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What if only one parent is listed on the birth certificate? by: Anonymous Question: I am 18 and I am applying for my Passport. My father was never listed on my Birth Certificate but I have a relationship with my father. Do I have to list him on my passport application? Answer: There is no need to enter your father's name in the application form.

What wording is considered sole custody? by: Anonymous Question: My 2016 order signed by a judge states specifically Mother had temporary and permanent custody/parental rights. Does this mean I have sole custody? Will I still need the non-custodial signature if he has no parental rights? Answer: We recommend that you contact a lawyer for proper interpretation of your court documents.

Foreign parent by: Anonymous Question: My husband is not an American citizen and I am trying to get a passport for our son so I can go see my husband. The country is Spanish speaking and he has tried 5x to get the notary in his country to fill out the DS-3053 properly but it is never done correctly. What are my other options? Answer: Your husband must go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate closest to him to have the form notarized. Also, please make sure he sends a photocopy of the ID he presents to the notary.

International travel by: Anonymous Question: Hi. My divorce case is in process and my baby is 4 months old. In his birth certificate, I am the only parent listed and today I applied for the passport with the birth certificate. Do you think that I can get the passport of my baby? And I can travel internationally with no issues? Answer: If you are the only parent listed in the birth certificate, you have sole legal custody of the child. You may apply for the child's passport and travel internationally without involving the other parent.

Father is not on birth certificate by: Anonymous Question: I'm wanting to get a passport for my daughter. Her father and I were never married but we share custody. He is not on her birth certificate. Do I need to list him on her passport? Answer: You may face legal issues if you apply for the child's passport without the father while you share legal custody. We recommend that you seek the advice of your lawyer before doing anything.

International travel with a minor by: Abcde Question: I am the only parent listed on my son's birth certificate, I had no problems getting his passport. We have an upcoming trip to Tokyo, will his original birth certificate and passport be sufficient for international travel or would I need a notarized document stating I’m the parent of my son with sole legal/physical custody? Answer: The passport should suffice. You may bring the birth certificate as proof in case questions about custody arise.

Applying for a child's passport when you don't know the wearabouts of the father by: Anonymous Question: Hi my daughter is 7 years old and she never had any contact with her father nor is his name on her birth certificate. I will be going on vacation in July. Do you think my daughter passport request will be denied? Question: You can submit your daughter's birth certificate as evidence of sole legal custody. The father's consent is not required. Click the link to access a list of requirements to get a minor's passport.

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