proof of sole custody).

• Notarization: Your client must sign the document in front of a Notary Public.

• The Apostille: The notarized letter must be sent to the Secretary of State’s office (in the state where it was notarized) to receive a Hague Apostille. Mexican border officials will reject a standard U.S. notary public stamp without this state-level authentication.

• Spanish Translation: The complete document—including the apostille certificate—must be translated into Spanish.

📋 What to Bring: The daughter and stepfather must carry the original apostilled letter, the Spanish translation, and at least two photocopies of everything, as Mexican immigration often keeps a copy upon entry or exit.