Passport Parental Consent

What if one parent cannot be present?

The non-appearing parent must fill out FORM DS-3053, which is PART 3 of the Child Passport print outs on our website. That form DS-3053 must be filled out and notarized by the non-present parent. The non-appearing parent must also provide a copy of their current government-issued photo ID.

What if the non-appearing parent cannot be located?

You must type out a statement relating this situation to the Passport Agency. You must provide the following information: 1) Last known contact with the non-appearing parent. 2) Last known address of the non-appearing parent. 3) Birthplace and birthdate of the non-appearing parent (if you do not know, estimate to the best of your knowledge). 4) Explanation of attempts to reach said non-appearing parent. 5) A sentence (or two) explaining why you are taking the child out of the country. 6) Your contact information.

If my child is 13 and under, do both parents need to take the child to the Passport Acceptance Agent?

Yes. No exceptions unless you have the ORIGINAL, notarized DS-3053 (Statement of Parental Consent) to accompany the child’s application.

If my child is 14 or 15, do both parents need to take the child to the Passport Acceptance Agent?

Yes, both parents still need to accompany the child

What’s the deal about parental ID?

If the child is under 16, both parents must include a photocopy of their government-issued ID with the passport application.

My child is 16, do both parents need to take the child to the Passport Acceptance Agent?

No. This child is now considered an adult by the Passport Agency and can sign their own application.  One parent’s ID photocopy is still required.