CHILD'S PASSPORT

Written Consent of Parent must be Notarized when Child Applying for US Passport

As part of its efforts to deter fraud and child abduction, the Department of State has amended the rule requiring the consent of both parents to obtain a passport for a minor child. In the past, when only one parent has appeared at the Embassy or Consulate to apply for the minor's passport, we required a written statement of consent from the other parent (unless the accompanying parent has sole custody of the child). Starting NOVEMBER 1, 2004, the Department will require that such statements be notarized. Korean notarials and those done on US military bases are acceptable.

We still strongly prefer that both parents appear. We will, however, accept a statement of consent from the parent who does not appear, as long as it is notarized.

• What are the requirements for the notarized statement?

The statement must be in English and must give the non-appearing parent's unequivocal and unconditional consent to the issuance of the passport. The statement must be notarized before a foreign notary, a US military notary, a notary in the US, or at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Applying parents may use form DS-3053 supplied by the Department of State (Click here to downlad form) or an affidavit of their own.

• What if one parent has sole custody of the child?

If the person executing the application in person has documentary evidence that he/she has sole custody of the child (e.g., custody order or death certificate) or demonstrates that there are exigent/special family circumstances, then only one parent is necessary to execute the application. This guidance remains the same as before.

• Where can I find more information on applying for a passport overseas?

The Bureau of Consular Affairs' website travel.state.gov provides locations of where to apply, application forms, and information about required citizenship and identification documentation, including parental permission information needed for children under age 16, and much more. If parents still need further information, they can send an email with specific questions to ASKPRI@state.gov.