Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053)

Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053): Parental Authorization for a Child’s Passport

When applying for a U.S. passport for a child under 16, both parents or legal guardians must provide consent. However, situations often arise when one parent cannot appear in person at the passport acceptance facility.

In such cases, the Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) allows the absent parent to give official, notarized permission for the passport to be issued.
In this article, we explain what Form DS-3053 is, when it is required, how to complete it correctly, and how USPassportApplicationOnline.com helps applicants prepare for this important step in the child passport process.

What Is Form DS-3053?

Form DS-3053 – Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Minor Under Age 16 is an official document of the U.S. Department of State. It is used when one parent or legal guardian is unable to appear in person to provide consent for the issuance of a child’s passport.

The form must be signed in front of a certified Notary Public, who verifies the parent’s identity and confirms that the signature was made voluntarily.
Along with the notarized form, the absent parent must include a photocopy of a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to authenticate the consent.

Form DS-3053 ensures that the child’s passport is issued only with the authorization of both parents or guardians, as required by U.S. law. This rule helps prevent cases of international child abduction and unauthorized travel by minors.

When Is Form DS-3053 Required?

Form DS-3053 is required in any situation where one parent or guardian cannot be physically present when applying for a passport for a child under 16 years old. Common examples include:

• A parent who lives in a different state or country,

• A deployed military parent,

• A parent unable to attend due to illness or work obligations.

The form serves as proof that both parents have agreed to the child’s passport application. Without it, the U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility will not process the application unless other legal documentation is provided.

In cases where one parent cannot or will not provide consent, the applying parent must instead submit Form DS-5525 (Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances) or court documentation proving sole custody.

How to Complete Form DS-3053

Filling out Form DS-3053 correctly is essential to avoid delays or rejections in the passport application process. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Download the form – Obtain the latest version of Form DS-3053 from the official U.S. Department of State website.

2. Complete all sections – Enter the child’s information, the consenting parent’s details, and the statement of authorization.

3. Sign in front of a Notary Public – Do not sign the form until you are in the presence of the notary.

4. Attach a photocopy of your valid ID – The ID must show your full name, date of birth, and signature.

5. Send the completed form – The notarized DS-3053 and ID copy should be submitted with the child’s passport application (Form DS-11) by the applying parent.

It is important to ensure that the notarization is recent — typically, the Department of State recommends that the form be signed and notarized within 90 days of submission.

How USPassportApplicationOnline.com Helps Parents

USPassportApplicationOnline.com provides helpful tools and information for parents and guardians navigating the U.S. passport application process for minors.
Although the platform does not issue government documents, it offers step-by-step explanations of the required forms, including DS-3053, DS-11, and DS-5525.

Through clear instructions and checklists, parents can:

• Understand when DS-3053 is required,

• Learn how to correctly complete and notarize the form,

• Ensure they include all necessary supporting documents,

• Avoid common mistakes that could delay the application.

By following the guidance available on USPassportApplicationOnline.com, parents can feel confident that their child’s passport application meets all U.S. Department of State requirements.

Why Form DS-3053 Is Important

The Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) is more than just a procedural form — it plays a crucial role in protecting children and ensuring that both parents are aware of international travel plans.

This measure is part of federal child protection policies aligned with the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act (IPKCA), helping to prevent unauthorized removal of minors from the United States.

Submitting a properly completed DS-3053 ensures that the child’s passport is issued only with valid, documented consent. For families where one parent cannot be present, this form provides a legal and secure way to move forward with the application.

Conclusion

Form DS-3053 – Statement of Consent is an essential document in the child passport application process when one parent cannot appear in person. It protects both parents’ rights and ensures compliance with U.S. law.

Through USPassportApplicationOnline.com, parents can access reliable explanations, form instructions, and preparation tips to make the process smoother and more accurate.

Completing the DS-3053 correctly not only speeds up processing but also helps ensure the child’s safety and compliance with U.S. passport regulations.