Disclaimer: Independent passport guidance since 2002. Not a government agency. Some private-service links earn us commissions at no extra cost. Learn more.

Comments for Can I get a passport for my child if I did not include paternity on the birth certificate?

Click here to add your own comments

Custody Order Wording
by: Anonymous

Question: I obtained a passport for my kid after birth when there was no father listed on the birth certificate. Paternity has since been established. He is about to be 5, and it is time for a passport renewal.

I have a custody order stating "it is therefore ordered that the best interests of the child require that custody and visitation be awarded as follows: the mother shall have custody of the child". The next paragraph states the father has supervised visits through a court program. Is this sufficient as "sole custody" for me to submit with my application? My lawyer said it should be since it clearly states the father has no form of custody whatsoever.

Answer: Hello! Based on the information you provided, you should have sole legal custody of the child, and your custody order should be sufficient proof to apply for your child's passport. If the passport agent raises a concern in the language used in the order, you can explain that the document has been inspected by an attorney who confirmed that it constitutes sole custody.

Please ensure that you provide a certified copy, as a photocopy of the said document will not suffice.
father listed on birth certificate but not present
by: Madeline

Question: my child is 15 and hasn't physically seen his father since he was 8 years old. The father lives in New York we've been living in the south since 2019, he won't give me his address so I can have him served.

He has done everything from refusing to cooperate and sign an affidavit to hanging up on me whenever I bring up getting our child a passport. What proof can I show? I have unanswered texts and I recorded a call where he hung up on me.

Answer: Hello, Madeline. Thank you for explaining the situation. You're not alone in facing this kind of parental non-cooperation, and the U.S. Department of State does have procedures for handling these exact scenarios when a non-custodial parent refuses or is unreachable for passport purposes.

Since your child is 15 years old, both parents with legal custody are still required to provide consent for a U.S. passport. However, when one parent refuses to cooperate or cannot be located, there are alternatives.

You may submit Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances (Form DS-5525) and provide as much documentation as possible to show you tried to contact or involve the father and he either refused or could not be reached.

Acceptable supporting evidence includes:

* Text messages you sent with no replies,
* Screenshots of call logs or messages,
* Your call recording (if you choose to submit it),
* Copies of emails or written requests,
* A written statement summarizing your attempts and the father's refusal

Here's a sample explanation for Form DS-5525:

"I have attempted to contact the father of my child multiple times since [date] to request his cooperation in applying for our child’s passport. He has refused to sign any documents and has not seen our child since 2018. He currently resides in New York, but has refused to provide an address for legal service or written communication. Attached are copies of text messages, call logs, and other attempts I have made in good faith to obtain his consent."

Alternatively, you may wait until the child turns 16 and he can apply for a passport on his own. Minors age 16 and 17 are able to apply without parental consent/presence as long as they have a government-issued ID.

Passports for Minors age 16 and 17
Do I need to add father’s name to passport application?
by: Anonymous

Question: My 3-year-old’s biological father is listed on the birth certificate. I have sole custody via court order. Bio dad is absent from her life. Do I need to add his name and information to passport application or can I check "unknown".

Answer: You need to enter the father's name in the application. it should not cause a problem as long as your court order indicates you have SOLE LEGAL custody of the child.
DNA Test
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter has filled out the US passport application; she already has a green card and lives with me in the United States of America. I have already proven she is my daughter.
The U.S. Department sent us a letter stating, "Submitting to testing does not guarantee issuance of a U.S. passport."

I don't want to waste the test money if she is not getting the passport.

How do I know for sure she'll get it?

Answer: There is no way of knowing whether or not the passport application will be approved. You just need to trust the process and the system.
Incarcerated parent
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter's bc has been amended since her father was not on the original bc and he needed to be placed on for jail visit. He is currently serving a 15 years sentence. Will have to use amended bc and if so how which form to use for incarcerated parents?

Answer: The incarcerated parent must complete Form DS-3053 and have it notarized. Incarcerated individuals have access to notarial services.

Once you have this document and a photocopy of his ID, you may submit it with Form DS-11 and the rest of the requirements for a child's passport.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I know my son's father but he is not on the birth certificate. When filling out the passport form, do I need to select unknown at the the father since he's not on the birth certificate or do I need to list him?

Answer: You may select unknown.
father not listed but known
by: Anonymous

Question 1: Myself being an adult, do I check unknown if my father is not listed on my birth certificate, but is known? He is also deceased.

Answer 1: Yes, it is best that you indicate unknown since the data is not available on your documents.

Question 2: My son's father is not listed on his birth certificate, but is known and paternity was established for child support. He has been absent the entire 15 years of my sons life. Do i check unknown since i am the only parent on the birth certificate or fill his information and also fill out the form for absent parent?

Answer 2: If paternity has been established but the birth certificate hasn't been amended, you are allowed to check unknown and not submit any documentation pertaining to the father.
Fathers name on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My 15-year-old daughter's dad's name is on her birth certificate via court order. He never took me to court to get any type of custody. I haven't seen or heard from him in 15 years. I don't know where he lives and I have tried finding him on social media, but it seems like he doesn't have one. How am I able to get her a passport for her school trip to Spain this year?

Answer: If you have proof of your failed attempts to contact the father, you may submit those with Form DS-5525 and the rest of the requirements for a child's passport.

Please bear in mind that applications of this nature are processed on a case to case basis and there is a chance that the application will not be approved.
Passport without other parent?
by: Anonymous

Question: We are trying to get a passport for my 4-year-old. They said that since the father's name is on the birth certificate, he has to be there or sign a consent form to get it.

The problem is he lives in Micronesia and my son and I are in the U.S and I have no way to contact him. Is there any way to get my son a passport? We were supposed to take a trip in January but can't without the passport.

Answer: The father's consent or presence is a requirement if you have not been granted sole legal custody of the child.

You need to contact the father for consent. Social media is usually a good place to begin reconnecting with a person you have lost contact with.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I get a passport for my child if i did not include paternity on the birth certificate?

Answer: Yes, you can. You will not need the father's presence or consent. The birth certificate listing you as the only parent is sufficient proof of sole legal custody when applying for your child's passport.
Misspelled last name
by: Anonymous

Question: The father's last name on my son's birth certificate is misspelled.

Example:
Incorrect last name: Martines
Correct last name: Martinez

Will there be a problem getting him a passport?

Answer: There should not be any issue.
Misspelled fist name for father
by: Anonymous

Question: I have three kids. They all have the same father. 2 of 3 kids' birth certificate have the wrong first name for the father. But all three birth certificates have the same correct last name and birth date and birth place for the father. Will this be an issue to get all three passports?

Answer: It should not be an issue since the applications will be reviewed and processed individually.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I get a passport if the mother's and the father"s name is not on the birth certificate?

Answer: In order for a birth certificate to be acceptable for a passport application, it must meet the following requirements:

-Issued by the City, County, or State of birth
-Lists bearer's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
-Lists parent(s) full names
-Has date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
-Has registrar's signature
-Has embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal of registrar
-It is an original copy - photocopies and notarized copies are unacceptable

You need to secure a better form of your birth certificate before applying for a passport.
Mother last name is wrong on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My wife and I have submitted an application to get my 14-month-old a passport. We have filled everything correctly but we missed that my wife's name on our son's birth certificate is wrong. So her name was supposed to be Jasmine Abdo Kaid and on the birth certificate was written Jasmine abdo jasmine. We have been contacted by the passport agency to show proof of her name being Jasmine Abdo Jasmine. It was totally a mistake on our son's birth certificate and we want to get the passport as soon as possible.

Answer: You need to have your son's birth certificate corrected before you can apply for his passport.
Father's name not on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: When my son was born my wife and I were not married yet. My wife at the time was still married to her ex-husband. When my son was born neither my name nor her ex-husband's got listed as the father on the birth certificate. Will we be able to get my son a passport if the certificate states "Mother refuses to name father"?

Answer: Yes, a passport can still be issued to the child. Ther mother has to submit the application. If you will be submitting the application without the mother, she needs to provide you with a notarized statement authorizing you to submit in her behalf.
Mothers name
by: Anonymous

Question: My son's mother and I are legally divorced. On his Birth certificate her maiden name is accurate but her legal name is inaccurate, she never legally changed her last name to mine but on the birth certificate it has our hyphenated last names. Will this be an issue to get his passport?

