The U.S. Department of State requires both parents’ consent before issuing a passport to a child younger than 16 years. If one parent is absent, that parent must complete Form DS-3053 to give written authorization.

The form is considered a legal consent document, similar to a waiver or release, confirming parental approval for passport issuance. It contains essential information, including personal details and original signatures, which must be witnessed and validated by a notary.

The DS-3053 is submitted together with Form DS-11 when applying for the child’s passport at an authorized acceptance facility. This form helps prevent custody disputes and protects the identity and safety of minors in international travel situations.

When Do You Need to Use Form DS-3053?

Form DS-3053 is required during specific passport application situations for minors. You’ll need this form when:

• Only one parent or guardian attends the child’s passport appointment.

• A parent cannot appear in person but agrees to the passport issuance.

• A parent is temporarily unavailable due to travel, work obligations, or military deployment.

• A guardian must submit consent on behalf of the child’s parents.

Who needs a DS-3053 form?

Form DS-3053 is submitted with Form DS-11, the standard U.S. passport application, whenever a child under 16 applies without both parents.

You’ll need Form DS-3053 if you are:

• A non-applying parent or guardian who cannot attend the child’s passport appointment in person.

• A parent or guardian living abroad or away due to work, travel, or military service.

• A legal guardian providing consent for a child’s passport on behalf of the parents.

• A parent in shared custody who cannot appear but must still provide notarized consent.

Special Circumstances and Age-Specific Rules for Form DS-3053

The rules for using Form DS-3053 aren’t the same for every situation. Age and circumstances determine how consent is handled.

Using Form DS-3053 for Children Aged 0–15

Parental or guardian consent is mandatory for all minors under 16 applying for a U.S. passport.  If one parent or guardian cannot appear in person, they must complete and notarize Form DS-3053. Submit the notarized DS-3053 with the child’s passport application to show proper consent has been granted.

However, if the other parent cannot be located, you must instead submit Form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent or Special Family Circumstances.

Using Form DS-3053 for Children Aged 16–17

Applicants aged 16 or 17 need parental or guardian awareness, rather than full written consent. You may provide a signed note from a parent or guardian, accompanied by a photocopy of their identification. Proof of a parent or guardian paying the application fees can also demonstrate awareness. 

Sometimes, the passport agency may request a notarized DS-3053 confirming parental support, submitted with a photocopy of the parent’s ID.

Using Form DS-3053 for Military Families

If the non-applying parent is deployed, they can usually provide a notarized DS-3053 to confirm consent. If the non-applying parent cannot be contacted, submit military orders and Form DS-5525 explaining their special assignment. 

Alternatively, you can provide a signed statement from the commanding officer confirming the parent cannot be reached.

Details Required When Filling Out DS-3053

All information must be complete and notarized correctly, or the passport agency will reject the application. Here are the crucial details needed when filling out DS-3053:

Child’s Information

• Full name (last, first, middle) exactly as written on the DS-11 passport application.

• Date of birth in MM-DD-YYYY format.

• Indication if the child is 16 or 17 years old (checkbox).

Non-Applying Parent or Guardian Information

• Full name of the non-applying parent(s) or guardian(s).

• Mailing address, city, state or country, and ZIP or postal code.

• Phone number(s).

• Email address.

Identification Details of Non-Applying Parent or Guardian

• Type of valid government photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc.).

• ID number, issuing authority, issue date, and expiration date.

• Photocopy of the ID (front and back) attached to the form.

Statement of Consent

• Written consent for the child to receive a U.S. passport.

• Option to specify whether the request is for a passport book, passport card, or both.

Signatures and Notarization

• Signature of the non-applying parent(s) or guardian(s), signed in the presence of a notary or passport officer.

• Date of signature (must match the notary or officer’s date).

• Signature, location, date, and official seal of the notary or passport officer.

Note: Consent is only valid for 90 days from the date the notary’s signed.

Special Circumstances

• For guardianship: certified court order and authorization letter from the institution, plus the guardian’s ID.

• If abroad: notarization may need to be completed at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

How To Complete Form DS-3053

Follow these steps to complete Form DS-3053 correctly:

Step 1: Provide the Child’s Information

• Enter the child’s full name, date of birth, and other details exactly as required.

Step 2: Add the Non-Applying Parent or Guardian’s Information

• Fill in your name, contact information, and address as the parent or guardian giving consent.

Step 3: Write the Statement of Consent

• Clearly state that you authorize the passport for your child.

• If you only want a passport book or only a card, note that here.

Step 4: Attach a Copy of Your ID

• Provide a photocopy of the front and back of the government-issued photo ID you list on the form.

Step 5: Sign in Front of a Notary or Passport Officer

• Sign only in front of a notary or passport officer on the same date as they sign.

Does Form DS-3053 Need to be Notarized?

Yes, you must get Form DS-3053 notarized by law. The notarization process involves signing the form in front of an authorized official, such as a notary public. During notarization, you make an oath or affirmation swearing that the information you provide is true and accurate. The notary also verifies your identity and confirms that you are the legal parent or guardian giving consent.

Notarizing your DS-3053 is mandatory to prevent fraud, protect against custody disputes, and ensure the absent parent’s consent is valid. Notarization also helps the U.S. Department of State confirm that both parents or guardians have authorized the passport application.

With us, you can notarize your DS-3053 online in as quickly as 7 minutes, from anywhere.

To learn more about the notarization process, check out our guide on preparing for an online notary appointment.

Draft Your Form DS-3053 Today

Form DS-3053 is required when one parent or guardian cannot appear in person for a child’s U.S. passport application. It provides official, notarized consent that allows the Department of State to process the passport securely and legally. Your DS-3053 must be notarized to verify your identity, confirm your consent, and prevent fraud or custody conflicts.

Ready to proceed for your child’s passport application? Book an online notary appointment with us today and have your Form DS-3053 notarized in as little as 7 minutes from anywhere.