How to get a child passport with one parent absent in United State


To obtain a passport for a child in the United States when one parent is absent or unavailable, you must follow specific procedures to demonstrate that you have the ability to apply for a passport on the child's behalf. is a legal right. Here's a general outline of the steps involved:




1. Collect the required documents: You will need to collect the following documents:

  • Completed Passport Application Form (DS-11)
  • Evidence of US citizenship for the child (such as a birth certificate)
  • Proof of your relationship with the child (such as a birth certificate or court order)
  •  Proof of your identity (such as a valid passport or driver's license)
  • Consent Form DS-3053 (if applicable, explained in step 3)
  • Child's passport photo
  • Copy of the absent parent's ID (if available)

2. Visit a Passport Acceptance Facility: Find a passport acceptance facility near you, such as a post office or county clerk's office. Schedule an appointment if required and bring all the documents mentioned above. The acceptance agent will review and verify the documents.

3. Provide consent: If one parent is absent or cannot be present, you must provide consent from the absent parent or demonstrate that you have sole legal custody of the child. There are a couple of ways to do this:

  • Receive a notarized consent form (DS-3053) from the absent parent giving permission to apply for the child's passport.
  • Provide evidence of sole custody or a court order granting the legal right to apply for a passport without the other parent's consent.
  • If you are unable to obtain the consent of the absent parent or provide evidence of sole custody, you may be required to complete Form DS-5525, Statement of Urgent/Special Family Circumstances, explaining the situation in detail.

4. Pay the applicable fee: You will need to pay the passport application fee and any additional service charges. The fee varies depending on the type of passport and the processing options chosen.

5. Submit Application: Submit the completed application, supporting documents and fee to the acceptance facility. The Acceptance Agent will guide you through the submission process and provide you with a receipt.

6. Passport Processing: The processing time for a child's passport for regular service is generally 4-6 weeks. If you need your passport urgently, you can request expedited service for an additional fee.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures may vary depending on the individual circumstances and the specific passport agency you visit. It is recommended to consult the official website of the US Department of State or contact the nearest Passport Acceptance Facility for detailed information and guidance tailored to your situation.