Answer: It should not be an issue as long as other details match.
Passport for minor
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m looking to get a passport soon for my 3 year old and 1 year old, but I’m confused on the requirement ( Show Parental Relationship) does that mean I have to show my own birth certificate or does it mean just shows the kids birth certificate ?

Answer: The children's birth certificates will serve as proof of parental relationship.
Mothers maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: My husband's and my mother's maiden name is spelled wrong on our birth certificates. If we were to apply for a passport with the errors, do we put their correct last names or put what is exactly on our birth certificates??

Answer: It is best that you complete the form to match your birth certificates.
statement consent DS3053 mispelled
by: Anonymous

Question: I received the statement of consent DS3053 or my daughter from my ex who is her father. I realize he misspelled her first name wrong and put my name maiden name. He had it notarized. On my passport I still have my maiden name. On her birth certificate it has his last name, when we were married. We are now divorced.

I am going this week to get her passport. Will this be an issue? what can I do? what options? what can I bring with me.

Answer: The father needs to get you a new notarized consent with the correct details. It may have your maiden name but the child's name must be spelled correctly.
Amended birth certificate 2 years after birth
by: Anonymous

Question: My son's father was not on original birth certificate but 2 years after my son's birth, the bc was amended and now has his father's name. The directions on the passport application state that the bc has to be issued within the first year of birth. Can I submit the original without the father's name since I would be following the directions?

Answer: You need to submit the latest with the amendment. It would still be deemed original since it's an amendment of the one issued after birth.
Father's name is wrong
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, trying to get my child's passport for an upcoming business trip our family has. My husband accidentally put his Alias on said child's birth certificate. His last name is the only thing that matches. For presenting an ID. Can we still get my child the passport? Older siblings will be applying as well and the name is correct on that. We tried fixing the error with vital records but has not been resolved.

Answer: Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 regarding your concern.
Biological information for passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter is 23 now and we are needing to get her a new passport. Her biological father is on her birth certificate but has never had anything to do with her or seen her. We have no idea where he is located since his family doesn't talk to us. Is that going to be an issue?

Answer: Since your daughter is already an adult, the father's absence is not an issue. For paternal data that you do not have, just enter NA.
Father's name not on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm not married but had a son who still lives with the mother. Somehow my name is not on the birth certificate. I am looking to go away with just my son. We are trying to get a passport, would I be allowed to travel with him alone? He has my last name.

Answer: Since the parental relationship with you is not established, you cannot get a passport for your child. Only the mother can do that. Or she has to provide you with a notarized letter authorizing you to apply on her behalf. You will also need the mother's consent to take the child out of the country without her.
Maiden name not listed on birth certificate only married name listed
by: Anonymous

Question: Can you get a passport if your mother's maiden name is not listed on the birth certificate but the married name is? What do you put on the passport application?

Answer: You should place the mother's name as it appears on the birth certificate.
Daughters Birth Certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My husband forgot to add my middle name on my daughter's birth certificate at the hospital. Will it be an issue if we all apply for her passport?

Answer: It should not be an issue as long as the other details match.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am the only legal parent on my child's birth certificate but when she was born I add her dad's last name to her name. I don't know where he is and the last time I saw him was in 2012. Will it be an issue to obtain my daughter's passport?

Answer: Your child bearing the father's last name will not be an issue since you are the sole legal parent/custodian as evidenced by the birth certificate.

Child's Passport

Get Passport Fast
Child's father passed away
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I get a passport for my child if the father’s name on the birth certificate passed away?

Answer: Yes. In addition to the requirements, you need to send a certified copy of the father's death certificate.
Father’s birth year is wrong
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I get a passport for my child if the father’s birth year is wrong on the birth certificate?

Answer: It should not be an issue. You may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
Passport for minor in U.S
by: Anonymous

Question: My son is 4. My son's father's name is on the birth certificate but I haven’t seen him in years. I don’t know where to begin to contact him. Can I still get my son's passport?

Answer: Since the father's name is on the birth certificate, you technically share legal custody over the child. You need his consent or presence to apply for your child's passport. Social media is usually a great place to search for a person and establish contact.
Provision to Legal Custody
by: Anonymous

Question: The father of my daughter recently lost physical custody. We share legal custody with a provision stating that if he doesn't respond to emails or phone calls within 72 hours, I can act as sole legal guardian. How can I prove this for purpose of receiving a passport?

Answer: You may provide the original or a certified copy of the court order stating the conditions of your shared legal custody.
Name but no signature
by: Anonymous

Question: My ex-husband’s name appears on my son’s birth certificate but he is not the biological father. There is no signature. Would I be able to get my son a passport without having to go through court?

Answer: Since his name is on the birth certificate, you need your ex's consent to apply for the child's passport.
Father not on birth certificate, but there was a visitation agreement
by: Anonymous

Question: My son’s father is not listed on his birth certificate, but there was a custody agreement, but never enforced by me or him me. My son has never met his father. Do I need his permission to get a passport for my son?

Answer: No, you do not need the father's permission to apply for your child's passport. The birth certificate listing you as the only parent is sufficient proof of sole legal custody.
Fathers name in the birth certificate but no established paternity test
by: Ghie

Question: My son has his biological father's last name but he never signed the birth certificate and there was no paternity test done and no court order. Can I get him a passport?

Answer: If the child only bears the father's last name but there is no father listed on the birth certificate, you may apply for the child's passport without the father.
My daughter has a typo on fathers last name in birth certificate
by: Sam

Question: My baby's birth certificate has the father's last name with one letter incorrect. I saw some responses saying to apply with whatever is listed on the birth certificate. But won't this be problematic since that name won't match my ID? We have a trip planned in 3 weeks.

Answer: Yes, it will be problematic for children's passports since the parents will be presenting the ID on their behalf. It is best that you have the error corrected first.
No father on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a 4-year-old whose last name is the same as mine and bio dad is not present in her life. Bio dad is not listed on her birth certificate. I have attempted to get PFA on him but since he can not be located nothing can be served. How can I get a passport?

Answer: Since the father is not listed in the child's birth certificate, the process of applying for her passport. You do not need the father to apply; the birth certificate listing you as the only parent is sufficient proof of sole legal custody.

Please prepare the following and submit these in person at an acceptance facility. The child also needs to be present when you submit the application.

1. Form DS-11
2. Original or a certified copy of the child's birth certificate
3. A photocopy of your government-issued ID (preferably your driver's license)
4. One recently-taken passport photo
5. Payment for fees

Routine processing currently takes 6 to 9 weeks while expedited service takes 3 to 5 weeks. Expedited service requires a payment of $60 on top of the passport fees. We also recommend paying for 1-2 days delivery once the passport is issued.

Please note that processing times do not include the time it takes for the application to reach the processing center and for the passport to arrive at your doorstep. Mailing times vary across the country. If you have plans to travel, we strongly recommend waiting until the passport arrives in the mail before making any final travel arrangements.
Father's not on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My father is not on my birth certificate but I filled out the paperwork and I put his information down. Is that an issue?

Answer: Parental information only affects an application if it was submitted for a minor.
Two birth certificates
by: Anonymous

Question: My son's 8 years old. Originally, his dad was nowhere to be found when I had him so he was not listed on the birth certificate.

Fast forward to when he was 5 & somewhat a part of his life, we added him to at least get my son better insurance through his bio dad. Now he has two birth certificates & is very unreliable when it comes to being a father.

Am I able to just use the original birth certificate where he is not listed to get him a passport? He wouldn’t even know it requires both parental consents because he’s that removed from reality & I can’t depend on him to fill out forms for consent with a notary.

Answer: Since the birth certificate was amended, the first one is no longer valid. You now need the father's consent to apply for the child's passport.
Father on birth certificate but legal paternity never established
by: Anonymous

Question: My children have their father's name and he is listed on the birth certificate, however, since we were not married I was told another form establishing paternity should have been completed at the hospital as well to establish paternity or a court-ordered DNA test is needed since the form was not completed. If paternity was not established, do I need a letter of consent to get passports for my children?

