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DS-3053, known as the “Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Minor Under Age 16,” is a form used in the United States passport application process when only one parent or guardian is available to apply for a passport for a child under the age of 16. This form serves as an affidavit where the non-applying parent or guardian gives their consent for the passport to be issued to the minor. It is a critical document that ensures both parents or legal guardians agree to the issuance of the passport, reflecting both the legal requirements and the child’s right to international travel. DS-3053 must be completed accurately and notarized to be valid, and it typically accompanies the DS-11 form when submitted at a passport acceptance facility.
The purpose of DS-3053 is to prevent international child abduction and ensure that both parents are aware of and agree to the child’s travel. When a child’s passport application is being submitted by one parent, the DS-3053 form provides the necessary legal documentation of the other parent’s consent. If the non-applying parent cannot be located or there are specific circumstances that prevent their consent, additional documentation may be required to support the passport application.
What it is: Form DS-3053 is the Statement of Consent: U.S. Passport Issuance to a Child.
Who signs: This section must be signed by the affiant(s) named in Section 3 of this form. OATH: I solemnly swear (or affirm) that the information given by me is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
This form is used with a U.S. passport application (Form DS-11) when one or both legal parents and/or legal guardians cannot appear in person with their minor child to apply for their child's U.S. passport. Both legal parents/legal guardians may also use this form to authorize a third party to apply for a child's passport on the parents/guardians' behalf.
Children Under Age 16: Both legal parents/legal guardians must appear in person with their minor child to apply for a U.S. passport. If one or both parent/guardian(s) cannot appear in person with their child, they must submit this form or a separate statement consenting to passport issuance which must be signed and sworn under oath before a passport authorizing officer or notary.
Children Ages 16 and 17: Parental awareness is required by one legal parent/legal guardian to issue the child a U.S. passport. The passport authorizing officer retains discretion to request the legal parent/legal guardian's written consent to passport issuance.
Attach a clear photocopy of the front and back of the valid government-issued photo identification presented to the passport authorizing officer or notary.
Section 1, Child Applying for a U.S. Passport: Print your child's name as it appears on the passport application (Form DS-11) and child's birthdate. Enter the Child's Name (LAST, FIRST MIDDLE), Example: SMITH, JOHN ROBERT, and the Child's Birthdate (MM-DD-YYYY). Check box if age 16 or 17.
Section 2, Adult Applying in Person with Child under Age 16: Print name of adult appearing in person to apply for a U.S. passport and relationship to the above-named child. Enter the Applying Adult's Name (LAST, FIRST MIDDLE) and the Applying Adult's Relationship to Child (Check one): Legal Parent, Legal Guardian or Third Party.
Section 3, Statement of Consent for Passport Issuance to the Child: In blank space 1 (and blank space 2, if applicable) below, print the full name(s) of the legal parent/legal guardian(s) who cannot appear in-person with the minor child to apply for the passport. Then complete the address and contact details in the Non-Applying Legal Parent/Guardian Address and Contact Details boxes.
The Non-Applying Legal Parent/Guardian consents for the adult named in Section 2 to accompany the minor child and to execute the passport application if the minor child is under age 16. This consent is unconditional regarding passport validity and travel.
This consent is valid for the issuance of a U.S. passport book and card unless otherwise stated in writing here. Example: "Issue passport book only" or "Issue passport card only"
Under Non-Applying Legal Parent/Guardian Address and Contact Details, enter the Street Address, City, State/Country, Zip Code, Phone and Email. Check box if same as 1. SECTION 4.
Stop at Section 4. The affiant(s) must wait to sign in front of a passport authorizing officer or notary. The signed date of the affiant(s) and passport authorizing officer or notary must match. The passport authorizing officer or notary must not be related to the affiant(s). Do not sign this form until requested by a Passport Authorizing Officer or Notary.
The passport authorizing officer or notary signs and dates, with Location (Agency or City, State): On the date specified, the affiant(s) who is/are not related to me, personally appeared before me and executed this consent for the uses and purposes therein contained. I have properly verified the identity of the affiant(s) by personally viewing the notated identification document(s) and matching photocopy(ies).
This consent is valid for 90 days from the passport authorizing officer or notary's signed date. If this consent expires before submitting the U.S. passport application for the named child, new consent is required.
Print legibly or type using black ink only. If you make an error, complete a new form. Do not correct.
Institutions or Entities Granted Guardianship to Child: Submit these documents with this form or a separate statement and ensure the documents have no conditions placed on the passport's validity period and where the child may travel. If there are conditions in the consent, new consent is required. 1. A certified court order granting guardianship to the institution/entity. Photocopies are not acceptable. 2. A signed statement on the institution's/entity's letterhead authorizing a specific person to apply for the child's passport on the child's behalf. The statement must include the child's name and the name of the individual(s) authorized to apply for the passport. 3. The authorized individual's photocopied employee photo identification verifying employment with the institution/entity.
Notaries Outside the United States: In certain countries, this form or statement must be notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate and cannot be notarized by a local notary public.
Consent may not be required if the legal parent/legal guardian submits evidence of sole authority to apply for the child's passport such as the other parent's death certificate (if said parent is deceased), court order granting sole legal custody, or birth certificate listing only one parent. The parent may also submit for consideration Form DS-5525 or written statement (made under penalty of perjury) explaining, in detail, why the second parent cannot be reached.
Form DS-3053 is the Statement of Consent: U.S. Passport Issuance to a Child. A separate notarized written statement with all details in this form may be submitted in lieu of this form.
False statements made knowingly and willfully on passport applications, including affidavits or other supporting documents submitted therewith, may be punishable by fine and/or imprisonment under U.S. law, including the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1001, 18 U.S.C. 1542, and/or 18 U.S.C. 1621.
[1] Form DS-3053 (10-2024), Statement of Consent: U.S. Passport Issuance to a Child, U.S. Department of State (the Official source link on this page).