What the form is
Form DS-3053 is the Statement of Consent used when one parent or guardian cannot appear in person with the child to apply for a passport. It states that the absent parent consents to the passport being issued to the child. The U.S. Department of State publishes the current version.
Always download the latest form from the official site.
The form also asks for the child's details. Complete these using the information on the child's birth certificate, so the passport agency finds no mismatch.
Who signs and where
The absent parent completes the identifying details and signs the form in front of a notary. The notary completes the notarial certificate. The signature must be done after the form is filled in, not before. Check the instructions on the form, since the sections change from time to time.
The parent who appears with the child brings the notarized form to the passport acceptance facility.
The notary will check the parent's ID and watch the signature. They cannot sign for the parent or fill in the parent's answers, though a parent may ask for help reading the lines.
If the consenting parent also wants to limit validity or add comments, follow the form's instructions and do not write extra notes in the margins.
Photo ID copy
The absent parent usually must provide a photocopy of the front and back of the ID shown to the notary, attached to the form. The ID and the notarized form must match. An ID that expired may cause rejection, so use a current one.
Keep the original ID and the photocopy distinct, and attach the photocopy.
A clear copy matters. A cropped or dark photocopy of an ID can lead the passport agency to ask for a new one.
Common mistakes
Signing the form before meeting the notary. Leaving the notarial certificate blank. Using an old version of the form. Forgetting to attach the ID copy. Presenting a form with the wrong child name or date of birth.
A rejected form can delay the appointment, so check every field twice.
Call the acceptance facility before you go to ask what they need on appointment day. Many ask for original birth certificates, photos and payment in a specific form.
When the form is not enough
If one parent cannot be found, or if there is a special situation such as sole custody, other documents may apply, such as a court order or a statement explaining the circumstances. The State Department's instructions describe options. A notary cannot decide which applies.
For legal questions about custody, ask an attorney.
Timing
Parents should plan for appointment availability and processing time, which can be long in busy seasons. Check the current estimates on the official site before booking travel.
If a parent is overseas, check which notarial services are available at the local U.S. embassy or consulate, and whether they charge a fee.
Common questions
Does the form expire?
The form usually stays valid for a limited time, and agencies like recent dates. Check the form's instructions.
Does the notary keep the form?
No. The notary notarizes and returns the form. The notary only keeps a journal entry.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation.