If you’re wondering, “Do both parents have to be present to get a passport for a child?”, the answer is generally yes. For children under the age of 16, both parents or legal guardians are typically required to appear in person when applying for a U.S. passport. However, if one parent cannot attend, there is an exception that allows the application to move forward in many cases.
When One Parent Cannot Attend
If one parent is unable to appear because they live in another city, another state, or even another country, they may provide their consent by completing Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent: U.S. Passport Issuance to a Child. This form must be notarized and submitted with the child’s passport application.
The parent should complete the form but must not sign it until instructed by the notary. Once the DS-3053 has been notarized, it is generally valid for 90 days and must be submitted along with a photocopy of the identification presented to the notary during the notarization.
You can download the official U.S. Department of State Form DS-3053 here:
Form DS 3053 Statement of Consent
How the DS-3053 Is Notarized Remotely
If the parent who cannot attend the passport appointment is eligible for Remote Online Notarization (RON), the DS-3053 can often be notarized without traveling to a notary’s office.
Here’s how the process works:
- Complete the DS-3053, but do not sign it before your appointment.
- Upload the document to the secure remote online notarization platform.
- The parent who needs to sign receives a secure email link to join the live online notarization session.
- During the video session, the notary verifies the parent’s identity using approved identity verification methods.
- The parent electronically signs the DS-3053 in the notary’s virtual presence.
- The notary electronically signs and seals the document, completing the notarization. The completed, notarized form is then returned to the parent for submission with the passport application.
This process is especially convenient when parents live in different cities, different states, or even different countries. Instead of traveling, the required consent form can be notarized online from almost anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
Need Your DS-3053 Notarized?
PennySmart Group provides secure and convenient Remote Online Notarization services for eligible clients. Whether you’re across town or across the world, we can help you get your DS-3053 notarized quickly and professionally.
Call or text us today at (305) 282-5787 to schedule your appointment, or complete the contact form on our website to get started. We’ll guide you through the process and help you get your passport paperwork completed with confidence.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always review the current passport requirements and instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State before submitting your child’s passport application.