On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form DS-3053?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form DS-3053 rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form DS-3053 ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form DS-3053?)
- Checklist (What is the Form DS-3053 checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form DS-3053 have?)
- Key terms
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form DS-3053?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form DS-3053?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#The statement must include the child's name and the name of the individual(s) authorized to apply for the passport You must submit one of the following documents for your child: U, as described in the Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen guide, as described in the K-2 Child of K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa guide.
When the official instructions indicate this form is required
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form DS-3053?)
#For those participating in the passport application process for minors, comprehending the function and requirements of Form DS-3053 is crucial for a seamless and effective application process, as outlined in the U.S. Passport Renewal Application and U.S. Passport guides.
First page of DS-3053 form
Source: DS-3053 PDF
Context and workflow
#You will receive a Receipt Notice confirming that your application is being processed.
Why this matters
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Processing time for DS-3053 varies by location — always check the official Department of State processing time tool.
- Part of the passport application process for minors under age 16.
- Ensures compliance with legal requirements for parental consent.
- Facilitates the issuance of a passport once consent is verified.
- DS-3053 is commonly filed alongside Form DS-11, Form DS-82.
Who uses it
The statement should include the child's name and the name of the individual(s) authorized to apply for the passport. Form DS-3053 is used when one or both legal parents or guardians cannot appear in person to provide consent for issuing a U.S. passport to a minor. Both legal parents or guardians must give their approval for a child under age 16 to receive a passport. If a parent or guardian cannot be present, they may need to submit this form or a separate notarized statement of consent. You may need to provide one of the following documents for your child: U.S. citizenship evidence, as detailed in the Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport guide and the K-2 Child of K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa guide.
When it is used
- When the official instructions indicate this form is required
- As part of a complete application package with supporting documents
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Failure prevention (What causes Form DS-3053 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Not signing the form in front of a notary or passport acceptance agent.
- Submitting the form after the 90-day validity period.
- Failing to include a photocopy of the identification used for notarization.
Substantive weaknesses
- Incorrectly filling out the form or making unauthorized corrections.
- Using a local notary in countries where only U.S. embassy or consulate notarization is accepted.
- To avoid incomplete or inconsistent information across form: Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.
- To avoid using ds-5504 more than one year after issuance: DS-5504 is for name change or correction within 1 year of issuance only.
- To avoid missing certified name change documentation: Include marriage certificate or court order for name change.
What it asks for (What does Form DS-3053 ask for?)
#- Consent from non-applying legal parent(s) or guardian(s) for passport issuance.
- Consent from non-applying parent or guardian
- Authorization for a third party to apply on behalf of the child
- Signature of the non-applying parent or guardian
- Documentation related to: Form DS-3053 is used to provide consent for issuing a U.S. passport to a minor when one or both legal parents or guardia
- Documentation related to: If one or both parent/guardian(s) cannot appear in person with their child, they must submit this form or a separate sta
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form DS-3053?)
#- The current edition of DS-3053
- Proof of current immigration status
- Government-issued photo identification
- Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
- Form DS-3053 is used to provide consent for issuing a U.S. passport to a minor when one or both legal parents or guardians cannot appear in person. It ensures that both parents or guardians agree to the passport issuance for children under 16.
- If one or both parent/guardian(s) cannot appear in person with their child, they may need to submit this form or a separate statement consenting to passport issuance which must be signed and sworn under oath before a passport authorizing officer or notary
- The statement should include the child's name and the name of the individual(s) authorized to apply for the passport
- Requirements: Both parents or guardians must give their approval for a child to receive a passport and must be present with the child when applying
- The documents below with this form or a separate statement and ensure the documents ha ve no conditions placed on the passport’s validity period and where the child may travel
- One of these documents, go to our Citizenship Evidence page for more information
- Digital evidence of U
- Physical evidence of U
Checklist (What is the Form DS-3053 checklist?)
#- Download the current DS-3053 and instructions from the official Department of State website
- Review the official DS-3053 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of DS-3053
- Sign, date, and submit DS-3053 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Processing times
#- processing times are: 4-6 weeks for routine service 2-3 weeks for expedite service (extra $60) Our processing times do not include mailing times.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Renewal filings are often processed differently than initial applications. If you are renewing, file well before your current authorization expires — some categories allow you to continue working while the renewal is pending if filed on time.
- The service center assigned to your case affects how long it takes. Department of State distributes filings across multiple centers, and each has different workloads. You cannot choose which center processes your case.
- To check your estimated timeline: visit the official Department of State processing times tool, select your form and eligibility category, and note that the tool shows the filing date of cases currently being worked on — not a countdown from when you filed.
