Comments for How do I get regular passports for my children if their father is deployed? Click here to add your own comments

Legal and physical custody by: Anonymous Question: My custody order says I have legal and physical custody. However, it never uses the term SOLE legal custody but it does go on to say I get to make all major decisions. Is this sufficient or do I need to get a DS-3053 as well? Answer: The paperwork needs to clearly state that you have sole legal custody of the child. We recommend that you consult a lawyer for proper interpretation of the custody order before submitting the application for your child's passport.

Passport for my son by: Anonymous Question: My son's father's name is listed on his birth certificate. However, my son has not seen his father since he was one and he is 8 now. We have no contact with him whatsoever. I'm wanting to take my son to Cancun next year. How can I get his passport? Answer: Since the father's name is on the birth certificate, you share legal custody of the child. You need his notarized consent to apply for your child's passport. If you do not know where he is, social media is a good place to start your search.

I want to get my stepson a passport. by: Anonymous Question: Looking to take the family outside the US next year on a trip. We think my stepson's dad is in jail. How could my wife and I get a passport for him? Answer: If the father's name is listed in the child's birth certificate and there are no custody orders removing him as the child's legal custodian, his consent is required for the passport application. People in prison have access to notarial services. If you can locate where he is incarcerated, you may contact him for a notarized consent for the application.

Passport for 3 month old with father on deployment by: Victoria Question: My husband is military on deployment and I was going to get my daughter's passport. Is there a way to do this without him there? Will a power of attorney on his behalf work for this situation? Answer: A notarized consent from the father is required to obtain a child's passport in your situation. He should be able to execute this through his unit's travel desk. He can then mail the notarized consent plus a photocopy of his ID to you so you can submit it with the rest of the application requirements.

Sole physical and legal custody by: Anonymous Question: I have sole physical and legal custody of my daughter. Do I need anything from her father in order to apply for her passport? She is currently 15 months old. I have court documents to prove the sole legal and physical custody. Thanks. Answer: Since you have proof of sole legal and physical custody, you do not need anything from the father for the child's passport application.

How do I get my child a passport? by: Anonymous Question: My daughter is 5 years old . The name of her father is on the birth certificate but at 1 year old we got a DNA done he is not the father . I never heard from him ever since. How do I renew my daughter’s passport when his name is still on the birth certificate? Answer: Passports issued to minors cannot be renewed. You need to apply for your child's passport the same way you did when you obtain the first one. It is best to have the birth certificate amended first since you have proof that the father listed in the document is not the biological father.

Non-Applying Parent, No Access to a Notary by: Jennifer Question: My husband is located in a remote area of the middle east for his job. He has leave next month and we want to meet in South America to spend time together. My son's passport is expired and my husband has no access to a notary. I have a general power of attorney that says I am granted ability to make travel arrangements for our son. Will this POA suffice if I were to sign the DS-3053 for my husband and have that signed by a notary, with my POA in hand? Answer: Please contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 regarding your concern.

Passport for 17-year-old by: Malissa Question: My daughter is 17 and her father has not been in her life since she was 11. I how no clue to where he is. My daughter is graduating high school next month and I wanted to take her on a vacation before she starts college. Is there a way to get around going to court to get a judgement since she’s 17? Answer: Hello, Malissa. At 17, your daughter can already apply for a passport without her parents being present, provided that she already has her own government-issued ID. What she will then need is a signed statement from at least one parent (you) consenting to the application and issuance of a passport. She will be issued an adult passport that will be valid for 10 years.

Father Signed Consent Form by: Gale Question: My daughter's father signed and notarized the consent form but will not provide me with a copy of his identification. What else can I do? Answer: The photocopy of the non-applying parent's ID is a requirement. You need to reason with the father or go to the local family court to see if they can compel the father to provide the requirement.

My mom has custody but the father signed the birth certificate by: Cyn Question: Long story short, my mom has custody of my 12-year-old since I was a minor when I gave birth. My daughter has always lived with me. We are trying to go to Mexico in October. Does the father need to be there to file for a passport since he is on the birth certificate but has no custody? My mom will be able to be there and myself. Answer: If your mother has evidence of sole legal custody and not just physical custody, she should be able to apply for your daughter's passport without the presence or consent of the father. If, however, she was only granted physical custody, the father must be present or provide notarized consent form DS-3053. Please call 1-877-487-2778 to discuss this issue with a customer service representative.

passport minor by: Anonymous Question: Hi, so I'm taking my son on a cruise this June. I have full legal sole custody of him. I went and submitted his application for the passport. I brought my court order. But the lady said shes not sure if it will be approved since the court order I have is a copy of the original. I do not have the original. Is this true? If it is true, how would I get the original? Won't any copy I receive just be another copy. Answer: You should be able to get a certified copy from the court that issued it.

Passport by: Anonymous Question: Hi! I want to get my daughter's passport. I am the only parent on the birth certificate but her dad is paying child support for her. Does he have too sign, too? My daughter doesn't have his last name. Answer: the father does not need to accompany your daughter nor do you need consent from him. You can submit your duaghter's birth certificate as evidence of sole legal custody. Foir more information, visit how to get a passport for a minor.

Obtaining a passport for my child, fathers name on the birth certificate but I do not have contact with him by: Mar85 Question: My child lives with me. He has his entire life. His father was present at his birth and signed his birth certificate but I have no contact with him since. My son is not legitimized. We have never been to court before but I did speak with someone before about my situation and I was told unless my son was legitimized and he had court orders, which he does not, that I had full custody. However, when I attempted to get a passport to travel for vacation, I was told that I have to have both our signatures. My son is 8 and he has never been apart of his life and I do not have contact with his father. What can I do? Answer: If you know the location of the father and can contact him, then he must appear with you or provide notarized consent to get the passport for your son. The only way to avoid this is to file for full legal custody. Concerning the latter, we recommend you consult an attorney. If you do not know the location of the father, you can submit Form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances with your child's passport application. On the statement, you must explain in detail the father's unavailability and recent efforts you made to contact him.

Passport by: Anonymous Question: My kids' father and I have joint custody. He has primary. My question is "How do I know if he got their passport without me knowing and is it legal?" Answer: In order for one parent to obtain a passport for a minor age 15 or younger, the applying parent must submit either evidence of sole legal custody or notarized consent from the non-applying parent. You can request a passport record for your children. The record will provide information about what form and supporting documents were submitted, if any.

Help by: Anonymous Question: I'm trying to get a passport for my son. His father and I are not together and he is giving me a hard time in doing so. I have physical custody of him. His name is NOT on the birth certificate as he was not present. But he has court order to pay child support which he doesn't. How can I go about getting my sons passport? Answer: Submit the birth certificate as evidence of sole legal custody. For a complete list of requirements, visit How to Get a Passport for a Minor.

How do I get a passport for my daughter? by: REALLY NEED HELP Question: I am trying to get a passport for my 7 year old daughter. Her father walked out when she was 3 months old and we were never married. He is on the birth certificate. However there was never a court order or any kind of legal documentation establishing rights. How do I get a passport for her when I do not know where to find him and I have sole custody of her? Answer: Sole physical custody is not the same as sole legal custody. If the father is listed on the birth certificate and you do not have an official document which grants you sole legal custody, then his consent is required in order to get a passport for your daughter. When one parent is absent and cannot be located, the applying parent must submit Form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances. The statement must explain in detail the non-applying parent's unavailability and recent efforts made to contact the non-applying parent. Another option is to seek to obtain sole legal custody. For guidance, visit Nolo's Divorce & Custody resources

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