Comments for What identification information is required from non-applying parent? Click here to add your own comments

DS-3053 Not Properly Notarized by: Greenchild95 Question: Hello, I am getting my son’s passport and his father and I are no longer married. He filled out the DS-3053 form, had it notarized, all the information on it looked correct. Dates for signing matched, numbers on his license matched. Everything. I got an email saying the form was not properly notarized even though the stamp says notary public. We are in Ohio/Indiana. We do not need a jurist to travel, I believe. Has anyone had this issue before? How can it not be notarized properly? I have searched Google high and low for answers and can not seem to find any. Answer: It may be best to contact the National Passport Information to find out what the error was. This will dictate what your next step will be. You may call 1-877-487-2778. Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST, or on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Major Help by: Anonymous Question: What can you do if other parent forms of identification are all expired, his passport is expired, and his id and driver's license? He can't take out an ID due to felonies. I am confused and I need to take out my daughter's passport? What can I do? Answer: An expired passport may still be considered an acceptable ID. Please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Passport by: Anonymous Question: On the "completion by Notary" section: My driver's license was given and it states "legal parent/guardian ID NUMBER" "place of issuance" " issuance date" and "expiration date" is this the driver's license number? Answer: The ID number is the driver's license number. That section is to be filled out by the notary.

DS-3053 notorized but ID expired before appt. by: Anonymous Question: My ex signed and notarized DS-3053 on 1/23/2023 when her ID was valid. Her license expired on 2/8/2023. The ID information on the form matches the scan of the ID I was provided. She also listed a different address in the non-notary section of the form from the one on her ID. Will this be accepted by the passport center on 2/17/2023 when I turn the forms in? Answer: Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 regarding your concern.

No license or ID by: Anonymous Question: The father of my child had the consent for a passport and dropped it off. He did not present a license or ID. Under other, the notary put personal knowledge. Is this acceptable? Answer: The father's ID is a required attachment to the notarized consent.

Need an answer by: Anonymous Question: I have the consent form from the absent parent, can I use an actual photo of his driver's license or does it have to be a "photo copy"? Answer: A photo could work but we cannot guarantee it. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for a more official (and certain) answer.

PARENT ID EXPIRED by: Anonymous Question: Hi, the father of my child cannot come to the appointment, he will sign the DS-3053. He is not a US Citizen, his passport is expired, he has a valid driver's license and his birth certificate, and the ID that is accepted in Mexico called INE, can we use that? Thanks. Answer: He may present any of the IDs you mentioned to the notary and you may submit a photocopy of the same ID with the application.

I don’t want to fill out consent form by: Anonymous Question: Hi, the current court order reads to facilitate passport issuance and father to hold on passports of our minor kids. I will be using them too, but I can go to the application appointment. We live 2 miles from the passport center and I can go, he doesn’t want me to go but is sending me letters via mail with forms to fill. I stated to the court I would go to the passport appointment; there is nothing preventing me to go! He insists he doesn’t want to see my face and to fill out the form consent! Our kids are little yet and we are divorced with shared custody. Answer: Since you share custody, you are well within your rights to refuse to provide consent for the passport application. You also may or may not appear for the application.

I got notarized form but not the copy of father’s ID by: Anonymous Question: After many years I made a 235 miles trip from Oregon to Washington to finally meet up with my son's dad and made an appointment with a mobile notary to get the father’s consent for my son’s passport application. When I got back I made a appointment for the application. That day, when I filled out the necessary forms I found out that we forgot the copy of his ID. After trying to contact him in every way, there was no response ever since. My question is: can I still apply with just the notarized consent? Answer: You cannot. The photocopy of the ID is necessary.

completing DS-3053 by: Anonymous Question: When completing DS-3053, does the address need to match what is on the ID of the non-applying parent? Answer: It's not required but it is ideal.

passport by: Semi Question: My daughter is 16. I need to get her a passport. What I should do if my husband cannot come? Is there a way to do it myself? Answer: If your daughter already has her own government-issued ID, she may apply with just your consent or presence. Passports for Minors age 16 and 17

Expired ID by: Anonymous Question: What if the father's ID is expired? Can that still be used? Answer: A valid ID is required. If an ID is not available, the father may present his birth certificate.

