DS 3053

DS-3053 Explained

Understanding the Statement of Consent for a Child’s U.S. Passport

Form DS-3053 is the official U.S. government Statement of Consent used when one parent or legal guardian cannot appear in person while applying for a passport for a child under age 16.

Because both parents or legal guardians are generally required to consent to the issuance of a child’s passport, Form DS-3053 allows the absent parent or guardian to provide written permission. The completed form must be signed before a notary public and submitted with the child’s passport application.

What Is Form DS-3053?

Form DS-3053 is officially titled:

Statement of Consent: U.S. Passport Issuance to a Child

Its purpose is to provide written, notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian who cannot attend the passport appointment in person.

The form helps protect children by ensuring that both parents or legal guardians have authorized the issuance of the child’s passport whenever required.

When Is Form DS-3053 Required?

You will generally need Form DS-3053 if:

  • Your child is under 16 years of age.
  • One parent or legal guardian cannot attend the passport appointment.
  • The absent parent agrees to the child receiving a passport.
  • The absent parent is able to sign a notarized Statement of Consent.

Without the required consent, the passport application may be delayed or denied.

When Is Form DS-3053 NOT Required?

Form DS-3053 is generally not required when:

  • Both parents appear together at the passport appointment.
  • One parent has sole legal custody and can provide acceptable court documentation.
  • The other parent is deceased and appropriate documentation is submitted.
  • Other special family circumstances apply that require a different government form.

Each situation is different, so be sure to review the requirements before submitting your application.

Does the DS-3053 Have to Be Notarized?

Yes.

The absent parent or legal guardian must sign Form DS-3053 in the presence of a notary public.

The notarized consent is a required part of the child’s passport application whenever one parent cannot attend.

A photocopy of the front and back of the consenting parent’s government-issued photo identification must also accompany the form.

How Long Is the DS-3053 Valid?

The notarized Statement of Consent is valid for 90 days from the date it is notarized.

Your child’s passport application should be submitted within that 90-day period. If the form expires, a new notarized DS-3053 will generally be required.

What Information Does Form DS-3053 Ask For?

The form includes information such as:

  • Child’s full legal name
  • Child’s date of birth
  • Passport book and/or passport card request
  • Parent or guardian providing consent
  • Statement authorizing passport issuance
  • Notary acknowledgment
  • Parent or guardian signature
  • Government-issued photo identification information

Complete the form carefully and review it before visiting the notary.

Common DS-3053 Mistakes

Avoid these common errors:

  • Forgetting to have the form notarized.
  • Submitting a form that is more than 90 days old.
  • Forgetting to include a photocopy of the consenting parent’s photo ID.
  • Signing the form before appearing before the notary.
  • Providing incomplete or incorrect information.

These mistakes can delay your child’s passport application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every child passport application require Form DS-3053?

No. It is only required when one parent or legal guardian cannot appear in person but is able to provide written consent.

Can the absent parent sign the form at home?

No. The signature must be witnessed by a notary public.

Can both parents stay home and have someone else bring the child?

In some situations, yes. If neither parent can appear, each parent may provide the required written authorization and identification so that an authorized third party can accompany the child.

Does the DS-3053 replace Form DS-11?

No. Form DS-3053 is only a consent document. The child’s passport application is still completed using Form DS-11.

Need Help With a Child Passport?

Applying for a child’s passport often requires additional documents and parental consent forms. If you’re unsure whether Form DS-3053 is required for your situation, our Passport Specialists can help you understand the requirements and prepare your application correctly.

Call 1-800-537-5020 to speak with a Passport Specialist t