DS-3053 passport consent notary
When only one parent can appear at the passport acceptance facility, the non-appearing parent must sign Form DS-3053 in front of a notary public. We travel to homes, offices, and other agreed locations in Los Angeles so the signature and notarization are done correctly before the passport appointment. If the form is not printed yet, we can bring a laptop and portable printer to pull the DS-3053 from travel.state.gov and print it on-site.
Fastest way to start: text your location, the child's passport appointment date, whether the DS-3053 is already printed, and whether you also need a notarized copy of your ID certified at the same visit.
The non-appearing parent or guardian signs and notarizes the form. The child and the other parent do not need to be present.
The State Department requires a notarized copy of the signer's valid photo ID to be submitted along with the signed DS-3053.
Laptop and portable printer can be brought so the DS-3053 can be accessed from travel.state.gov, filled in, printed, and notarized in one visit.
The notarized DS-3053 is generally accepted for 90 days. Schedule the notarization close to the child's passport appointment.
Start here
Most DS-3053 appointments go smoothly once the signer knows what to bring, whether the notarized ID copy is also needed, and how much time is left before the passport appointment.
If yes, have it completed but unsigned before the appointment. If not, ask for the mobile laptop and printer add-on so the form can be pulled from travel.state.gov, filled in, and printed during the visit.
Yes — the State Department requires the non-appearing parent to submit a notarized copy of a valid photo ID along with the DS-3053. Both can be handled at the same notary appointment.
If one parent has sole legal custody and documentation of that custody, the DS-3053 may not be needed. If the other parent is completely unavailable, a DS-5525 may apply instead. Confirm with the passport agency before scheduling.
The notarized DS-3053 is generally valid for 90 days. Schedule the notarization close to the child's passport appointment to avoid the form expiring before it can be submitted.
Not sure whether your situation calls for DS-3053 or DS-5525? Text a brief description of your custody situation and upcoming passport appointment so the right form can be confirmed before scheduling the notarization.
Understanding the form
The DS-3053 is the U.S. State Department's official form for one parent to authorize the issuance of a passport to a child under age 16 when the other parent cannot appear in person at the passport acceptance facility.
State Department requirements
The DS-3053 has a built-in notarial section that the notary completes after verifying the signer's identity. The State Department also requires a notarized copy of the signer's valid photo ID to be submitted with the form — both can be handled at the same appointment.
Important: A notary can verify identity, notarize the DS-3053 signature, and certify a copy of the signer's ID, but cannot complete the form for you, advise on custody situations, or confirm which documents the passport agency will accept. Always verify current requirements directly with the U.S. State Department at travel.state.gov.
Before the appointment
Laptop and printer service
This is the convenience option for clients who want to handle form access, printing, signing, ID copy certification, and notarization during the same appointment.
Service boundary: you choose the document contents and verify requirements with the State Department. We provide the mobile office convenience, printing, scanning, ID copy certification, and notarial service.
Sole custody and special circumstances
Most situations where one parent cannot attend call for DS-3053. When the other parent is completely unavailable — not just absent — DS-5525 addresses those special circumstances.
Used when the non-appearing parent is available and willing to sign. The parent signs and notarizes the form, provides a notarized copy of their ID, and the appearing parent submits both documents at the passport appointment.
Used when the other parent or guardian is deceased, has been declared incompetent, cannot be located, or is unable to sign for another documented reason. The appearing parent submits DS-5525 with supporting evidence instead of a DS-3053.
If one parent holds sole legal custody and can provide court-ordered documentation, the DS-3053 is not required. The appearing parent instead submits the custody order or other qualifying legal documentation directly at the passport facility.
FAQ
The DS-3053 is the U.S. State Department's Statement of Consent for Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16. It is used when only one parent or guardian can appear in person at the passport acceptance facility. The non-appearing parent signs and notarizes the form to consent to the passport being issued.
Yes. The DS-3053 must be signed in front of a notary public. The notary completes the jurat-style notarial section on the form, confirms the signer's identity, and applies their seal. The passport agency will not accept a DS-3053 that was not properly notarized.
Yes. The State Department requires the non-appearing parent to submit a notarized copy of their valid photo ID together with the signed DS-3053. The notary certifies the copy at the same appointment — you do not need a separate visit for the ID copy.
The DS-3053 is generally valid for 90 days from the date it is signed and notarized. Schedule the notarization close to the child's passport appointment to avoid the form expiring before it can be submitted to the passport agency.
If one parent holds sole legal custody and can present court-issued documentation, the DS-3053 is not required. If the other parent is deceased, incapacitated, or otherwise completely unavailable and cannot sign, Form DS-5525 (Statement of Exigent or Special Family Circumstances) may apply instead. Confirm the correct procedure with the passport agency or travel.state.gov before scheduling.
Yes. If the form is not printed yet, a mobile workstation with a laptop and portable printer can be brought to the appointment. You pull up the DS-3053 from travel.state.gov, fill it in yourself, print it, and then sign and notarize it in the same visit. The notary does not complete the form for you or provide legal advice.
Ready to schedule
The fastest quote comes from texting your location, the child's passport appointment date, whether the DS-3053 is already printed, and whether you also need the notarized ID copy handled at the same visit.