DS-3053 Complete Guide: Statement of Consent for Child Passport When One Parent Can't Attend
Form DS-3053 is required for a child's passport application when only one parent can attend the acceptance facility appointment. This guide covers exactly how it works, how to get it notarized, and every exception scenario.
Last updated: 2026 · 8 min read
What Is DS-3053 and Why Does It Exist?
Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16) is the U.S. State Department's mechanism for obtaining the absent parent's consent when only one parent or guardian can appear in person for a child's passport application.
The form exists to prevent international parental child abduction. Under the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act, taking a child abroad without the other parent's knowledge or consent is a federal crime. Requiring documented, notarized consent from both parents creates a legal paper trail that protects families.
Who Needs to Sign DS-3053
The absent parent — the one who cannot attend the acceptance facility appointment — signs DS-3053. The attending parent brings the completed, notarized form to the appointment. The attending parent does not sign DS-3053; their presence at the facility serves as their consent.
DS-3053 is required for children under age 16. Children aged 16–17 have different requirements — see our child passport guide for the 16–17 details.
How to Complete DS-3053 Correctly
Download the Form
Download DS-3053 from travel.state.gov. Print it single-sided on standard paper. Do not alter the form or add extra text outside the designated fields.
Fill In the Required Information
The absent parent enters: their full name, date of birth, relationship to the child (parent/guardian), the child's full name, child's date of birth, and child's place of birth. The form also requires the absent parent's contact information and explanation of why they cannot appear in person (though a brief general reason is acceptable).
Sign in Front of a Notary — Not at the Passport Facility
The absent parent must sign DS-3053 in front of a notary public. This cannot be done at the passport acceptance facility — it must be done separately before the appointment. The notary witnesses the signature and applies their seal and signature to the form.
Hand Off the Original to the Attending Parent
The notarized original DS-3053 is given to the attending parent to bring to the appointment. Do not mail DS-3053 to the passport processing center — it goes to the acceptance facility at the appointment.
Bring It to the Appointment
The attending parent presents DS-3053 to the acceptance agent along with the DS-11, child's birth certificate, and other required documents. The agent reviews the notarization, retains DS-3053, and processes the application.
Where to Get DS-3053 Notarized
A notary public must witness the absent parent's signature on DS-3053. Common places to find a notary:
- Bank or credit union — Most banks offer free notary services to account holders. Call ahead to confirm a notary will be available.
- UPS Store — Most locations have notaries on staff; appointment may be needed. Fee typically $5–$15.
- FedEx Office — Notary availability varies by location.
- AAA office — Free notary services for members at most offices.
- Public library — Many libraries offer free or low-cost notary services.
- County clerk or courthouse — Government offices often have notaries on staff.
- Mobile notary / remote online notary — Can come to you or operate via video. Many states now permit remote online notarization (RON).
When DS-3053 Is Not Required
You do not need DS-3053 in these situations:
- Both parents attend the appointment — no form needed
- Other parent is deceased — bring the original or certified death certificate instead
- You have sole legal custody — bring the court order granting sole custody (see below)
- Only one parent is listed on the birth certificate — the absent parent situation may not apply if one parent was never legally established
- Child is 16 or 17 — different rules apply; DS-3053 is not used
Sole Custody: What Documentation Is Needed Instead
If you have sole legal custody of the child, you can apply without DS-3053 — but you must bring documentation proving sole custody and that the absent parent's consent is not legally required:
- A court order granting you sole legal custody AND specifically permitting you to obtain a passport or travel internationally with the child
- OR a court order terminating the other parent's parental rights
- OR evidence the other parent is deceased
Important nuance: A custody order that says "sole physical custody" may not be enough — you need sole legal custody that explicitly permits international travel or passport applications. Many divorce decrees grant sole physical custody but require both parents' consent for passports. Review your specific order carefully, or consult a family law attorney if uncertain.
What If the Other Parent Refuses to Sign DS-3053?
If the other parent has legal parental rights and refuses to provide consent by signing DS-3053, you generally cannot obtain the child's passport without a court order. Options:
- Seek a family court order specifically authorizing passport issuance without the other parent's consent
- If there is an ongoing custody dispute, the passport issue can be raised as part of that proceeding
- In emergency situations (documented international emergency travel), contact the State Department directly
The State Department will not override a parent's refusal without legal documentation. This is a legal matter, not a State Department administrative matter.
Does DS-3053 Expire?
DS-3053 does not have a printed expiration date, but in practice it should be used within a reasonable time of notarization. Most acceptance agents expect the form to be recent — within 60–90 days of the appointment. A form notarized a year ago may be questioned. Get it notarized close to your appointment date.
Find an Acceptance Facility for Your Child's Passport
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Remote online notarization is accepted for DS-3053 as long as it is conducted through a properly authorized RON platform in a state that permits it. The notarized document should meet all standard notarization requirements — notary's name, commission number, expiration date, and seal. If the absent parent is outside the U.S., they can use a U.S. RON service via video, or have the form notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their location.
No. The acceptance agent requires the original notarized document. A photocopy — even a high-quality one — will not be accepted. The notary's raised seal and original ink signature are required. Scan a copy for your own records before the appointment, but bring the original.
A deployed service member can sign DS-3053 and have it notarized through a military Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer or other commissioned officer authorized to perform notarizations under military law. Alternatively, they can use an authorized remote online notary service. The State Department specifically accommodates military deployment situations — contact 1-877-487-2778 if you need guidance for your specific circumstances.
Yes, if only one parent is present at the appointment. Joint legal custody means both parents have equal rights regarding major decisions including international travel and passports. Both must appear or one must provide DS-3053 consent. Joint physical custody, joint legal custody, or "50/50" arrangements all require this — only sole legal custody with explicit passport/travel authority eliminates the need for DS-3053.