Parental Consent for Applicants Under 16 Yrs

The American Consulate strongly urges both parents to appear at the time of the passport application however:

1. If only one parent is able to be present at the time of application, a notarized form DS-3053 -fillable or DS-3053 - non-fillable must be submitted to the Consulate by the absent parent. OR

 

2. If only one parent is able to be present at the time of application they must, sign, and submit primary evidence (original or certified copy) of sole authority such as one of the following:

• Child's certified U.S. or foreign birth certificate (with Translation, if necessary) listing only applying parent; or
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) listing only applying parent; or
• Court order granting sole custody to the applying parent ( unless child's travel is restricted by that order); or
• Adoption decree (if the applying parent is the sole adopting parent); or
• court order specifically permitting the applying parent's or guardian's travel with the child; or
• judicial declaration of incompetence of non-applying parent; or
• death certificate of non-applying parent.

NOTE: A third-party in loco parentis applying on behalf of a minor under age 14 must submit a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents or guardians authorizing a third-party to apply for a passport. When the statement or affidavit is from only one parent/guardian, the third-party must present evidence or sole custody of the authorizing parent/guardian.