DS-3053

DS-3053 — Statement of Consent for a Child Under 16

Short answer

Lets a parent or guardian who cannot appear in person consent to a child's passport.

Who it's for: Families where only one of two parents or guardians can attend the appointment.
How it's filed: Notarized and submitted by the appearing parent with the child's DS-11.
Fees: No fee for the form itself; notary fees vary.
Timing: The statement must be notarized within the 90 days before the application is submitted.

How to complete it

1
Notarize it — no exceptions
The absent parent signs in front of a notary public and includes a photocopy of the front and back of the ID shown to the notary.
2
Bring the original
The appearing parent hands the original notarized statement to the acceptance agent along with the child's DS-11.
3
If you cannot get consent
Use form DS-5525 with evidence of sole authority, such as a custody order, a death certificate, or documentation of the other parent's unavailability.

Banks, shipping stores, and public libraries often notarize for free or a few dollars.
Notarize close to the appointment date so the 90-day window does not lapse.
Both parents attending in person is always simpler than paperwork — bring both if you can.

Answer a few questions and the list below updates instantly. Print it, tick items off, and take it with you.

Where are you applying from?

Inside the United StatesOutside the U.S. (embassy or consulate)

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The completed form printed single-sided on plain white 8.5x11 paper
Watch out: Double-sided printing, half-size paper, and stapled pages are common reasons a packet is returned unprocessed.
The form signed in front of a notary public — signed and dated within the last 90 days
Watch out: Signing before you reach the notary voids the statement, and a notarization older than 90 days is not accepted.
A photocopy of the front and back of the ID shown to the notary
Watch out: A missing ID photocopy is the single most common reason a consent statement is rejected.
The original notarized statement handed to the acceptance agent (not a copy or scan)
Watch out: Emailed or faxed copies are not accepted at the counter.
The child's completed DS-11 packet submitted at the same appointment
If you cannot obtain consent, use DS-5525 with evidence of sole authority instead

No fee for the form itself; notary fees vary.

Handed in person to the acceptance agent with the child's DS-11.

PassportOffices is independent and not affiliated with the U.S. government. Official forms are free and download from the Department of State site.