How to Fill Out DS-3053 in 2026 - Do Not Sign This Passport Consent Form Too Early

If you are filling out Form DS-3053 for a child's U.S. passport application, the form may look simple at first. But one small mistake can cause a delay: signing the consent form too early, using the wrong date, forgetting the ID copy, or checking the wrong box.

DS-3053 is commonly used when a legal parent or guardian cannot appear in person with the child for the passport appointment. The absent parent or guardian gives written consent, signs in front of a passport authorizing officer or notary, and provides a copy of the same photo ID presented for notarization.

Watch the DS-3053 Video Guide

This video walks through the same basic workflow: complete the form, prepare your ID, stop before the notary section, and finish the notarization correctly.

What Is Form DS-3053?

Form DS-3053 is a Statement of Consent for U.S. passport issuance to a child. It is used with Form DS-11 when one or both legal parents or guardians cannot appear in person with the child. Both parents or guardians may also use it to authorize a third party, such as a trusted relative, to apply with the child.

For children under age 16, both legal parents or guardians normally must approve the passport application. If one parent or guardian cannot attend the appointment, that person may need to complete and notarize DS-3053. For applicants age 16 or 17, parental awareness is generally required, and a notarized consent may be requested if awareness is not clear.

Section 1: Child Information

Section 1 identifies the child applying for a U.S. passport. Enter the child's name exactly as it appears on the passport application, Form DS-11. Do not use nicknames, shortened names, or a different name order.

• Enter the child's last, first, and middle name clearly.
• Use the birthdate format shown on the form: MM-DD-YYYY.
• Check the age 16 or 17 box only if the child is actually 16 or 17.

A common mistake is checking the age 16 or 17 box for a younger child. That can create confusion because DS-3053 is used differently depending on the child's age and the passport office's requirements.

Section 2: Applying Adult

Section 2 identifies the adult who will appear in person with the child at the passport appointment. This may be a legal parent, legal guardian, or third party.

If no parent will attend the appointment and a third party will apply with the child, both parents or guardians may need to provide consent depending on the situation.

Section 3: Statement of Consent

Section 3 is the heart of the form. This is where the non-applying parent or legal guardian gives consent for the child's passport issuance.

• Print the full legal name of the non-applying parent or legal guardian.
• Complete the address and contact details.
• Include street address, city, state or country, ZIP or postal code, phone, and email.
• If there are two non-applying parents or guardians, complete both columns and attach ID copies for both signers.

Consent is generally valid for both a passport book and passport card unless you write a limitation, such as issue passport book only or issue passport card only. If you do not need a limitation, leave that limitation area blank.

Section 4: Stop Here Before Notarization

This is the most important part of the DS-3053 process. Section 4 says to stop and not sign the form until requested to do so by a passport authorizing officer or notary. The non-applying parent or guardian should sign only during the notary session.

Do not treat Section 4 like a normal signature line. For DS-3053, timing matters because the signature is tied to the notary's verification and the notary date.

What Photo ID and Copies Do You Need?

The signer should prepare a valid government-issued photo ID. The ID shown to the notary should be the same ID copied and attached to the DS-3053 package.

Common IDs may include a driver's license, U.S. passport book or card, current foreign passport, military ID, government employee ID, or another acceptable government-issued photo ID. The exact ID accepted may depend on the situation and the receiving passport office.

• Provide a clear copy of the front and back of the ID.
• Use the same ID that was presented to the notary.
• Avoid blurry screenshots, cropped IDs, expired documents, or unreadable images.
• For passport submission, prepare a printed copy when required.

How Notary20 Online Notarization Works

For eligible DS-3053 notarization requests, Notary20 keeps the workflow simple. The goal is to help you avoid the most common DS-3053 mistakes before the notary session starts.

• Fill: Complete Sections 1, 2, and 3.
• Stop: Leave Section 4 unsigned before the session.
• Send: Upload or email the DS-3053 PDF and a clear front/back ID copy.
• Verify: Join the live online notary session with camera, microphone, and ID ready.
• Sign: Sign Section 4 only when instructed during the session.
• Receive: Get the notarized PDF by email and print it for submission if needed.

Remote or electronic notarization may be accepted when allowed under state law, but the receiving passport office, acceptance facility, embassy, or consulate controls acceptance. If you are applying from outside the United States, confirm the local rules before relying on a remote notarization.

Common DS-3053 Mistakes That Cause Delays

Can DS-3053 Be Notarized Online?

In many cases, a statement of consent may be electronically or remotely notarized if electronic notarization is allowed under state law. However, online notarization is still not the same as guaranteed acceptance in every situation.

Before you rely on an online notarized DS-3053, ask the receiving party whether they will accept it. This is especially important for overseas use, embassy or consulate cases, urgent travel, or any situation where the local passport office has special requirements.

How Much Does Online Notarization Cost?

For a simple one-document request, pricing should be easy to understand. Notary20 offers online notarization for $20 per document, with a live online notary session and the notarized PDF returned by email.

To compare broader pricing before choosing a service, read the full cost guide here:

Online Notary Cost Guide

Start Your DS-3053 Online Notarization

If your DS-3053 is ready and you have a valid photo ID, you can start the online notarization process here:

Final DS-3053 Checklist

• Child name matches Form DS-11 exactly.
• Birthdate uses MM-DD-YYYY format.
• Age 16 or 17 box is checked only when true.
• Applying adult and relationship are correct.
• Passport book or card limitation is written only if needed.
• Section 4 is not signed before notarization.
• Signer date and notary date match.
• ID details match the ID shown to the notary.
• Front and back copy of the same ID is attached.
• The notarized consent is submitted before it expires.

Sources and Important Note

This guide is for general informational use only and is based on the U.S. Department of State DS-3053 form instructions and Travel.State.Gov passport guidance. Always confirm acceptance requirements with the passport acceptance facility, passport agency, U.S. embassy, or U.S. consulate receiving the form.

• U.S. Department of State Form DS-3053
• Travel.State.Gov - Apply for a Child's Passport Under 16

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