Answer: Yes, you need the father's consent. The birth certificate is honored as a document establishing joint legal custody which, in your case, is shared because both parents are listed.
minor passport question
by: Anonymous

Question: I will need to get a passport for my minor daughter. Online it says that we will need to show proof of parental relationship. My daughter's birth certificate has my maiden name and not my married name. Will that matter when showing proof of parental relationship, or is there something I need to have/do to show proof of the new/different name?

Answer: Generally, this is not an issue as long as other details match. But I recommend that you bring your marriage certificate just in case.
My birth last name is not the same as my birth last name on my kids' birth certificates
by: Anonymous

Question: Will this affect them getting their passports?

I was raised with a different last name than what was on my birth certificate. I legally had my name changed at 18.

Second question.

My daughter's birth certificate shows my birthplace wrong. Do I need to correct this before we can get hers?

Answer: 1. No, it will not affect your child's application. Enter your name on the form as it appears in their birth certificates.

2. There will be no need to correct the error.
International travel
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a 10-year green card. My divorce case is in process and my child's father is not listed on the birth certificate. I have my baby's passport. Can I travel internationally with the baby without the father's consent?

Answer: Since you are the sole parent listed on the birth certificate, only you have legal rights to the child. You may travel with your baby without the father's consent.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm in the USA with my daughter and I want to get a passport for her but her mother lives abroad and we are separated & never married. What do I need to do to get her passport book?
Or is it possible to apply at a US consulate abroad with the child not present but both parents present?

Answer: The mother may send you a notarized Form DS-3053 plus a photocopy of her ID presented to the notary. These must be submitted with the rest of the requirements for the child's passport application.

You may apply for the child's passport overseas but the child needs to be present when the application is submitted.
wrong information on daughters birth certificate
by: Abby

Question: Hi. My husband and I are applying for our 10-year-old daughter's passport for our trip in February. We just noticed while filling the information in that our daughter's birth certificate says my husband's place of birth is in Washington State, but he was born in Oregon State. Do we need to get this information changed before we apply?

Answer: No, you do not. To be safe, just complete the application with what's in the birth certificate.
No father, international travel
by: Anonymous

Question: Father is not on the birth certificate. My son has a passport. Will I have any issues traveling across the border with him?

Answer: There shouldn't be any issues. Bring the birth certificate in case questions regarding custody arise. The birth certificate listing you as the sole parent is sufficient evidence of sole custody.
No fathers name on Birth Certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My son has my name and his father is not on the birth certificate. We did have DNA testing to prove he was the father, he's supposed to pay child support but hasn't in 8yrs. My son is 14 now. Can I get him a passport to leave the country on a field trip without his "Bio Dads" approval or consent?

Answer: If the birth certificate was not amended, you may use it as proof of sole legal custody of the child. There will then be no need to involve the bio dad in the application process.

However, if the father enrolled the child under the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program, he will be notified of the application and there is a chance he could contest the approval since paternity was established.
Not married with father of my son
by: Anonymous

Question: I was never married to my son's father. My son had my last name, then we got a paternity Certificate. Based on the Paternity Certificate, my son's birth certificate was reissued already with my and his father's name.
Which documents should I provide to apply for my son's passport (he is a green card holder) besides BC, green card, and DS DS-3053?

Please advise.
Thank you.

Answer: You also need to submit your son's or your naturalization certificate as proof of U.S. citizenship. The DS-3053 must also be submitted with a photocopy of the father's ID presented to the notary. A photocopy of your valid ID must also be submitted.
Father’ s name on application
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I add my child’s father information even if he is not listed on the birth certificate?

Answer: The inconsistency in the data might cause issues with the application. I advise against it.
No father
by: Anonymous

Question: My child was born in another country. I did the process for him and he came to the United States. When I got my citizenship, he became a citizen, too. He is 8 years old I don't have any contact with his dad since his birth. How can I get him a passport?

Answer: If the father's name is printed on the child's birth certificate, you need his notarized consent to apply for your child's passport. If you have no contact with him, social media is usually a good place to start your search. Once you establish contact, he may send you a notarized Form DS-3053 plus a photocopy of the ID he presented to the notary. If he is outside of the United States, he can have the form notarized at the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

If there is no father on the birth certificate, you may apply for your child's passport without the father's consent. The birth certificate listing you as the only parent is sufficient proof of sole legal custody of the child.
Missing part of parents name on infants birth certificate.
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m trying to get my baby her passport but on her birth certificate her dad's is missing part of his name and also mine. On her birth certificate, her dads name is missing "Ryan" and on my name, it’s missing my middle name. Also, my birthplace is misspelled. I am trying to get it fixed but will take a long time to be fixed. Will I be able to apply for her passport?

Answer: Yes, you should still be able to apply for your child's passport.
Father not on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My son does not have an ID. Can I use my ID to get a passport? The father's name is not on the birth certificate but I have custody of him. Court ordered.

Answer: If your son is still a minor, you may present identification on his behalf. If he is age 16 or older, he needs to have his own government-issued ID.
Two questions
by: Anonymous

Question: 1. My kid's dad is on the birth certificate and is nowhere to be found, not even child support. I can't even find him either. How can I go with getting my child his passport without his approval?

2. Do I have to do a form of DS-3053 for the other father for my daughter to get her passport and after I get their passport, when I renew it do I have to go thill this again?

Answer: 1. You may submit Form DS-5525 and evidence of your failed attempts to contact the father to get his consent for the passport application. This is subject to approval and there is a chance that the application will be denied.

2. The other father may complete Form DS-3053 and have it notarized. He must also provide a copy of the ID he presented to the notary.

As long as your children are age 15 or younger, you will have to go through the same process to get them new passports.
Not on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter’s father is not listed on the birth certificate nor does she have his last name. But he does pay child support (we do not have a court-ordered visitation agreement) and there has been a DNA test but no updated birth certificate. I already applied for her passport without him but I’m wondering if it will get denied.

Answer: The application should be processed since you submitted proof of sole legal custody (birth certificate).
Tr
by: Anonymous

Question: Do I need travel consent for my child to travel internationally without a father listed on the birth certificate?

Answer: There is no need for that. The birth certificate listing you as the sole parent is sufficient proof of sole legal custody.
Father's name is not on the birth certificate
by: Tomato

Question: My application for a passport was denied. The reason given in the rejection letter was that my father's name is not on the birth certificate. I am 53 born in Phila PA. What can I do to make up for the missing father to get approved for my first passport? Is it even possible? Having trouble proving to this site that I'm human. tomato

Answer: A lot of birth certificates lack a father's name and it is generally acceptable. Does it list your mother's name?

The requirement is for a birth certificate to be the long-form with a raised registrar's seal, listing one or both parents. If you can request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the PA vital records office, it would greatly help.
Father not on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My 11-year-old son has his father's last name but his father isn’t on his birth certificate. Do I need him to get my son's passport?

Answer: No, you do not. The birth certificate listing you as the only parent is sufficient proof of sole legal custody of the child.
Child born outside the US out of wedlock, US Citizen Father is not on birth Certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: Child born outside the US out of wedlock, US Citizen Father is not on birth Certificate. I am the child's mother and am currently in the Philippines. Sole custody is with me. Can my daughter have a US Passport?

Answer: Since the father is not on the birth certificate, there is no legal document establishing paternity and linking your child to a U.S. citizen parent. Therefore, your child cannot claim U.S. citizenship through the father. Without U.S. citizenship, your child cannot apply for a U.S. passport.

Please contact the USCIS for more information.
Father not on birth certificate was married to an American citizen
by: Anonymous

Question: My father is not on my birth certificate, he was married to an American citizen for 10 years until his death. He was trying to get me up there (hearsay he petitioned a visa for me). How can I know if he was a U.S. citizen to apply for naturalization? (I think I’m eligible) . I have his death certificate. Do I need to do a FOIA?

Answer: Please contact the USCIS regarding citizenship issues.
Father not on birth certificate, apply for passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My father is not on my birth certificate. I am eligible for US citizenship through my father. I am over the age of 18. Can I apply for my passport with a DNA test?

Answer: A DNA test is not sufficient proof of U.S. citizenship. Please contact the USCIS about establishing your citizenship considering your circumstance. Once you have documentary proof of your citizenship, you may apply for a U.S. passport.
Father Not on Birth Certificate Question
by: M

Question: Hi. I am over 50 and my father's name is not on my birth certificate. I don't know who he was and cannot add his name. I have lived in the U.S., gone to school, and was able to get passports a while back. Is there any form I can fill out to handle this issue? It looks like I can no longer get a passport with a father's name, which has affected a lot of people. Please help!

I'd be willing to wait to get my passport, so no need to expedite. I feel like I've lost some rights to travel here and it isn't my fault.

Answer: As an adult, paternal information will not affect your passport application. Just leave that portion blank or write NA.
Name spelled wrong on guardianship papers.
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter's name is spelled wrong on her guardianship papers. The guardianship paper added an e to her name. It doesn't match her name on the birth certificate with an e. Can I apply for her passport?

Answer: It is best that you have the document corrected first before applying for the child's passport.
Father is in Egypt and I’m in the USA
by: Anonymous

Question: The dad is in Egypt, I’m in the USA and the embassy in Cairo is very wonky. What happens if I’m not able to get that consultant stamp? I’ve tried contacting this embassy but to no avail.

Answer: If you mean a notary stamp for the consent form, the father may have the document notarized by any reputable notary public. But the notary in the U.S. Embassy is always preferred.
Minor Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: My ex-husband is listed on my daughter's birth certificate. Our divorce decree does not include a parenting plan, due to him not being the biological father and he was to sign a waiver of paternity, which he never signed. My daughter's passport will expire this year, can I reapply without his consent? He is not involved in her life in any way and the decree does not stipulate custody.

Answer: Since the father is listed on the birth certificate and you do not have any documents proving you have sole legal custody of the child, you need his consent for the application, regardless of biological paternity.
Mother deceased, no father on birth certificate
by: HELP!!!

Question: My sister died 5 years ago. I’ve had her child with me since. I’ve never gone through court for custody or any of that. Father is not listed on the birth certificate and is not in the child’s life. I do know how to get in touch with him if needed.

Answer: You do not need the father to apply for the child's passport. However, you need to establish that you are the child's legal guardian through a court order.

Please contact child services regarding this issue.
Passport renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I am trying to renew my son's passport. However, his father is not listed on his birth certificate. Do I require his consent or presence at the embassy for the passport renewal or i can just process that without him?

Answer: You do not need the father's consent if he is not listed on the birth certificate.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I gave my child her father’s last name but he is not listed on the birth certificate. Will this be a problem when applying for a passport?

Answer: No, it will not be a problem. You may use the birth certificate as your proof of sole legal custody.
Already have a passport for my daughter but..
by: Anonymous

Question: I already have a passport for my daughter but I just had her father added to the birth certificate as he wasn’t before. Is her passport still valid?

Answer: Yes, the passport is still valid. Since the father is now on the birth certificate, his presence or consent will be required when the current passport expires and you need to apply for a new one.
Adult with only a mother on the birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: What do I put in the field where the father's information would go if I don't have a father?

Answer: You may leave it blank.
Father is in the Philippines
by: Anonymous

Question: How to get consent from the father who is in the Philippines for the application for a passport?

Answer: The father may complete Form DS-3053 and have it notarized at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. If going to the embassy is not possible, he may have the form notarized by a reputable attorney/notary public.

Once this is done, he may mail the notarized form plus a photocopy of the ID he presented to the notary to you. You can then submit the documents and proceed with your child's passport application.
Child Passport ,No Custody
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a 15-year-old daughter that we are trying to get a passport for. Her biological father isn't on her birth certificate only her biological mother is. Her father has some custody over her but since neither I nor he is on her birth certificate and her mother does not want to cooperate, how can we obtain a passport for her.

Answer: Since the applicant is a minor with only one legal custodian, you need that parent's authorization to apply for her passport. Otherwise, you have to go to court to either compel her to cooperate or establish new custody orders.
Father not on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My son's father is not on the birth certificate but is in his life and is the one who will be traveling with him out of the country. If I apply for the passport in my name only can he use it to take my son on vacation?

Answer: Yes, the father may take the child overseas once he is issued a passport. You may have to provide notarized consent to travel.
Son's Passport Application
by: Adetunji

Question: My name was not listed on my son's birth certificate as the father, but we live together with my spouse who is the mother. They all have the same last name as mine. Can I apply for my son's passport as the applicant and also list my spouse's name (the mother) as the other parent on form DS-11. Thank you.

Answer: Since you are not listed on the birth certificate, you are not considered a legal custodian of the child. Only the mother can apply for the child's passport unless you get the child's birth certificate amended to include paternity.
Mother's Maiden Name incorrect on child's birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My maiden name was entered incorrectly on my daughter's birth certificate. I am working to correct it with vital records. However, my new married name is the same as my husband and my daughter's, which is listed on the birth certificate. Can I still get my daughter a passport?

Answer: Yes, it may raise some questions but it should not be a huge issue that will prevent your child from getting a passport.
Father is not a US citizen or greencard holder
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm a green card holder and married to a US citizen. We separated but not legally and I'm pregnant with another man's baby. If I give birth here, I want to put the father's name but he is not a US citizen and he is in the Philippines. Should it complicate if I apply for a passport for my son? What are the steps to do?

Answer: It's not going to be complicated if the father provides consent for the child's passport application.
How to get citizenship for my daughter when father is absent
by: Anonymous

Question: I am of French nationality and I was married to my daughter's American father and he is on her birth certificate.

We were married in the US and I have a divorcee decree in France stating that I am the legal guardian of my daughter and the child support the father has to pay. The father lives in the US and is an American citizen but he is not responding to any of my communications. I would like to request American citizenship for our 7-year-old daughter in France.

Please, could you let me know how do I go about claiming American citizenship when the father is not responding? I tried many times to contact him but he is simply not willing to respond. I think this is a right for our daughter but the father is too negligent to do anything.

Answer: In order to transmit U.S. citizenship to a child born outside of the United States, the American parent must provide proof of his presence in the U.S. prior to the child's birth. You need the father's cooperation to establish this. Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Paris or any U.S. consulate in France for more information and. further assistance.
Father didn't sign B.C
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a 4-year-old son who I gave his father's last name. His father didn't sign the birth certificate. Do I need to add him if he didn't sign and can I go to Nicaragua without a father's permission?

Answer: If the father is not listed on the child's birth certificate (even with the child bearing his last name), you may apply for a passport without the father's consent. The document listing you as the only parent is sufficient proof of sole legal custody.

It also follows that you will not need the other parent's permission to travel overseas.
Father on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m trying to get my 16-year-old passport. Her father is on the birth certificate but I haven’t heard from him since 2008. I had my daughter's last name changed to mine back in 2013. Do I still need his signature for the passport?

Answer: At 16, your daughter will only need one parent's consent in order to apply for a passport. She needs to present her own government-issued photo ID.
Not on birth certificate, but we have an order.
by: Anonymous

Question: Dad isn’t on the birth certificate. He was supposed to go and sign AOP during the court process. He never went.

We have an order. He still sees the child when he’s supposed to but refuses to pay child support.
Can I get a passport without him? And if I can, what paperwork do I need for that?

Answer: You may submit the birth certificate listing you as the sole parent as proof of sole legal custody.
Birth certificate, legal last name change
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello. I have my birth certificate stating someone I don’t know and was my mother's partner at the time as my father.

When I grew up, I knew my biological father gave me child support and was supposed to change my birth certificate but never did. I have a stepdad that raised me and when I turned 18, I had a legal last name change to have his last name and currently have all his last names in other documents except for my birth certificate. I don’t think it was adoption threw the court. I don’t know what to put for the father's section on my passport application.

Answer: You have to enter the father's name as it appears in your birth certificate.
Dad is in another country
by: Nathalie

Question: I just got my American citizenship and I want my child to get his American passport. His biological dad lives in our native country and hasn’t seen him since we moved to the US 7 years ago. How could I get my son’s passport?

Answer: You need the father's notarized consent to apply for your child's passport. You need to track him down; social media is usually a great place to start.