- While pending: track your case status online with your receipt number, respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence, and update your address through your Department of State account if you move.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
Check the official DS-3053 page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official Department of State website before submitting. For related guidance, see Form DS-160.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing Feeprocessing times are: 4-6 weeks for routine service 2-3 weeks for expedite service (extra $60) Our processing times do not include mailing times. | $60 |
Can the Form DS-3053 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
Department of State will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.
Department of State fee schedule
Fees change; always verify on Department of State.
Form sections (What sections does Form DS-3053 have?)
#Consenting Parent Information
Parent who cannot appear.
- Full name and relationship to child
- Notarized signature
- Date of notarization
Child Information
Child applying for passport.
- Child's full name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
Key terms
#- affiant(s)
- The non-applying legal parent(s) or guardian(s) providing consent.In this form: Refers to the individual(s) completing Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the form.
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete or inconsistent information across form | Rejection | Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission. |
| Using DS-5504 more than one year after issuance | Rejection | DS-5504 is for name change or correction within 1 year of issuance only. |
| Missing certified name change documentation | RFE | Include marriage certificate or court order for name change. |
| Not submitting current passport with application | Delay | Submit your current passport; it will be returned with the corrected one. |
Examples (What are examples for Form DS-3053?)
#- Strong application: A parent completes the DS-3053 form, signs it in front of a notary, and submits it with a photocopy of their ID, leading to a smooth passport application process for their child.
- Common weakness: A parent forgets to sign the form in front of a notary, causing the application to be delayed until the form is correctly completed.
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Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form DS-3053?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
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Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update DS-3053, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#One parent cannot appear in person for a child's passport application. The second parent completes DS-3053 with notarization.
Statement of Consent accepted. The appearing parent can submit the child's passport application.
DS-3053 must be notarized and submitted within 90 days of notarization. The appearing parent must bring the original.
A divorced parent has sole custody and does not need the other parent's consent. They bring the court order.
Court order suffices. No DS-3053 needed from the non-custodial parent.
If you have sole custody, bring the court order. DS-3053 is for when both parents have custody but one cannot appear.
A parent submits DS-3053 that was notarized 4 months ago.
Rejected. The form must be notarized within 90 days of the passport application.
Time your DS-3053 notarization to be within 90 days of when you will submit the passport application.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form DS-11: Form DS-3053 provides consent for passport issuance when a parent or guardian cannot be present, whereas Form DS-11 is the main application form for a U.S. passport.
- Unlike Form DS-11: Application for U.S. Passport: Filed together: DS-3053 submitted with DS-11 for minor's passport when one parent cannot appear
- Unlike Form DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application: Filed together: Consent may be needed for minor's passport renewal
- Unlike Form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances: Alternative option: DS-5525 used when unable to locate other parent; DS-3053 when parent consents remotely
Why it matters
#Consent is valid for 90 days from the date of notarization.
Why it matters: Submitting an expired consent form will delay the passport application process.
In certain countries, notarization must be done at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Why it matters: Using a local notary in these countries will invalidate the consent form.
Both parents must provide consent unless one has sole legal custody.
Why it matters: Failure to provide proper consent can result in application denial.
Next steps
#- Submit the completed DS-3053 form with the child's passport application.
- Receive a Receipt Notice confirming the application is being processed.
- Wait for the passport to be issued and delivered by mail.
- If additional information is needed, respond promptly to any requests from the Department of State.
Verification
#This guide is based on official Department of State instructions for DS-3053 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always confirm current requirements on the official Department of State website.
FAQs
Is a photocopy of the notary's identification required?
A photocopy of the notary's identification is not required. However, it is essential to provide a photocopy of the identification of the non-applying parent or guardian.
Can DS-3053 be used for children over 16?
Children aged 16 and 17 typically require parental awareness rather than consent. Review the official DS-3053 instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
What should I do if the other parent cannot be reached?
If the other parent cannot be reached, you may need to submit Form DS-5525 or a written statement explaining the circumstances.
What supporting documents do I need for DS-3053?
Form DS-3053 serves as a consent document for issuing a U.S. passport to a minor when one or both legal parents or guardians are unable to appear in person. This form ensures that both parents or guardians concur with the passport issuance for children under 16. For minors under 16, obtaining consent from both legal parents or guardians is mandatory when applying for a U.S. passport. Additionally, for children aged 16 and 17, parental awareness is necessary for passport issuance.
Who is eligible to file DS-3053?
Some international travelers might qualify to visit the United States without a visa, provided they satisfy the criteria for visa-free travel. It is important to carefully review the instructions relevant to your specific eligibility category before you begin the process.
What are common reasons DS-3053 gets rejected?
Common reasons DS-3053 is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
When will DS-3053 be processed and what is the workflow?
Processing timing for DS-3053 varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official Department of State processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. Use Find My Visa to get a personalized checklist with official sources and deadlines.
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