Applying for a passport for a child can be confusing, especially when one parent cannot attend the passport appointment. In these situations, the U.S. Department of State requires Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, which must be properly notarized before it can be submitted with the minor’s passport application.

Understanding how the DS-3053 form works, how to complete it, and how to get it notarized correctly can prevent delays or even passport denial. In this guide, we’ll explain everything parents need to know about notarizing the DS-3053 form and why using an experienced mobile notary can make the process quick and stress-free.

Form DS-3053 is officially titled “Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Minor Under Age 16.”

It is required when one parent or legal guardian cannot appear in person with the child during the passport application process.

The form allows the absent parent or guardian to provide written and notarized consent authorizing the issuance of a passport for their child.

Without this consent, the passport agency may refuse the child’s application because U.S. law generally requires both parents to consent to a passport for minors under 16.

Notarization is one of the most important parts of the DS-3053 form.

The notarization confirms that:

• The person signing the consent form is the actual parent or legal guardian

• The parent voluntarily agrees to the passport issuance

• The signature was witnessed by a commissioned notary public

A parent must sign the form in front of a notary public and present a valid government ID such as:

• Driver’s license

• U.S. passport

• Military identification

The notary verifies the signer’s identity and then completes the official notarial certificate.

The DS-3053 form is typically required in situations such as:

One Parent Lives in Another State

If one parent cannot travel to the passport appointment, they can sign a notarized DS-3053 and send it to the other parent.

Parents Are Divorced or Separated

Even if parents are divorced, both parents generally must provide consent unless a court order states otherwise.

Work or Military Deployment

Parents who are traveling, deployed, or working overseas may complete the DS-3053 remotely and have it notarized.

One Parent Cannot Attend the Appointment

If the parent simply cannot attend due to scheduling conflicts, the notarized form allows the application to proceed.

There are situations where this form is unnecessary.

Examples include:

• A parent has sole legal custody

• The other parent is deceased

• A court order grants authority to apply for the passport without the other parent

In these situations, the applying parent must present legal documentation such as a custody order or death certificate.

If the other parent cannot be located or refuses to consent, Form DS-5525 may be required instead.

Completing the DS-3053 correctly is essential to avoid passport delays.

Step 1: Download the Official Form

The form should always be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State website to ensure you are using the most current version.

Step 2: Fill Out the Child’s Information

This includes:

• Child’s full legal name

• Date of birth

• Place of birth

Step 3: Provide the Applying Parent’s Information

This section identifies the parent who will appear with the child at the passport appointment.

Step 4: Complete the Statement of Consent

The non-applying parent provides written consent for the passport.

Step 5: Do NOT Sign Yet

The parent must wait until they are with the notary before signing.

Signing beforehand may invalidate the form.

Step 6: Appear Before a Notary

The parent signs the document in front of the notary, who then completes the notarization.

The signature date must match the notary’s date.

The passport acceptance facility will require additional documentation along with the DS-3053.

These typically include:

• Photocopy of the front and back of the parent’s ID used during notarization

• Child’s birth certificate or proof of parental relationship

• Completed DS-11 passport application

Providing these documents ensures the passport agency can verify the parent’s identity and consent.

Many parents do not realize that the DS-3053 has an expiration period.

The notarized form must be submitted within 90 days of the notarization date.

If the passport application is submitted after 90 days, the form becomes invalid and a new notarized DS-3053 must be completed.

Even small mistakes can delay a child’s passport.

Here are the most common errors:

Signing Before Meeting the Notary

The form must be signed in front of the notary.

Missing ID Copy

The passport agency requires a photocopy of the parent’s ID.

Incorrect Dates

The parent’s signature date and the notary’s date must match.

Expired Form

Remember the 90-day rule.

Using an Inexperienced Notary

Incorrect notarization wording or missing information can cause rejection.

Yes. A mobile notary public can notarize the DS-3053 form as long as the parent appears in person with valid identification.

Mobile notaries are often the easiest option because they:

• Travel to homes or offices

• Offer evening and weekend appointments

• Provide fast same-day service

This convenience is especially helpful when parents need the document notarized quickly before a passport appointment.

In many states, the form can also be notarized through Remote Online Notarization (RON).

This process involves:

• Secure video meeting with a notary

• Digital identity verification

• Electronic notarization

Online notarization can be useful when a parent is in another state or even another country.

The DS-3053 form is frequently rejected due to incorrect notarization.

Professional notaries who regularly handle passport forms understand:

• Passport agency requirements

• Proper notarial wording

• Identity verification rules

• Supporting documentation needed

Using an experienced mobile notary helps ensure your form is completed correctly the first time.

The DS-3053 Statement of Consent is an essential document when applying for a child’s U.S. passport without both parents present.

Proper notarization confirms the authenticity of the parent’s consent and ensures the passport application can move forward without delay.

By completing the form accurately, attaching the required identification, and using a qualified notary public, parents can avoid common mistakes and ensure their child’s passport application is processed smoothly. Contact Boston Notary Service today!