Once you contact him, instruct him to go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to complete Form DS-3053 and have it notarized. After which he can mail the notarized form and a photocopy of his ID to you.
Different last names
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m 31 and trying to get a passport. On my birth certificate, I have my father's last name that I’ve never used but on all my IDs including my federal ID, I use my mother's last name. Will I be able to get a passport?

Answer: As long as you can provide sufficient identification documents bearing the name you enter in the application form, you should still be able to obtain a passport.
Child passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello I am applying for my daughter's passport. Her father who is on the birth certificate and I are divorced and I was awarded sole custody. Upon requesting a certified copy of the custody paperwork I realized they misspelled her name and have the wrong middle initial. Is my app going to be rejected I do not have time to have the courts edit the document?

Answer: It could potentially be an issue especially because the error is in the child's name. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
Birth place is wrong
by: Anonymous

Question: I need to obtain a passport for my newborn daughter but they put my birthplace wrong on her birth certificate and an amendment has been submitted but will take 3-4 months per vital records office. Can I still obtain a passport for her? We would like for her elderly grandmother and my mother to meet her when she is able to travel At 3 months.

Answer: Your birthplace is not one of the information required to establish a parental relationship so it might still be considered. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to confirm.
Different last name on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm trying to get my son a passport. On his birth certificate under parents' name it shows my name before marriage Charletha Ocasio" The name I put on his birth certificate is "Muscio" his dad's last name. My birth certificate has my mother's maiden name "Haulsey". Can my son still obtain a passport if I have a social security card showing "Ocasio"?

Answer: Yes, there should not be any issues as long as you can present an ID matching the name on the birth certificate.
Not US citizen but having birth here in US
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I am a green card holder. If I give birth here in the US and put the name of his father (who is not a US citizen and has never been here in the US) in the birth certificate, does he needs to sign for the paper? And if I get a passport for my daughter should he need to sign too?

Answer: Placing the father's name in the birth certificate entitles him to shared legal custody of the child. When you apply for the child's passport, you will need the father's notarized consent.
Passport application for minor
by: Anonymous

Question: Only the father's birthdate is listed on the birth certificate, not his name or signature. Paternity since then has been established and he pays child support from a court order monthly. I have a court order showing he only pays and has 0% custody and that I have 100% custody.

1. Do I need to list him on her application?
2. Do I need to bring this court order for her application in person?
3. Or do I have him just sign the consent form? He has never met her and refuses to be at the agency in person with her/I. How should I proceed?

Answer: It's a complicated situation since paternity has been established and he pays child support. The easiest way is to have him complete the consent form, have it notarized, and give it to you with a photocopy of his ID. You might not need it since you're the sole parent in the birth certificate but it's best to have all bases covered to avoid delays in the processing.
Kids' passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I need to get my 14-year-old daughter's passport. Her dad’s name is not on the birth certificate but his birthdate is. Does he need to be present when I got get her passport and do I put N/ A when it asks about her father on the application?

Also my 16 year old needs a passport and their dad is on his birth certificate.

Answer: You may apply for the 14-year-old's passport without the father. Just enter NA in the space for paternal information.

As for the 16-year-old, she may now apply for her first adult passport that will be valid for 10 years. She will only need your presence or implied consent for the application. She needs to present her own government-issued ID/s.

Passport for Minors age 16 and 17
No custody papers , paternity not established
by: Anonymous

Question: If my child’s father is on the birth certificate but we don’t have any custody papers, and paternity is not established, do I need his permission to get a passport for my son?

Answer: Yes. You share legal custody of the child because his name is on the birth certificate. You need a court order granting you sole legal custody in order to apply for the child's passport without the father.
No father on birth certificate but court order
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a child with no father on the birth certificate, but he is listed on the custody documents. Should I list him on the passport or not, and if I do list him, should I bring the custody order with me as well?

Answer: If you share legal custody of the child, the father must be included and involved in the application.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My child lives with me and I’m on the birth certificate because of course I’m the mom. Her dad is also on the birth certificate. What happens if I don’t know anything about him ever since she was born? What can I do?

Answer: If the father's whereabouts are unknown and you can prove that you have made efforts to locate him to get consent for the child's passport application, you may submit Form DS-5525.

This form is used in special circumstances where a custodial parent's consent cannot be obtained for a child's passport application. YOu have to make a strong case that you have exhausted all efforts to contact the father. Applications of this nature may or may not be accepted so we recommend sending as much proof of your attempts at contacting the father as you can. Social media is a very effective way of locating a person.
father name not on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My father's name is not on my birth certificate. Do I just leave his name off the application?

Answer: Yes.
Child passport
by: Anonymous

Question: When I first got my daughter's passport, there was a "father" on her birth certificate. All the paperwork was completed with his information, turns out he's not her father and now I have to renew her passport. He is no longer on the birth certificate, how can I get it renewed if the father's information will not be on the new application? She also had a legal name change to my name.

Answer: A minor's passport cannot be renewed. Since you will be applying for a new passport and resubmitting all the requirements, the missing parent and the name change will not cause an issue.

The amended birth certificate listing you as the sole parent should be sufficient proof of sole legal custody.
Not his name but don't know his personal information
by: Anonymous

Question: I have my father's name on my birth certificate he hasn't been in my life. I don't know his birth date, where he was born, and any personal information, just his name.

Answer: You may write NA for the information you do not have.
Passport for a minor
by: Anonymous

Question: My son and I are US citizens but his father isn't. He is in a different country and not involved in his life. How can I renew my son's passport without his father?

Answer: If the father's name is on the birth certificate, you need his notarized consent for the child's passport application. Please contact him and request him to complete Form DS-3053, have it notarized at the closest U.S. embassy or consulate, and then mail it to you with a photocopy of his ID. Please submit these documents with the rest of the application requirements.

If you wish to avoid the father's involvement altogether, you need to petition the courts for SOLE LEGAL custody of the child. You may then submit the court order instead of the notarized consent.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter's father never signed her birth certificate, but she has his last name. Can I still apply for her passport without him?

Answer: If the father's name is not listed in the birth certificate, you may apply for your child's passport without him.
Passport for my child
by: Anonymous

Question: My son's father is not on his birth certificate. Will I still need his permission to take my son out of the country?

Answer: No, you will not need the father's consent to travel overseas with your child.
Passport for a baby.
by: Mary

Question: Will I have a problem applying for my baby’s passport if the mother's name is misspelled in the baby’s birth certificate?

Answer: It could be an issue. It is best that you have the error corrected first before applying for the child's passport.
Dad can’t be present
by: Anonymous

Question: So I am applying for my son’s passport however his dad is on the birth certificate but he is in the Dominican Republic. How can I get his consent for the passport? Or what can I do!?

Answer: The father can complete Form DS-3053, have it notarized at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo and mail it to you with a photocopy of his government-issued ID. You need to submit these with the rest of the requirements for a child's passport.
Son’s passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I have an 8-month-old son with a military guy whom I met while we were in Japan. We never married. We applied for his American passport but we broke up. He has my son's passport. Since my Japan visa expired, I needed to go back to the Philippines and get my son his Philippine passport.

I am a green card holder too. I tried contacting him, his family but he refused to give the passport and his mom said their lawyer told them not to give the passport to me. I understand that as a green card holder, I am allowed to stay in the Philippines for 6 months and I am now on my third month. I need to go back to the US and I want to bring my son with me. I tried emailing the US embassy in Manila but they never reply. What do I do?

Answer: You need to reason with the father to provide the passport so the child can enter the United States. There is nothing the embassy can do since a passport has already been issued to the child.
Mothers name missing
by: Anonymous

Question: My child’s birth certificate came back with my husband name as both Mothers name and Fathers Name
Example: mothers Name- John
Fathers name- John
Can we still travel?

Answer: Erroneous documents often cause issues. Please have the birth certificate corrected.

Also, you cannot travel internationally by air with just the child's birth certificate. You can use the birth certificate for domestic air travel and land/sea travel to Mexico and Canada.
Father's Name
by: Anonymous

Question: My father's name isn't on my birth certificate, should I include it on my passport application?

Answer: There is no need to include your father's name.
Mother's name error
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I still get a passport for my son if my name is incorrect on his birth certificate? For example, my full name is "Kathleen Joy M. Devela" but on my son's birth certificate my name is only "Kathleen M. Devela" Is there gonna be an issue or will I be fine to get my son's passport? Thank you.

