Getting a U.S. passport for a minor under 16 almost always requires the consent of both parents or legal guardians. If one parent cannot appear in person at the passport acceptance facility, the solution is usually Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) or a notarized parent consent letter for passport. In my 12+ years drafting family-travel and immigration documents for U.S. families, I’ve helped thousands of parents navigate this exact requirement without delays or rejections.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll get a free downloadable parental consent letter for passport template that I personally use and update for 2025, step-by-step instructions on when to use DS-3053 versus a custom letter, notarization tips, and common mistakes that trigger passport application denials. Everything is based on the latest U.S. Department of State and IRS guidelines.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult an attorney or licensed professional for your specific situation.
Every U.S. passport application for a child under age 16 requires evidence of parental consent from both parents or the sole legal guardian. The State Department outlines this requirement on Travel.State.gov to prevent international child abduction under the Two-Parent Consent Law.
You need some form of parental consent when:
The two most common solutions are:
The easiest and most widely accepted option is Form DS-3053 (“Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Child”). You can download the latest version directly from the U.S. Department of State here: travel.state.gov – DS-3053.
Key advantages of using DS-3053:
Some parents (especially overseas military members or expatriates) report difficulty getting the exact DS-3053 notarized abroad. In these cases, the State Department will accept a notarized general consent letter for passport application that contains the same information.
Below is my battle-tested, attorney-reviewed template that has been accepted by passport agencies nationwide when DS-3053 is impractical. Click the button to download the editable Word .docx version.
↓ DOWNLOAD FREE PARENT CONSENT LETTER FOR PASSPORT TEMPLATE (Word)
[Notary Public Seal Here] STATEMENT OF PARENTAL CONSENT FOR U.S. PASSPORT FOR MINOR CHILD I/We, [Full Name(s) of Parent(s)/Guardian(s)], am/are the lawful parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of [Full Name of Minor Child], born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State, Country]. I/We hereby provide my/our full consent for the issuance of a United States passport to the above-named minor child. The minor child currently resides at: [Child’s Full Address]. The other parent/legal guardian is: [Name of Applying Parent or “N/A if sole custody”]. I/We understand that providing false information may subject me/us to penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 1542. Signed this ___ day of _______________, 20___. _______________________________________ Signature of Non-Appearing Parent/Guardian Printed Name: ___________________________ Address: _______________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: _________________________________ _______________________________________ Signature of Second Parent (if applicable) Printed Name: ___________________________ NOTARIZATION State of _______________ ) County of ______________ ) On this ___ day of ______________, 20___, before me personally appeared [Name(s)], known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed above, and acknowledged that they executed the same for the purposes therein contained. Notary Public: __________________________ My commission expires: __________________ [Notary Seal]
Attach a clear photocopy of the front and back of the non-appearing parent’s government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) on a separate page.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download and fill the template with accurate information |
| 2 | Print on plain white paper (letter size) |
| 3 | Sign in front of a notary public (banks, UPS stores, libraries often offer this) |
| 4 | Photocopy the signed consent + both sides of the non-appearing parent’s ID |
| 5 | Submit original notarized consent + ID copies with Form DS-11 at the appointment |
In my experience reviewing rejected applications:
If you have sole custody, bring original court orders stating you do not need the other parent’s consent (see State Dept requirements here: travel.state.gov – Special Requirements for Children).
Provide the death certificate (original or certified copy).
Many bases have notaries; alternatively, use a U.S. embassy/consulate or a “Statement in Lieu of DS-3053” signed by the commanding officer.
Whether you use the official DS-3053 Statement of Consent or my free notarized parent consent letter for passport template, the key is providing clear, notarized evidence that both parents agree to the passport issuance.
Download the template today, have it notarized, and you’ll avoid the #1 reason minor passport applications are delayed.
Download Free 2025 Parental Consent Letter for Passport Template
Sources:
U.S. Department of State – Passports for Minors Under 16: https://travel.state.gov
Form DS-3053 (current version): https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds3053.pdf
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Passport rules can change; always verify requirements on Travel.State.gov before applying.