DS-3053 Fillable PDF & Form Guide

Quick answer

What is DS-3053 used for?

Provide notarized consent when one or both legal parents or guardians cannot appear with a minor's DS-11 passport application, or authorize a third party to apply for the child.

Use this form when

Use DS-3053 when a non-applying parent or legal guardian can consent but cannot attend the child's in-person passport appointment. It can also document requested parental awareness for an applicant age 16 or 17 or authorize a third party.

Do not use it for

Do not use DS-3053 to explain why consent is unobtainable; DS-5525 addresses qualifying exigent or special family circumstances. Consent may be unnecessary when valid sole-authority evidence applies.

What to prepare for DS-3053

Collect the relevant records before typing. The exact set depends on the applicant and the government instructions or case-specific request.

The child's full legal name and date of birth matching DS-11
The applying adult's name and relationship to the child
Each consenting parent's or guardian's address and contact information
A front-and-back photocopy of the same valid photo ID shown to the notary
Guardianship or authorization documents when an institution, entity, or third party is involved

A reliable fillable-PDF workflow

1. Map answers to source records

Start with the event that triggered the form: a first application, eligible renewal, correction, missing delivery, evidence request, child-consent issue, alert request, or special-issuance package. Keep that triggering notice or fact visible during preparation so the answers remain tied to the transaction the form actually performs.

2. Fill a downloaded working copy

Download a fresh DS-3053 directly from the State Department. Save it locally before typing, use a PDF application that preserves AcroForm values, and do not overwrite the untouched source. Complete only facts supported by records; flag missing information instead of inserting a plausible answer.

3. Reopen, inspect, and print

Use a second-person verification pass when possible. The reviewer should compare the form with source records without relying on the preparer’s memory. Keep unresolved conflicts open until they are explained; visual neatness does not make an unsupported answer accurate.

Critical DS-3053 review points

01
Do not sign until physically appearing before the passport authorizing officer or notary.
02
The consent signer and notary must use the same signature date, and the notary cannot be related to the signer.
03
Consent is valid for 90 days from notarization; expired consent must be completed again.
04
State whether consent covers book only, card only, or both when limiting the authorized product.

How to submit DS-3053

Give the original notarized DS-3053 and ID photocopy to the adult submitting the child's DS-11. The package is presented at the child's in-person passport appointment; DS-3053 is not a standalone passport application.

Print passport forms single-sided on 8.5-by-11-inch letter paper in portrait orientation. Use the current PDF and case-specific directions because destinations, fees, evidence, and processing options can change after this guide is reviewed.

Official DS-3053 download and guidance

DS-3053 fillable PDF State Department guidance

Clerks AI PDF skill

Prepare DS-3053 from your evidence

Add the official blank PDF and your source records. Clerks AI can map supported facts to interactive fields and flag missing evidence for review. It does not decide citizenship, identity, consent, eligibility, fees, or whether a passport will be issued.

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DS-3053 fillable PDF FAQ

Is this DS-3053 PDF actually fillable?

Yes. We inspected the official file's AcroForm tree on 2026-08-09; it contained 19 interactive field definitions. Always download a fresh copy because the Department may replace the file.

Can I submit the filled PDF electronically?

Fillability does not imply electronic submission. Follow the submission section above and the official instructions. Many passport PDFs must be printed, signed as directed, and presented or mailed with evidence.

Can I sign DS-3053 before printing?

Follow the signature rule printed on this specific form. Passport forms commonly require an original handwritten signature, and DS-11 or notarized consent documents have special timing and witness requirements.

Related passport form guides

DS-3077

DS-3053 fillable PDF: Statement of Consent for Passport Issuance to a Child