Answer: You should be okay.

Father changed his last name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am trying to get my son's passport. The father did send in the absent parent form, however, he left out one of the child’s last names. He also changed his last name within the last two years. I’m not sure how to go about this. Can I go get a court order since we live in two different states?

Answer: Yes, you can try to get a court order for sole legal custody of your child.
Need A Passport For My 5 Year Old.
by: L.T

Question: Child’s father hasn’t been in his life for 5 years, due to domestic violence and restraining order (that has been dropped) but he is currently on the birth certificate. I don’t know where the father is located, and I don’t want to know, but I need a passport for him. How can I get one?

Answer: You may submit Form DS-5525 and explain the child's situation in as much detail as possible. You may also include documents to support your case like proof of domestic violence and a copy of the restraining order. These must be submitted with the rest of the requirements for the child's passport.

Please note that applications submitted with DS-5525 are processed on a case-by-case basis. While it is possible that the child will be issued a passport, there is chance that the application will be denied.
Minor child
by: Anonymous

Question: My son's father is not on the original birth certificate but we have since added him. Can I still apply for a passport with the original birth certificate or do I need to get an updated copy with his father's name on it and have him come with me to the appointment?

Answer: You need to get a certified copy of your child's updated birth certificate and have the father present when the child's passport application is submitted.
Fathers name on application
by: Anonymous

Question: My child’s father is not listed on the birth certificate. He is involved in her life but the birth certificate has not been amended.

On the application, it asks for both parents' names. Can I put his name on the application as the father even though he is not on the birth certificate? Or should I put unknown since he isn’t on it? Just want to be sure this doesn’t make more trouble in the long run and cause issues with the application.

Answer: It is best that you do not enter the father's name in order to be consistent with the birth certificate.
birth certificate, name changed.
by: Anonymous

Question: When I was born, my brother's birth dad was there but HE IS NOT MY FATHER. He signed the papers saying he was the father but wasn't. My mother told him not to sign but in the end, he signed and said he was the father.

Later on, I changed my name to my REAL dad's last name and the judge GRANTED it. I went to get my passport but the lady there told me no I couldn't because I don't have my brother's birth dad here with me. I told them I had changed my name to my real dad's last name. They told me no, they told me the judge's paper was of no use. I am so unhappy that they told me that. How do I get my passport? Do I get a DNA test?

Answer: The court-ordered name change does not change the paternity record. The person listed as your father on your birth certificate is still considered your legal parent unless proven otherwise by a court and your birth certificate is amended.

A DNA test could be one of the ways you can have your biological father's paternity established. Please contact a lawyer regarding the matter.
Passports for children that aren't legitimatized
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm in the state of GA. The absent parent must file a court order for legitimation whether they are listed on the birth certificate or not. My kids' father IS listed on the birth certificate, but he's been absent since they were 9 months and 3. Due to the legitimation laws in GA, am I still required to have his signature, or do I just complete DS-5525.

He doesn't answer my phone calls or texts. I just don't want to lose money if their application is denied; especially since he doesn't have legal rights in this state.

Answer: Federal law applies to passport applications, not state laws. Since the father's name is on the birth certificate, his presence/consent is required for the children's passport applications.

You may submit Form DS-5525 but there is a chance the application will be denied.

Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
father is not biological parent
by: Anonymous

Question: My ex-husband's name is on my child's birth certificate, but I have a court order which states that he is not her biological father, so he does not have anything to do with her. Can I still apply passport for her without him or not?

Answer: You may use the court order but questions may still arise. It is best that you have the birth certificate amended with the support of the court order before you apply for your child's passport.
Consent for issuance of child passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I had a form of consent for my son's passport notarized but I put my son's mom's birth last name which appears on his birth certificate. Instead of putting her new last name which she put when married.

Answer: It should not be a problem as long as other details in her identification documents match.
B1/B2 for my step mom
by: Anonymous

Question: I am currently in the US and my birth mom expired long ago. My passport has my birth parents' name. My father and my stepmom have their respective old spouses' names in their passports and not each other's names. Can my stepmom still visit me? Would it be a problem if their passport still has the old spouse's name?

Answer: Your questions are best directed to USCIS. Please contact them regarding your concerns.
Father, with 36-year-old daughter that needs an affidavit of paternity.
by: Anonymous

Question: Thank you for your response. I am the father with a 36-year-old daughter who needs an affidavit for paternity. But after they applying to his Panama. Thank you in advance for your response.

Answer: I'm not sure what you mean by "But after they applying to his Panama." Can you tell us more about what your daughter wants to do and what she needs to achieve that?
Father not listed on her birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My 38-year-old daughter does not have my name listed on her birth certificate. She and her husband are traveling the country, and she wants me to sign a form acknowledging paternity. Is there a way to do this without filling out this form? Are just given a notarized statement. I am wary of this because it is asking for my Social Security number.

Answer: I am not sure why a 38-year-old adult needs paternity acknowledgment. Is this for a U.S. passport application? Only minors age 15 and younger need notarized consent from a non-applying parent.

If your child is a natural-born U.S. citizen, she should be able to apply for a passport even if her birth certificate does not list a father.
Passport
by: Veronica

Question: The father of my son is not on the birth certificate. My son only has my last name only, not his father's last name. Can I still get a passport for my son?

My son's father has child support and he owes money. Would that prevent me from obtaining my son's passport?.

He actually moved to another state and disconnected his phone number. I do not have any contact with him.

Answer: Hi, Veronica. Since you're the only parent listed on the birth certificate, you may apply for your child's passport without the father's presence or consent. The birth certificate listing you as the sole parent should suffice as proof of sole legal custody.
Passport for my son
by: Anonymous

Question: If my son's father is not on the birth certificate but has child support and owes me child support and I do not know where he is, can I still get a passport for my son?

Answer: Yes, you may apply for your child's passport without the other parent. The birth certificate listing you as the sole parent is sufficient proof of sole legal custody.
Father's name on Birth Certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter's father is on her birth certificate. However, the last time I heard anything about him he had moved to Florida. We have not had any sort of communication. There is no visitation or child support established through court. Even with him on the certificate, I am my daughter's only guardian. Will this be an issue when I take out her first passport?

Answer: Even if the father has been absent in the child's life, you technically still share custody with him because his name is on the birth certificate. Unless you have a court order saying you have SOLE LEGAL CUSTODY, his presence or notarized consent is required for the child's passport application.

If you do not have contact with the father, social media is always a good place to start your search. We recommend trying this avenue first.

If you cannot establish contact with the father, you may submit Form DS-5525 and explain the situation in as much detail as possible. To avoid denial, you may provide proof of your failed attempts to contact the father.

A long-term solution for this issue, especially if the child is a long way from age 16, is to petition the family court for sole legal custody. This way, you will no longer need the father the next time you apply for the child's passport.
Paternity established after birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: I was not 100% sure I was the father until after my daughter was born and I was able to confirm it with a DNA test. The mother of my child gave birth without me knowing until after she was born, so my name is not on the birth certificate.

Therefore, she was able to apply for a passport without my consent. However, when I took her to court to establish paternity, custody and visitation, we had the birth certificate amended. I am now listed as our child’s father.

Her mother is still the primary caregiver, but I have a court order for visitation. She consistently takes our daughter on international trips without informing me and recently told me she scheduled a trip that interferes with my mandated visitation time. She did so without my consent, but since my daughter already has a passport issued without me listed as the father, I’m not sure what options I have.

Is her mother still allowed to use this passport? Is there anything I can do to require her to obtain my consent for trips? When she tries to renew the passport, will she then need my consent, or will the old copy of the birth certificate still be accepted?

Thank you.

Answer: You need to speak to a lawyer regarding consent for trips. There are countries that require consent from a non-traveling parent but there are those that do not.

Since the birth certificate has been amended to include you, your presence or consent will be required for the child's next passport application. However, we do not know if the other parent can find a way to use the old birth certificate.

The best thing you can do is enrol your child under the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program. You will then be notified if and when a passport application is submitted in your child's name. You can take action once alerted.
Father Not in the picture
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I apply for my daughter's passport if her dad isn’t in the picture like we have no idea where he is?

