What if both parents cannot be present for a minor application?

All children under age 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents or guardians using Form DS-11.

Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of the child’s passport. The best way to do this is for both parents/guardians to go with the child in person to apply for the passport.

What if both parents/guardians cannot appear in person?

If...

Then...

You have sole legal authority

You must submit evidence of this with the application. Examples include:

  • Complete court order granting you sole legal custody of the child, such as a divorce decree or other custody order
  • Complete court order specifically permitting you to apply for your child’s passport (photocopy is acceptable)
  • Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate listing you as the only parent
  • Certified copy of an adoption decree listing you as the only parent
  • Certified copy of the judicial declaration of incompetence of the parent that cannot appear in person
  • Certified copy of the death certificate of the parent that cannot appear in person

One parent unable to appear

If one parent/guardian cannot go with the child to apply for the passport, they can give permission by completing Form DS-3053 “Statement of Consent." You must submit the completed form with the child’s passport application. The parent that cannot go with the child must:

  • Sign and date Form DS-3053 in the presence of a certified notary public, and
  • Submit a photocopy of the front and back side of the ID that they present to the notary public with Form DS-3053.

Please note: In certain countries, a DS-3053 must be notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate and cannot be notarized by a local notary public.

You cannot locate the other parent

You must submit Form DS-5525 “Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances."

  • Please complete the form with as much detail as possible.
  • We will ask for additional evidence. Examples include: a custody order, an incarceration order, or a restraining order to protect against international parental child abduction.
  • If the non-applying parent is deployed by the military, he or she should be able to provide a notarized Form DS-3053 in most cases. In the rare case that the non-applying parent cannot be contacted, you must provide either military orders with a Form DS-5525 showing the non-applying parent can’t be contacted because they are on a special assignment for more than 30 days outside of their duty station OR a signed statement from the non-applying parent’s commanding officer that they can’t be reached.

Neither parent able to appear

A third party may apply for the child’s passport with a notarized statement from both parents/guardians giving that third party permission to apply for the child.

  • The statement must include a photocopy of the parents/guardians’ identification.
  • When the statement is from only one parent/guardian, the third party must present evidence of sole custody of the consenting parent/guardian.


Please Note: Written authorization from the parent that cannot appear in person must be less than three months old.

Show All Answers

1. How do I apply for a passport?
2. How long does it take to get a passport?
3. What if I need a passport in a hurry?
4. Can I track my passport application online?
5. Can I renew my passport by mail?
6. What if I don’t have a state-certified birth certificate?
7. Do I need to bring my social security card?
8. If my parents are deceased do I still need to provide their information on the application?
9. Do children or infants need passports?
10. For passport renewals for minors, what do I need to bring?
11. Do I need to put a social security number on the application form?
12. What if my passport has been lost or stolen?
13. What if my name changed?
14. Where can I get additional information and passport forms?
15. What is acceptable for U.S. citizenship evidence?
16. What is valid identification?
17. What documents show proof of parental relationship?
18. What if both parents cannot be present for a minor application?