Fillable Form DS-3053 (2016)

What is Form DS-3053?

Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent for Issuing a Passport to a Child, is a legal document submitted to the US Department of State. The form serves as a written statement of consent from the non-appearing parent, granting permission for the issuance of a passport to the child. This is particularly important in situations where both parents or legal guardians have custodial rights, and the consent of both is required for the issuance of a passport to a minor.

In the event that a minor under the age of 16 applies for a passport, and one of the minor’s parents or legal guardian/s is not available at the time the passport is executed, a completed and notarized DS3053 form can be used as the statement of consent. If the required statement is not submitted, the minor may not be considered eligible to receive a US passport. This required statement can be submitted in other formats provided that they meet all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.

Alternatively, here are different forms for you to apply for incase you lost your passport or if you want to renew your passport. If you want to access more forms check out the related forms below or click here for the full list of passport forms or here for the full list of travel forms related to your DS-3053.

How do I fill out Form DS-3053?

Form DS-3053 is a very short form and does not take much time to fill out. However, take note that this form must be submitted alongside your DS-11 form as a notarized statement, so make sure to contact a notary public and sign the form before them before submitting the form.

Make sure that all information put in this form is truthful and accurate in order to avoid issues with the filing of your documents.

Minor’s Name

Enter the last name, first name, and middle name of the minor who is being issued a passport in the spaces provided.

Minor’s Date of Birth

Enter the minor’s date of birth in the space provided, in MM/DD/YYYY format (ex. 1/1/2000)

Authorization Valid For

Check the box that corresponds to what this authorization will be valid for. Choose only one from the following:

• Passport book and card
• Book only
• Card only

Statement of Consent

This section should be filled out by the non-appearing parent or legal guardian, using their information when not present at the time the other parent or legal guardian submits the minor’s application. Note that these statements expire after 90 days.

Print Name (Non-appearing or applying Parent/Guardian)

Enter the name of the non-appearing parent or legal guardian in the space provided.

Print Name (Applying for Minor’s Passport)

Enter the name of the person being authorized to apply for the minor’s passport.

Address Information

Enter the following information in the spaces provided:

• Street Address (non-appearing parent/guardian)
• Apartment
• City
• State
• ZIP Code
• Area Code and Telephone Number
• Email Address

Signature

Note that his section of the form must be signed in the presence of a notary.

Have the non-appearing parent or guardian sign the form in the space provided, then enter the date that the form was signed.

Statement of Consent Notarization

Name of Notary

Enter the name of the notary public in the space provided.

Location

Enter the city and state that this form is being notarized in.

Commission Expires

Enter the date that the notary’s commission expires in MM/DD/YYYY format (ex. 1/1/2000).

Identification Presented by Non-applying Parent or Guardian

Check the box that indicates what identification the non-applying parent or guardian presented to the notary in order to verify their identity. You may choose from the following:

• Driver’s License
• Passport
• Military ID
• Other (specify in the space provided)

ID Number

Enter the ID number associated with the provided identification card or document.

Place of Issue

Enter the place that the provided identification was issued.

Issue Date

Enter the date that the provided identification was issued in MM/DD/YYYY format (ex. 1/1/2000).

Expiration Date

Enter the date that the provided identification will expire in MM/DD/YYYY format (ex. 1/1/2000).

Signature of Notary

Have the notary sign the form in the space provided, then enter the date that the form was signed.

If the Notary has a seal, have them stamp it onto the form in the space provided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Form DS-3053 be used for children over the age of 16?

No, the form is specifically for minors under the age of 16.

What happens if the non-appearing parent or guardian refuses to sign Form DS-3053?

If the non-applying parent or legal guardian refuses to sign, additional legal steps, such as obtaining a court order, may be necessary.

Can a notary from outside the United States notarize the form?

No, the notary must be commissioned in the United States.

Is Form DS-3053 required for renewing a minor's passport?

No, it is generally required only for the initial application or when updating information for a minor's passport.

Is there an expedited processing option?

Expedited processing options may be available for passport applications, but the timeframe can vary. Make sure to check with the US Department of State office for more details on whether or not you can have the application process expedited.

What if the non-appearing parent cannot be located or contacted?

In such cases, additional documentation and a detailed explanation may be required, and it's advisable to contact the U.S. Department of State for guidance.

Can Form DS-3053 be used for international travel without the consent of the non-appearing parent?

Generally, the consent of at least one parent and/or a legal guardian is required for international travel with a minor, and this form is a means to obtain a consent statement.

Is there a specific format for the notarization on Form DS-3053?

While there is no specific format, the notarization must include essential details, and the notary must be commissioned in the U.S.

Can Form DS3053 be used by someone who was born abroad?

Yes, but the minor's US citizenship must be proven using documents like a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Please check the US embassy website for more details.

Is Form DS-3053 applicable to non-U.S. citizens residing in the United States?

No, it is specific to U.S. citizens applying for U.S. passports.

Can Form DS-3053 be submitted along with other passport application forms?

Yes, it is typically submitted along with other required forms and documents for a minor's passport application.

Is the DS3053 required for both biological parents to file, even if they are divorced?

No, it is generally required only from the non-applying parent when both parents have legal custody rights. A legal guardian may also file the form themselves, if for whatever reason the minor's parents are unable to.

What if the non-appearing parent is incarcerated or otherwise unavailable?

In such cases, a court order or additional legal documentation may be required to proceed with the passport application.

Can Form DS-3053 be used for emergency travel situations?

Emergency situations may require additional documentation and should be addressed with the U.S. Department of State.

Is Form DS-3053 needed for a child with only one legal guardian?

No, it is typically used when both parents or legal guardians have custodial rights. If one parent has sole custody, additional documentation may be required.

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