Answer: If the father is listed on the birth certificate, you technically share legal custody of the child. This means his presence or consent is required to apply for the child's passport.

You need to contact the father for his consent for the application. Social media is a great place to start looking. Once you establish contact, ask him to complete Form DS-3053, have it notarized and send it to you with a photocopy of the ID he presented to the notary.

If after all your efforts, you cannot connect with the father, you may try to submit Form DS-5525 Statement of Special Family Circumstances and explain the child's situation in as much detail as possible. Providing proof of your efforts to contact the father will also greatly help.

Please note that applications submitted with DS-5525 are approved on a case-by-case basis. There is a chance that the application may be denied and the fee is non-refundable.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am the only parent listed in the birth certificate. My son has my last name as well. When I filed for child support he acknowledged to the court that he was the dad. We did NOT change my son's last name and we did NOT add him as the biological dad on the birth certificate. He does not see my son nor pay for child support. Should my son's passport application get approved?

Answer: Since you're the only parent listed in the birth certificate, your son's application should be approved. Please contact passport services at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I still get my kids a passport if they have their dad's last name but he is not on the birth certificate? And if so, do I have to fill out the father's information when I apply?

Answer: Since you're the only parent listed in the birth certificates, you may apply for your children's passports without the father. There is also no need to enter his name in the form.
Child passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I gave my children my stepfather's last name. I just never wanted my kids to carry my biological father's last name which I carry. Both of my children’s fathers are NOT listed on their birth certificate, BUT I do get child support. Will I still need permission from the father?

Answer: The birth certificates listing you as the sole parent should be sufficient proof of sole legal custody. Unless there is a court order stating otherwise, you may apply for your children's passports without their fathers' consent or presence.
Father listed on birth certificate is not the real father
by: Anonymous

Question: I want to renew my son's passport. I filled out a DS5525 form to explain that the man listed on my son's birth certificate is not the real father. I will submit court documents excluding him as the father and a DNA stating he’s not the father. But on the birth certificate, it still has the "father's" name on it. With the documents supported will this be sufficient or do I need to do something else?

Answer: Only the passport agent who processes your application can tell if the documents are sufficient. The documents you mentioned should be able to support your statement but since the birth certificate still lists the father, it may still raise questions.

It may be best to have the birth certificate amended using the documents you possess before applying for your child's passport.
Passport for child with no father on cert.
by: Anonymous

Question: Nowhere listed on my baby's cert. is the father's name. However, the baby's last name is his and the father S.S is listed. Can I still apply for a passport for my baby?

Answer: Yes, you can.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I request a passport for my daughter who has only my last name but her father does appear in her birth certificate? He has never been involved nor wants to be part of her life. What can I do?

Answer: You share legal custody of the child with the father since his name is on the birth certificate. It does not matter that she only has your last name.

You need to secure a notarized consent for the passport application from the father plus a photocopy of his ID.

To avoid having to do this again once the passport expires, you may want to consider petitioning the courts for sole legal custody. Since you said the father does not want to be part of the child's life, he should not cause you any trouble obtaining this.
Passport Help
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter's father had a name change for my daughter and obtained a recent birth certificate. I did not have the original copy of the one with the name change. I used the one from birth that doesn’t have her father on it or the name change. I applied for my passport with no problem, but will they make it a big deal?

Answer: You must apply for the child's passport in her current legal name. There will likely be issues if you attempt to apply for your child's passport using a document that has otherwise been ordered by the courts to change.

Please contact passport services at 1-877-487-2778 for more information on the matter.
Father absent on Birth Certificate
by: Anonymous

Question:My father did not sign my birth certificate. Do I need to write down his information on the form when renewing my passport?

Answer: There is no need to enter details pertaining to your father.
Father not on Birth Cert
by: Anonymous

Question: My child's father is not listed on the birth certificate and she has my last name. We have joint custody but he pays child support and he only sees her every other weekend. We never updated her birth cert or changed her name. Does he still need to be involved in getting my child a passport?

Answer: Since the birth certificate lists you as the sole parent, the other parent's consent/presence is not required.
Wrong Birthdate
by: Anonymous

Question: On my child's birth certificate, their father's birth month is incorrect. On the certificate it says March but the birth month is May. Can my child still get a passport without that information getting corrected? What month should they put on the passport application?

Answer: The error may raise questions when the father presents an ID that does not match the details in the birth certificate. It is best that you have the error corrected first to avoid any issues when you apply for your children's passports.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I get a passport if my son has his father's last name but the dad is not listed on the birth certificate? And if later on we add his name to the birth certificate what would we have to do?

Answer: I am assuming you are asking if you can get a passport for your child. You can do it without the father if his name is not on the birth certificate. Once his name is added, you will need his consent the next time you apply for your child's passport.
Wrong birthplace for mother
by: Anonymous

Question: On my son's birth certificate, it has the wrong birth place for his mother. Will this be an issue applying for a passport?

Answer: It should not be an issue.
Mother's Name is Different
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello. I have an 8-year-old daughter and her birth certificate only has my name, no father. But the issue is on her birth certificate Mothers name is First Name: Julia Last Name: Hernandez but on all my ID my name is First Name: Julia Last Name: Hernandez Garcia. Can I apply for her passport and have my full name on her passport? The signature on my ID and BC matches.
Name used is just an example. Not real name.

Answer: That should be fine.
passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m giving birth soon but I’m not a U.S. citizen. My child will have her dad's last name but his name will not be in the birth certificate. Can I still get her a passport?

Answer: Yes, you can apply for your child's passport even if you are not a U.S. citizen.
My name isn't on his birth certificate
by: Bernardo Graham

Question: My child's mother was married to another man at time of birth. At the time they were separated but wasn't legally divorced when the child was conceived. I wasn't present at the hospital so my name isn't on the birth certificate. Can the mother get the passport without me or does she have to get authorization from the husband since the child is legally considered his child and not mine?

Answer: If the husband's name is listed as the father on the child's birth certificate, his consent/presence is required. If no father is listed on birth certificate, the mother can apply for the child's passport on her own.
Father not on birth certificate and my name is not different
by: Anonymous B

Question: My son's father is not listed on the birth cert. My name on the birth cert was under my married name and I am now back to my maiden name. How can I prove I am his mother and does his father have to be present to get a passport? The father is NOT on the birth cert, but we have a temporary child custody order. Does the father have to be present to apply for a passport?

Answer: The father does not have to appear or provide consent for the passport application. As long as most details on your ID and the name on the birth certificate match, you should be okay.
Father not listed on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I get my daughter's passport if the father not listed in the birth certificate but has his last name and mines also?

Answer: Yes, you can. The birth certificate listing you as the only parent is sufficient proof of sole legal custody.
Wrong parent on birth certificate. Can I still get a passport for my child.
by: Anonymous

Question: My son is 11 years old. My husband and I have been divorced for 10 years. He took a DNA test and proved my son wasn't his. In our divorce papers it says no children involved. His name is still on the birth certificate. Can I still get a passport without his consent?

Answer: Your situation is quite complicated. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to clarify what documents you will need.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: The baby's father's name is listed on the birth certificate but the last name of the baby is not. Can I still take out the baby passport?

Answer: Since the father's name is on the birth certificate, he needs to be there when the application for the child's passport is submitted.

If he cannot be there, he needs to provide you with a notarized consent for the application plus a photocopy of his ID. You need to submit these with the rest of the requirements.
Birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I get a birth certificate if my son has his father's last name but the dad is not listed on the birth certificate?

Answer: You should be able to request for your child's birth certificate. Please contact the vital records office in the city/state where your child was born to confirm.
Can I apply for a passport for my daughter without her father's consent?
by: Anonymous

Question: Father is not on the birth certificate. In the early years when we applied for medical assistance they went after him with a DNA test. He is not around and I’m not sure if he was ever added to the birth certificate (the copy I ordered last year before we went on a cruise he was still not listed). I have never applied for sole custody but I receive child support as I have her 100% of the time. He is extremely difficult to get ahold of and I would like to get my 11 year old a passport to visit friends.

Answer: Since the birth certificate does not list him as a parent, you can apply for your child's passport without the father.
Passport for my minor child
by: Han

Question: Can I get a passport for my child without the father consent? The father name is not on birth certificate and my child has my last name.

