
Zendocs is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State.
Everything You Need to Know About the DS-3053 Form
What is DS-3053?
Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, allows the non-appearing parent or guardian to give legally recognized permission for a child under 16 to receive a U.S. passport. This requirement reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to child safety and international travel security.
When do I need DS-3053?
- When only one parent/guardian can go to the passport acceptance office.
- If parents live in different states or countries and cannot attend together.
- When one parent cannot attend due to work, travel, or custody arrangements.
Why is DS-3053 critical?
- Prevents parental disputes over a child’s travel documents.
- Provides written, notarized proof of consent that carries legal weight.
- Required under U.S. federal law — without it, the passport will not be issued.
What must the DS-3053 include?
- The absent parent’s personal information and signature (before a notary).
- The child’s identifying information matching the passport application.
- A clear photocopy of the ID used at notarization.
- The notary’s seal and signature, confirming authenticity.
How long is it valid?
- Only 90 days from notarization.
- Families must coordinate so the DS-3053 and passport application are submitted together within this timeframe.
Tips for smooth filing
- Always attach the required ID copy of the non-appearing parent.
- Double-check the 90-day notarization window.
- Submit the original notarized form — photocopies are not accepted.
- If abroad, visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to notarize the DS-3053.
FAQ
Simple 3-Step Process

1. Fill Out The Form
Fill in your details and information, add date and customize as needed

2. Add Your Signature
Add legally-binding signature by drawing, uploading, or typing

3. Download or share
Your form is ready, download, share link or send via email instantly

1. Fill Out The Form
Fill in your details and information, add date and customize as needed

2. Add Your Signature
Add legally-binding signature by drawing, uploading, or typing

3. Download or share
Your form is ready, download, share link or send via email instantly

1. Fill Out The Form
Fill in your details and information, add date and customize as needed

2. Add Your Signature
Add legally-binding signature by drawing, uploading, or typing

3. Download or share
Your form is ready, download, share link or send via email instantly

1. Fill Out The Form
Fill in your details and information, add date and customize as needed

2. Add Your Signature
Add legally-binding signature by drawing, uploading, or typing

3. Download or share
Your form is ready, download, share link or send via email instantly
What our users are saying
I was skeptical about editing pdfs on my phone, but Zendocs made it work smoothly. Filled out a freelance w9 while waiting for my coffee. No issues at all.
I'm a screenwriter and mark up my drafts often. Tried the annotate pdf tool here – it was actually pleasant to use. Notes stuck where I placed them, colors were clear, and export kept everything intact. Beats printing 80 pages every time.
Used ZenDocs to split up a 100-page policy doc into smaller team manuals. It was quick, intuitive, and didn't crash once – even with that massive file.
Compiled my speaker bio, session outline, and visual aids into one file for a conference. ZenDocs let me combine them fast and add bookmarks for each section. This made navigating during my talk so much easier. I even re-uploaded the final version to make a few changes – every step was smooth. Really appreciated how consistent the UI was.
I needed to add quick comments to student feedback forms and the annotate pdf feature on zen docs made it painless. No crashes, super clean interface – definitely easier than Adobe's bloated editor.
ZenDocs has the cleanest interface I've used. Edited a PDF proposal, reordered some sections, and exported without hassle. It just works.
I was skeptical about editing pdfs on my phone, but Zendocs made it work smoothly. Filled out a freelance w9 while waiting for my coffee. No issues at all.
I'm a screenwriter and mark up my drafts often. Tried the annotate pdf tool here – it was actually pleasant to use. Notes stuck where I placed them, colors were clear, and export kept everything intact. Beats printing 80 pages every time.
Used ZenDocs to split up a 100-page policy doc into smaller team manuals. It was quick, intuitive, and didn't crash once – even with that massive file.
Compiled my speaker bio, session outline, and visual aids into one file for a conference. ZenDocs let me combine them fast and add bookmarks for each section. This made navigating during my talk so much easier. I even re-uploaded the final version to make a few changes – every step was smooth. Really appreciated how consistent the UI was.
I needed to add quick comments to student feedback forms and the annotate pdf feature on zen docs made it painless. No crashes, super clean interface – definitely easier than Adobe's bloated editor.
ZenDocs has the cleanest interface I've used. Edited a PDF proposal, reordered some sections, and exported without hassle. It just works.
I was skeptical about editing pdfs on my phone, but Zendocs made it work smoothly. Filled out a freelance w9 while waiting for my coffee. No issues at all.
I'm a screenwriter and mark up my drafts often. Tried the annotate pdf tool here – it was actually pleasant to use. Notes stuck where I placed them, colors were clear, and export kept everything intact. Beats printing 80 pages every time.
Used ZenDocs to split up a 100-page policy doc into smaller team manuals. It was quick, intuitive, and didn't crash once – even with that massive file.
Compiled my speaker bio, session outline, and visual aids into one file for a conference. ZenDocs let me combine them fast and add bookmarks for each section. This made navigating during my talk so much easier. I even re-uploaded the final version to make a few changes – every step was smooth. Really appreciated how consistent the UI was.
I needed to add quick comments to student feedback forms and the annotate pdf feature on zen docs made it painless. No crashes, super clean interface – definitely easier than Adobe's bloated editor.
ZenDocs has the cleanest interface I've used. Edited a PDF proposal, reordered some sections, and exported without hassle. It just works.