General Mobile Notary

DS-3053 Passport Consent Notarization in Los Angeles

When one parent cannot appear at the passport office, the DS-3053 Statement of Consent lets them authorize the passport application for a child under 16. A mobile notary comes to you so the form is signed and notarized correctly before your appointment.

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Understanding the Form

What Is the DS-3053 Statement of Consent?

The DS-3053 is an official U.S. Department of State form used when one parent or guardian cannot be present at a passport acceptance facility to apply for a passport for a child under 16. By signing the form and having it notarized, the non-present parent confirms they consent to the passport being issued.

When You Need a DS-3053

  • Only one parent can attend the child's passport appointment in person.
  • The other parent is living in a different city, state, or country.
  • The parents are divorced or separated and share legal custody.
  • A legal guardian cannot attend the appointment but still needs to consent.
  • The non-present parent has work, military, or travel commitments that prevent them from going.

When You Do Not Use DS-3053

  • If both parents or all legal guardians can appear in person at the passport office.
  • If one parent has sole legal custody and can show documentation of that custody.
  • If a parent is unavailable and cannot consent, other special procedures apply instead.
  • If you are only authorizing travel, not passport issuance, you use a travel consent letter instead.

For general travel permission, see our Minor Travel Consent Letter page.

Notarization Details

How DS-3053 Notarization Works

The DS-3053 has a built in notarial section. It must be signed in front of a notary and completed correctly or the passport agency will reject it.

Step by Step

  1. Download the current DS-3053 form from the official U.S. Department of State website.
  2. Fill in the child's information and the required parent or guardian details, but do not sign yet.
  3. Meet the mobile notary at your home, office, or another convenient location.
  4. Present valid, current government issued photo ID that matches the name on the form.
  5. Sign the DS-3053 in front of the notary, who will complete the notarial section and apply their seal.

Important Requirements

  • The DS-3053 must be signed in the presence of a notary, not beforehand.
  • The name on the ID must match the name of the parent or guardian on the form.
  • The form must be printed and completed in black ink, following the State Department instructions.
  • The completed form is generally valid for 90 days from the notarization date.
  • Any corrections should follow the form instructions to avoid rejection.
Before Your Appointment

What to Have Ready For DS-3053 Notarization

For the Signing Parent or Guardian

  • Valid, current government issued photo ID (drivers license, state ID, or passport).
  • The DS-3053 form printed and filled out, but not signed.
  • Child's full legal name and date of birth as they will appear on the passport.
  • Any custody or court documents if your situation is complex, for your reference.

Timing and Logistics

  • Schedule the notarization close to the child's passport appointment so the form does not expire.
  • Confirm the passport acceptance facility's requirements before the appointment.
  • If you are outside the U.S., follow the State Department guidance on notarization at a consulate or embassy.
  • If you are also preparing a travel consent letter, you can handle both documents at the same visit.
Know the Difference

DS-3053 Vs Minor Travel Consent Letter

Parents often confuse the DS-3053 with a general travel consent letter. They work together but do very different jobs.

DS-3053 Statement of Consent

  • Authorizes the U.S. Department of State to issue a passport for a child under 16.
  • Used when one parent or guardian cannot appear at the passport acceptance facility.
  • Official federal form with a built in notary section.
  • Requires a jurat type notarization, with the signer swearing or affirming the information is true.
  • Valid for a limited time after notarization, generally 90 days.

Minor Travel Consent Letter

  • Authorizes a child to travel with another adult or alone.
  • Shown to airlines, border agents, and foreign immigration officials.
  • No single required federal form, but many templates exist.
  • Notarized with an acknowledgment or jurat depending on the letter language.
  • May require an apostille if the child is traveling to certain countries.

For travel permission, see our Minor Travel Consent Letter page.

Need Help Getting It Done?

On-Site Access To The DS-3053 Form

If you do not have a printer or easy computer access, we bring a mobile office so you can pull up the official DS-3053, complete it, and notarize it in one visit.

What We Bring

  • Laptop with internet connection so you can access the official DS-3053 form online.
  • Portable printer to print the completed form in the correct format.
  • Scanner so you can keep a digital copy for your records.

How It Works

  1. We arrive at your chosen location with laptop, printer, and scanner.
  2. You access the DS-3053 form from the official State Department site on our laptop.
  3. You complete the form yourself, then we print it.
  4. You sign in front of the notary, who completes the notary section and applies their seal.

Disclaimer: Mobile American Notary & Apostilles is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. You are responsible for choosing the correct form and completing its contents. The notary's role is to verify identity and notarize your signature.

Related Documents

Other Documents Often Needed With DS-3053

Minor Travel Consent Letter

Authorizes your child to travel with another adult or alone. Often requested by airlines and border agents in addition to the passport.
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Guardianship / Temporary Custody Authorization

Authorizes a non-parent to make medical, school, and daily decisions for a minor while you are away.
Book Appointment
View All General Notary Documents

See the full list of everyday documents we notarize across Los Angeles.
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Frequently Asked Questions

DS-3053 Passport Consent Notarization FAQ

What is the DS-3053 form used for?

The DS-3053 Statement of Consent is used when one parent or guardian cannot appear in person at a passport acceptance facility to apply for a passport for a child under 16. By signing and notarizing the form, the non-present parent consents to the passport being issued.

Does the DS-3053 form have to be notarized?

Yes. The DS-3053 must be signed in front of a notary public. The notary completes the notarial section on the form, confirming your identity and that you swore or affirmed the information is true.

How long is the DS-3053 valid after notarization?

The DS-3053 is generally valid for 90 days from the date it is signed and notarized. The passport agency may reject a form that is older than that, so complete it close to your child's passport appointment.

Who needs to be present when notarizing a DS-3053?

Only the parent or guardian who is signing the DS-3053 needs to be present at the notary appointment. The child and the other parent do not need to attend the notarization.

What identification is required to notarize a DS-3053?

You must present valid, current government issued photo ID, such as a drivers license, state ID card, or passport. The name on your ID should match the name listed on the DS-3053 form.

Can a mobile notary help me fill out the DS-3053?

A notary cannot provide legal advice or tell you what to write, but we can bring a laptop so you can access the latest version of the form on the State Department website, complete it yourself, and then sign and notarize it in the same visit.