Fill Form DS-3053 online
Statement of Consent: U.S. Passport Issuance to a Child
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Form DS-3053 in short
Form DS-3053 is a notarized statement in which a parent or legal guardian who cannot go to the passport appointment consents to a U.S. passport for their child. It is submitted together with the child's Form DS-11. Both parents can also use it to let a third party apply for the child.
| Issued by | U.S. Department of State |
|---|---|
| Current version | DS-3053 10-2024 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | A legal parent or legal guardian (the affiant) who cannot appear in person with a child under 16 when the child's passport application is made. For children aged 16 or 17, the passport officer may ask one parent or guardian for written consent. |
| Who receives it | The passport acceptance facility, passport agency, or U.S. embassy or consulate where the child's DS-11 is submitted. It is then sent to the U.S. Department of State with the application. |
| Where to send it | Do not mail it on its own. The adult applying with the child brings the signed and notarized DS-3053, plus the photocopy of the affiant's ID, to the in-person DS-11 appointment. |
| Deadline | The consent is valid for 90 days from the date the passport authorizing officer or notary signed it. If it expires before the DS-11 is submitted, a new consent is needed. |
| Fee | No fee is listed on the form for DS-3053 itself. Notary charges vary. The child's passport fees are paid with Form DS-11. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF |
What changed
Current edition is 10-2024 (OMB No. 1405-0129, expires 10-31-2027). It covers parental awareness for ages 16 and 17 and adds rules for institutions or entities granted guardianship.
How to fill out Form DS-3053, line by line
| Section 1 | Child applying for a U.S. passport The child's name exactly as on the DS-11, last name first, and date of birth. Check the box if the child is 16 or 17. |
| Section 2 | Adult applying in person with the child The name of the adult who will go to the appointment with a child under 16, and whether that person is a legal parent, legal guardian, or third party. |
| Section 3 | Statement of consent The full name of each parent or guardian who cannot appear, with address, phone, and email. Consent covers both the passport book and card unless you write 'Issue passport book only' or 'Issue passport card only'. |
| Section 4 | Oath and signature Stop here. Sign only in front of a passport authorizing officer or notary. The date you sign must match the officer's or notary's date. |
| Section 4 | Identifying documents The officer or notary records the ID you showed, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID, with its number and dates. |
| Section 4 | Officer or notary signature and seal Completed by the passport authorizing officer or notary, who must not be related to you. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Signing before reaching the notary or passport officer. The form says to wait and sign in front of them.
- Using a notary who is related to the parent or guardian. The form says this is not allowed.
- Forgetting the photocopy of the front and back of the ID shown to the notary.
- Letting the consent expire. It is valid for 90 days from the notary's signature date.
- Adding conditions on travel or passport validity. The consent must be unconditional, or a new one is needed.
- Correcting mistakes on the form. The form says to start a new form if you make an error.
- Using a local notary abroad in a country where the State Department requires notarization at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Writing the child's name differently from the DS-11.
Questions about Form DS-3053
Does Form DS-3053 have to be notarized?
Yes. It must be signed and sworn in front of a passport authorizing officer or a notary, and the notary must not be related to you.
How is it used with Form DS-11?
The adult applying with the child brings it to the in-person DS-11 appointment, together with a photocopy of the front and back of the consenting parent's ID.
How long is the consent valid?
90 days from the date the officer or notary signed it.
Do I need it if I have sole custody?
The form says consent may not be needed if you show sole authority, such as a court order for sole legal custody, the other parent's death certificate, or a birth certificate listing only one parent.
Can I write my own statement instead?
Yes. The form says a separate notarized written statement with all the same details may be used instead.
Is it needed for a 16 or 17 year old?
Parental awareness is required. The passport officer may ask one parent or guardian for written consent.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.