General purpose of DS-3053
Form DS-3053 is a Statement of Consent used in certain child passport situations when a parent or guardian cannot appear in person. The Department of State or passport acceptance authority determines whether the form is appropriate for a particular application.
Use the current official instructions
Form versions and supporting requirements can change. Confirm the current form, identification-copy requirements, timing, and submission instructions through the Department of State before relying on the document.
Review the official U.S. Department of State passport forms guidance.
Signing and notarization
Do not sign DS-3053 before the notarial session unless the current official instructions specifically permit it. SafeNotarize can perform an online notarization when the signer, document, applicable law, and receiving process are eligible. Online notarization does not guarantee the form will be accepted.
Choose the correct document
Who should use this document?
- A non-applying parent or guardian who has been instructed to complete the current official DS-3053 form.
- Families following current U.S. Department of State passport instructions for a minor.
When is notarization commonly requested?
The official instructions generally control when and how the consenting parent or guardian signs before a notary. Use the current form, follow the current identification and copy requirements, and confirm acceptance with the passport authority.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an outdated DS-3053 version.
- Signing before the required notarial appearance.
- Omitting required passport, child, parent, or identification information.
- Using a custom consent letter as an automatic replacement for the official form.
Compare these documents
These documents can appear in similar situations, but they serve different purposes. Confirm which one the receiving organization wants.
Official DS-3053
The current official form used when Department of State instructions call for DS-3053.
Separate Consent Letter
A custom letter for another consent need only when the recipient accepts it.
Read the related guideFrequently asked questions
Can I sign DS-3053 before meeting the notary?
Follow the current Department of State instructions. When the form requires the signature to be made or acknowledged before the notary, leave it unsigned until the session.
Can a custom consent letter replace DS-3053?
Not automatically. Use the official form when the passport authority asks for DS-3053, and confirm any alternative directly with that authority.
Who decides whether the completed form is accepted?
The Department of State or other receiving passport authority makes the final decision based on its current instructions and the application.
Need the official DS-3053 form? Stay on this page, use the current government form, and follow its instructions.
Looking for a separate child passport consent letter? Use the custom-letter guide only when the receiving organization allows a separate letter. A custom letter is not automatically a replacement for DS-3053.
Final acceptance
SafeNotarize does not determine passport eligibility, parental authority, custody rights, or whether DS-3053 is required. Final acceptance is controlled by the Department of State or the receiving passport authority.