Answer: The birth certificate listing you as the only parent should be enough proof of sole legal custody. You should be able to apply for your child's passport without issues.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am married but the man I am married to is not my newest baby’s father ( we have been separated for over 4 years). He is not on the birth certificate nor is the biological father. I am the only one on her birth certificate. Can I still get my daughter her passport or because in the state of California my husband has rights to my daughter because I am still married to him? Again, he is not on the birth certificate. Would I have to go to a judge to get a paternity test to prove he is not the father to proceed with getting her passport?

Answer: The birth certificate listing you as the sole parent should suffice as evidence of sole legal custody for your child's passport application.
Passport help
by: Anonymous

Question: The father of my child is in the military overseas and it’s hard to get a hold of him to ask for the consent. I don’t know his address overseas and I tried calling him but he hasn’t answered. We got divorced and we both have joint custody but our child lives with me and he gets a visitation. What can I do in order to get a passport for my child?

Answer: You may try to submit Form DS-5525 with a thorough explanation as to why you cannot contact the father. Any evidence that you can provide of your failed attempts to contact the father will help your case. These must be submitted with the rest of the requirements for your child's passport.
Leaving baby in a foreign country
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I'm due to give birth in a couple of months but the father of my baby is in the Philippines and I haven't started on his petitioning process yet. I'm planning to leave my baby with him until he is petitioned. What are the requirements?

Answer: You need to obtain a passport for your child. Since the father is overseas, he needs to send you a notarized consent plus a photocopy of his ID for you to submit with the application. He may have the consent notarized at the U.S. Embassy in Manila or any reputable notary public.

Once you have your baby's passport, you may travel to the Philippines and leave the child with your husband until his petition is finalized and he can travel to the United States. The child will then re-enter the United States with his/her U.S. passport.
Need passport for child with absent father
by: Tammy

Question: I live in Georgia and would like to get a passport for my 8-year-old daughter. Her father and I were never married and I have been the sole parent since birth. I cannot locate him or any of his family members. Is it possible to still get a passport for my daughter?

Answer: If the father's name is on the birth certificate, his presence or consent is required to apply for your child's passport.

Since you cannot contact him, you may submit Form DS-5525 and explain the situation in as much detail as you can. Please note that applications of this nature may be declined. The best way to handle this is to go to court and file for sole legal custody of the child.
My boys' dad got deported 5 years ago
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, my boys' father got deported 5 years ago. He is on the birth certificates. I have no communication with him, we are married. I am a U.S. citizen, so are my boys. What can I do?

Answer: You may apply for your children's passports under exigent family circumstances. Please submit Form DS-5525 where you must explain the situation in as much detail as possible. If you can secure a copy of your husband's deportation order, it will help your case.

Please keep in mind that applications submitted under exigent circumstances are processed on a case by case basis.
15-year-old son of naturalized U.S. citizen
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a US citizen by naturalization. My son is 15 born outside the U.S. My question is can he apply for a U.S. passport?

My son's birth certificate is sign both me and his biological dad. Do I need a consent from his biological dad even if I'm his biological mom? My husband and I are confused about this consent form. I don't have any contact with his biological dad since I moved to the U.S. Thank you.

Answer: First of all, you need to establish your son's claim to U.S. citizenship. Please contact the USCIS regarding this.

Once this is done, you can proceed to applying for his U.S. passport. At 15, he still needs both parents whose names are listed on his birth certificate to appear with him in person when the application is submitted. This is unless you have sole legal custody of the child.

If the father cannot be present, he needs to provide you with a notarized statement of consent and a photocopy of his ID. You will need this to submit with the rest of the application requirements.
I need a passport for my kids but I don't know where their dad is.
by: Anonymous

Question: I need a passport for my kids but I don't know where their dad is. I filed for divorce by publication and he was no where to be found. How can I get a passport for my kids?

Answer: Since the father is absent and cannot be located, you must submit Form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances along with the application form and other supporting documents. The statement must explain in detail the non-applying parent's or guardian's unavailability and recent efforts made to contact the non-applying parent. Each statement is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and no guarantee is made to its possible acceptance.

Alternatively, you might consult an attorney about the possibility of obtaining sole legal custody with which you could apply for your children's passports without the consent of the father. If you want to consider this option, a resource we recommend is Child Custody Strategies for Women.
advice
by: Roxanne

Question: My son's father is on his birth certificate. He hasn't been in his life since my son was one. Child support tried contacting him three times, and he missed court. He has a warrant for arrest. He has no green card to be legal in the USA. I got a hold of his family but it seems they are hiding him from me. All I ask is for his father to sign his rights away and I dont know what I can do. I don't know if the father is even living at the states. Need help.

Answer: For answers to questions about child custody issues, we recommend you seek the advice of an attorney. Please let us know if you have any questions about passports.
Passport for my baby
by: Anonymous

Question: I want to get a passport of my baby so we can visit her father in the Philippines but somebody told me that we need my husband to ger her a passport. What can I do?

Answer: The father can visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate general in order to complete a consent form and have it notarized. Then, he can mail the consent form and a copy of the ID he presented to the notary to you.

Visit the nearest application acceptance facility with your child. Submit Form DS-11, birth certificate, passport photo, notarized consent form from the father, copy of identification documents from parents and payment for fees.
Can I get a passport for my child if I did not include paternity on the birth certificate, and im a non us citizen?
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I get a passport for my daughter when I'm not a U.S. citizen and my husband is not on the birth certificate? She was born here in the states but I'm from Germany. Does she count as American or dual citizen since she was born here? Or does she count as German since I'm German and her father (American) is not on the birth certificate?

Answer: Anyone born in the United States automatically obtains U.S. citizenship. Your daughter's birth certificate serves as evidence of U.S. citizship.

Your daughter also has German citizenship based on the fact that she was born to a German citizen. The fact that she was born in the U.S. does not affect this.

As a dual citizen, she can obtain both a U.S. passport and a German passport. Click the links below for more information.

U.S. Passport for Minors

Embassy and Consulates of Germany in U.S.
Q: The father was not listed but has changed
by: Anonymous

Question: The father was not listed originally when we obtained my daughter's passport since then that and custody has changed do I need to reapply for a new passport?

Answer: You do not need to re-apply until your daughter's passport in near expiration.
Last name not the same
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, My sons father is not on the cert. but will i have a problem since my son does not have the same last name as me the mother?

Answer: You must present a valid photo ID that matches the name on the birth certificate. If your name has been changed, then you need to present evidence of the name change.
daughter's passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a U.S. citizen, but I do not have legal custody of my daughter. Can I apply for her to have a U.S. passport? What documents must I present?

Answer: Since you do not have legal custody, you must present a notarized statement or affidavit from the person(s) who has legal custody of your daughter that grants you permission to submit the application to get her a passport. All other requirements are applicable.
What other documents besides a court order can prove sole custody?
by: Liz

Question: My son's father is recorded in his birth certificate but never present in his life. I never care about filing for sole custody. Please help!

Liz

Answer: If the father's name is included on the birth certificate, then you must submit notarized consent from him in order to apply for the passport. You need to seek the advice of a lawyer concerning sole legal custody. A helpful resource about this issue is How to Win Child Custody
Can I get a passport for my child if I did not include paternity on the birth certificate?
by: Anonymous

You definitely can as long as you have sole custody of the Child. I was worried about the same thing and the fact that am not a US Citizen but my son was issued with a passport and I presented the required documents.
Submit primary evidence of sole authority
by: Anonymous

Hello,

Thanks for your reply.

What document is regarded as Submit primary evidence of sole authority? Is the child's birth certificate enough?

Thanks
Topi

===

Yes, a certified birth certificate listing only the applying parent is acceptable as evidence of sole legal custody.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Can I get a passport for my child if I did not include paternity on the birth certificate?.

Return to Passports for Minors FAQ.

In a Hurry? Get Reliable Expedited Passport Courier Service: Expedite My U.S. Passport Now!

Compare Your Fast Passport Options

If routine service is too slow, you may need an agency appointment or help from a registered courier. Compare your options before you decide.

About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Get passports for the whole family fast.