Naming someone on the birth certificate (mother or father) does not mean they are entitled to custody or that they automatically have guardianship.  If he is simply named on the birth certificate and you do not have a custody arrangement with him and you have not been to court to get a custody and support order, then you are free to go out of the country. You do not need father's consent if you meet certain critical criteria. You may need a court order, however, granting you sole custody of the child so that you may need the other parent's notarized consent. Review the U.S. Passport scenarios for one parent families and see what best applies to you. Keep in mind the both parent notification and consent is there to prevent child abductions and protect the minor.