Key Takeaways
- Form DS-3053 is the statement of consent a parent signs when they can’t appear in person for their child’s passport application meeting.
- The parent who can’t attend must sign the DS-3053 before a notary.
- A DS-3053 is only valid for 90 days after notarization.
- The State Department accepts online notarization where state law allows it, so in most cases you can complete the form remotely.
Introduction
What is a DS-3053 document? And why would you need one? Picture this: you’re just about to book your trip abroad when you realize your child needs a passport. But your co-parent is across the country, deployed, or simply can’t get to the appointment with the passport office. What do you do? This guide walks you through what Form DS-3053 is, when you need one, and how to get it notarized online.
Need your Form DS-3053 notarized today? You can meet with a notary online and finish in under 10 minutes. Book an online notary appointment now.
What is Form DS-3053?
Form DS-3053 is a document that a parent or legal guardian must sign to approve their child’s passport application when the parent/guardian can’t be present at the passport meeting. The official name of the form is the U.S. Department of State’s STATEMENT OF CONSENT: U.S. PASSPORT ISSUANCE TO A CHILD. It is submitted alongside the completed passport application (Form DS-11).
You can download the current form directly from the U.S. Department of State.
Why does this form exist? The two-parent consent rule helps prevent international parental child abduction and ensures one parent can’t get a passport for a child without the other parent knowing.
When Do You Need a DS-3053?
Under U.S. law, both parents or legal guardians must consent to a passport for a child under the age of 16. Normally, both parents appear in person at the passport meeting with the child and the completed passport application. The DS-3053 is used when a parent can’t attend the passport meeting.
You may need a DS-3053 in situations like these:
- Different locations: One parent lives in another state or far from the passport office.
- Travel or work: One parent is traveling, deployed or unable to take time off work.
- Living abroad: One parent is outside of the United States.
- Third-party applicant: A grandparent or other adult is applying on the parent’s behalf.
Parents deployed by the military can usually provide a notarized DS-3053. But in some countries, a DS-3053 cannot be notarized by a local notary public. Instead, you must go to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to notarize it.
Skipping the required consent form has consequences. Without it, your child may not be able to get a passport.
The rules ease up a little for older minors. For ages 16 and 17, the other parent needs to be aware of the passport application, but doesn’t need to give full consent. A signed note with a photocopy of government-issued photo ID is often enough, but a notarized DS-3053 may be needed if the passport officer asks for one.
Who Needs to Sign the Form?
The parent who can’t attend the passport meeting needs to sign the DS-3053 form. They must sign in front of a notary, who then completes the notarization.
Important: Do not sign the form ahead of time. You must only sign when the notary is watching.
“Parents who sign the DS-3053 form before their notary appointment are making a big mistake. The notary cannot complete the process if the form is signed ahead of time” — Candice Webster, Notary Public.
Does the DS-3053 Need to be Notarized?
Yes. The State Department requires a notarized consent form, plus a clear photocopy of the front and the back of your valid government-issued photo ID to go along with the completed passport application.
Notarization protects your child. If confirms your identity and verifies that you signed willingly, under no pressure.
During the appointment, the notary public will:
- Confirm your identity using your government-issued photo ID
- Witness you sign and date the form
- Complete the notarial section and apply their seal
Important note: A DS-3053 is only valid for 90 days after it is notarized. You must submit it within that time window, so don’t notarize the form too far in advance of your passport application meeting.
Ready to get your DS-3053 notarized? Skip the trip and complete your form online. Book your online notary appointment now.
What You Need Before Your Notary Appointment
A little preparation ahead of time keeps your notary appointment quick. Have these ready before you meet with your notary:
- The completed DS-3053: Fill it out by typing or printing neatly with black ink, but don’t sign it yet.
- A valid government-issued photo ID: A current driver’s license or passport works.
- A device with a camera and Wi-Fi if you’re meeting with a notary online. You can use a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Your child doesn’t need to be at the notary appointment. Only you, the signing parent, meet with the notary.
Can You Meet With a Notary Online?
Yes — and it’s often the easiest option. The State Department accepts electronically notarized statements of consent where state law allows it. That means you can notarize your DS-3053 online, then print off a copy to submit with the completed passport application.
Online notarization works through a secure video call with a commissioned notary. You verify your ID, sign on camera, and the notary applies their electronic seal. The whole appointment usually takes only a few minutes. And you can do it from home at a time that fits your schedule.
Get ready to travel without a hassle. Meet with a notary online and get your DS-3053 form notarized at home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A simple error can delay your child’s passport. Watch out for these common mistakes:
- Signing too early. You must sign in front of the notary for your form to be valid.
- Using the wrong ink: Complete the form in black ink and keep it neat. Typing is ideal.
- Forgetting the ID copy: Always include a photocopy of the front and back of your government-issued photo ID with the passport application.
- Missing the 90-day window: The DS-3053 form expires 90 days after notarization.
- Using the wrong form: Use Form DS-5525 if the other parent can’t be found or refuses to consent.
- Using an outdated form: Always download the latest version from the State Department.
Next Step: Complete Your DS-3053
Just filling out the form won’t get your child a passport. To be valid, your DS-3053 must be signed in front of a notary.
Here’s how to finish it quickly:
- Prepare your document. Make sure it’s filled out completely, but don’t sign it before your appointment.
- Gather your valid government-issued photo ID. It must be current/not expired.
- Choose your notary option. In-person, mobile, or online.
- Book your appointment. Book your online notary appointment for the fastest option and have your document notarized from any device with a Wi-Fi connection.
Meet with a notary online and complete your DS-3053 in under 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Form DS-3053 lets a parent or legal guardian give consent when they can’t attend their child’s passport appointment. The form must be notarized, and the fastest way to do that is by meeting with an online notary. Don’t let your travel plans get delayed by passport problems!
Book your online notary appointment and complete your DS-3053 in minutes from your sofa or kitchen table.
