DS-5525

DS-5525 — Statement of Exigent / Special Family Circumstances

Short answer

Explains why the usual documentation cannot be provided — most often when one parent cannot consent to a child's passport.

Who it's for: Applicants with sole custody, an unavailable second parent, life-or-death emergencies, or other documented special circumstances.
How it's filed: Submitted in person with the DS-11 and every piece of supporting evidence you can gather.
Fees: No fee for the form.
Timing: Reviewed case by case; expect additional questions.

How to complete it

1
Detail matters
Describe your good-faith efforts to contact the other parent: dates, methods, and outcomes. Vague statements get denied.
2
Attach every document
Custody orders, incarceration records, death certificates, restraining orders, or a physician's letter for a medical emergency.

A regional agency handles complex cases better than a small acceptance facility.
Bring copies plus originals; the agent may keep the copies.
For life-or-death emergencies, call the National Passport Information Center first — there is a dedicated path.

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

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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.
A detailed written explanation of why the other parent's consent cannot be obtained
Watch out: One-line answers are the top reason these are sent back for more information — describe dates, attempts, and outcomes.
Every supporting document you can gather — custody order, court order, death certificate, incarceration record, or proof of search efforts
Watch out: Bring originals or certified copies; plain photocopies alone rarely satisfy the reviewer.
The child's DS-11 packet, submitted in person at the same time
Plan for extra review time — these applications are examined by hand

No fee for the form itself.

In person with the DS-11 and all supporting evidence.

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