DS 3053 question by: Anonymous Question: The father of my children is willing to sign the form so that I can take them on vacation. The problem I’m having is that he doesn’t have a valid ID. He finally has an appointment tomorrow, but of course, he will only be issued a temporary ID. Will this be sufficient for the form? His Texas hard copy will take weeks to come in and we don’t have enough time for that. Any help is appreciated. Answer: A valid government-issued ID must be presented to the notary public and submitted (copy) with the passport applications. You may contact passport services at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Child's passport by: Anonymous Question: If a mother wants to apply for a passport for her child but the dad will not be able to make it to sign the papers. What can they do to keep the process going? Is there a consent form that dad can sign? What will the process be? Answer: If one parent cannot be present when the application for the child's passport is submitted, said parent must provide a notarized consent and a photocopy of his ID. The parent who will be with the child will submit these with the rest of the application requirements.

DS-3053 form by: Anonymous Question: I have completed the form and had it notarized. On the form it says: 3. The written consent from the non-applying parent that accompanies an application for a new U.S. passport must not be more than 90 days old. A clear photocopy of the front and back of the non-applying parent's government-issued photo identification presented to the notary is required with the written consent. I used my passport with the notary, so does this mean I have to give a copy of my passport to my kids mom to send in? I am not comfortable with that and would rather send it directly to someone. Answer: The consent needs to be submitted with the rest of the application. You need to give it with a copy of your passport's data page to the other parent.

Passport by: Grace Question: Hi, I was wondering if anyone has a template as far as what a notarized letter granting that I can get his passport. My son's father isn't present but he agreed to have a signed notarized letter so I can travel with him. Answer: Hi, Grace. The father may use Form DS-3053.

My child's father's only ID is his passport from Jamaica since he's traveling by: Anonymous Question: My child's father travels back and forth from Jamaica. His name is on the birth certificate. He filled out the consent form and it was notarized. He presented his Jamaican passport as his form of ID and the notary accepted it and wrote the issue date and the expiration date. Is this OK? Answer: A valid foreign passport is acceptable form of ID. Please submit a photocopy of the passport's data page with the notarized consent.

Passport for minor son by: Anonymous Question: My son's dad is in the military. We haven't heard from him for more than 4 years but he does pay child support and we have joint custody. Last time we saw him, he didn't leave on good terms. So, I know for a fact that he won't sign the form. What can I do? Answer: If the father is listed on your son's birth certificate then his notarized consent is required. If he refuses to sign, we recommend you consult an attorney or visit the nearest family court for assitance.

Help please by: Elizabeth Question: Hello, everybody, I hope y'all can help. I have a son and I need to get his passport so he can go on vacation. Since his father has passed away, I don't know what to do to get a copy of his death certificate. What can I do since I have no communication with his widow? Any suggestions? Can I go get his passport? Answer: You must submit a certified copy of the death certificate. Please contact the vital records office of the county where your son's father passed away.

What if the father cannot be located? by: Anonymous Question: How would one complete DS-3053 if the father cannot be located and no identification is available for him? Answer: If the minor is age 16 or 17, only one parent is required to appear. For minors age 15 or younger, you either need to submit notarized consent from the father or evidence of sole legal custody. There is a "Special Circumstances" section on Form DS-3053 but cases such as you described are usually not approved. Circumstances which are usually approved include incarceration and deportation. If you require the father's consent, your alternative are to locate him and obtain the consent or seek the advice of a lawyer about seeking sole legal custody.

Click here to add your own comments Return to What identification information is required from non-applying parent?. Return to Passports for Minors FAQ.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service.

More Passport & Travel Information

Getting a Passport Expedited at a Post Office
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.

Applying at a Regional Passport Agency
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.

Using a Registered Courier Service
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.

Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.

How to Renew a U.S. Passport Fast
Learn to expedite passport renewals as quickly as the same day. Where and how to renew passport in a hurry.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers