Parental Application Permission Documentation (for minors under age 16)
1. Both parents must appear together and sign or
2. One parent appears, signs, and submits second parent's written statement of consent authorizing passport issuance for the child (this letter of consent must also be notarized). If using the DS-3053 form, this form must also be notarized. or
3. One parent appears, signs, and submits primary evidence of sole authority to apply (such as one of the following):
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Child's certified U.S. or foreign birth certificate (with translation, if necessary) listing only applying parent; or
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Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) listing only applying parent; or
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Court order granting sole custody to the applying parent (unless child's travel is restricted by that order); or
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Adoption decree (if applying parents is sole adopting parent); or
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Court order specifically permitting applying parent's or guardian's travel with the child; or
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Judicial declaration of incompetence of non-applying parent; or
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Death certificate of non-applying parent.
If none of the above documentation is available, the applying parent/guardian should submit a signed statement explaining why the non-applying parent/guardian's consent cannot be obtained.
NOTE:
A third-party in loco parentis applying on behalf of a minor under the age of 14 must submit a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents or guardians authorizing a third-party to apply for a passport. When the statement or affidavit is from only one parent/guardian, the third-party must present evidence of sole custody of the authorizing parent/guardian.
