When applying for a passport for a child under the age of 16, both parents or legal guardians must provide consent. If one parent cannot be present at the passport appointment, the U.S. Department of State requires a specific document—Form DS-3053: Statement of Consent—to be completed and notarized. This process helps prevent child abduction, ensures full parental consent, and protects the integrity of the passport system.
At Tewksbury Notary, we specialize in notarizing Form DS-3053 correctly and efficiently, helping families throughout Tewksbury, Lowell, Dracut, Wilmington, Chelmsford, Andover, and Middlesex County avoid delays in the passport application process. This article explains everything you need to know about completing and notarizing the form correctly.
What Is Form DS-3053?
Form DS-3053 is used when one parent or guardian is unable to appear in person at the time of the minor child’s passport application. The absent parent must fill out this form to officially grant consent for the child to be issued a U.S. passport. Without this notarized consent, the passport application will not move forward.
The form includes:
- The child’s full name and date of birth
- The name of the applying parent or guardian
- A statement of consent from the non-applying parent or guardian
- Signature of the non-applying parent
- A notarial certificate confirming identity and voluntary consent
It’s a simple document, but if completed or notarized incorrectly, it can cause major delays—especially when travel is time-sensitive.
When Do You Need Form DS-3053?
This form is required if:
- Only one parent or guardian can attend the passport appointment
- The parents are divorced or separated, and one has limited access
- One parent lives out of state or overseas
- The applying parent does not have sole legal custody
Even if you believe the form is unnecessary, it’s advisable to be cautious. Passport agents are strict about documentation, and missing notarized consent can result in rejection.
How to Complete Form DS-3053
Here’s a step-by-step guide to filling out the form properly:
1. Download the Latest Version
Obtain a current copy of Form DS-3053 from the U.S. Department of State or use a copy provided by the passport acceptance agent.
2. Fill in All Required Fields
Enter the full legal name of the child, date of birth, and information about the parent or guardian who will be submitting the passport application.
Be sure to include your own name as the non-appearing parent and indicate your relationship to the child.
⚠️ Do not sign the form yet. It must be signed in front of a notary public.
3. Attach a Copy of Your ID
Make a clear photocopy of the front and back of the valid photo ID that you plan to present during notarization. This must be submitted with the DS-3053 form.
How to Notarize Form DS-3053 in Massachusetts
Once the form is complete, the next step is notarization. The non-applying parent must appear in person before a licensed Massachusetts notary public. This is where Tewksbury Notary comes in.
Here’s what to bring to your notary appointment:
- The unsigned Form DS-3053
- A valid, government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, military ID, or permanent resident card)
- A printed copy of the ID to submit with the form
During the appointment, the notary will:
- Confirm your identity using your photo ID
- Review the form for accuracy
- Witness your signature on the form
- Complete the notarial certificate and apply their seal
- Return the notarized form to you with instructions for submission
The entire process takes less than 15 minutes, and walk-ins are welcome at our office.
Critical Rules to Remember
Mistakes on this form are common—and costly. Keep these rules in mind:
- Do not sign ahead of time — Your signature must be witnessed by the notary
- Make sure the date of signing matches the date of notarization — Mismatched dates will void the form
- Submit the form within 90 days — After that, the notarization expires
- Bring acceptable identification — Expired or invalid IDs cannot be used
What If the Parent Is Abroad?
If the non-appearing parent is overseas, they can visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to have the form notarized. These offices provide notarization services for U.S. citizens and may have slightly different procedures, so it’s wise to call ahead.
If the parent is deployed in the military, a base legal office or JAG may also assist in notarizing the document.
Why Choose Tewksbury Notary?
We go beyond simply providing stamps. Our notaries are trained to spot errors before they become a problem—and we understand the urgency of passport timelines.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Licensed and insured Massachusetts notaries
✅ Walk-in and mobile notary service
✅ Fast, legally compliant notarizations
✅ Transparent pricing—no hidden fees
✅ Serving Lowell, Tewksbury, Chelmsford, Andover, Wilmington, and more
📍 Find us online at TewksburyNotary.com
📞 Call (978) 851-0199
📌 Visit a trusted Notary Public in Tewksbury, MA
Final Thoughts
Form DS-3053 plays a vital role in ensuring both parents are on board when a child is issued a passport. But for the form to be valid, it must be completed and notarized correctly. A simple mistake—like signing it too early or submitting it late—can hold up your travel plans.
Let Tewksbury Notary help you get it right the first time. Whether you’re preparing for a family vacation or an international school trip, we’re here to make the process simple, secure, and stress-free.
Notary Public Serving Tewksbury MA 