How to Obtain a US Passport for Your US Citizen Child

Antonini & Cohen
Sep 4
2 min read

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⚡Express Read

Summary: Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person to apply for a US passport for a child under 16. If one parent is unavailable, special forms and documentation may be required.

Questions about family immigration? Contact our Atlanta immigration attorneys at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

Key Points:

A US passport provides proof of a child’s citizenship and enables international travel.
Form DS-3053 allows an absent parent to give notarized consent for a passport application.
Certain situations, like sole custody, may require extra documentation.

📖 Standard Read

Obtaining a US passport for your US citizen child is an important step in securing their ability to travel internationally and establishing their citizenship documentation. The process requires careful attention to specific requirements, particularly when both parents cannot be present for the application.

If you have questions on family immigration, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Atlanta immigration attorneys.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

Standard Application Requirements

To obtain a US passport for a US citizen child under 16 years of age, both parents or legal guardians must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility such as a post office or public library. The application must include evidence of the child's citizenship and documentation proving the relationship between the child and the parents or legal guardians.

This in-person requirement ensures the security and integrity of the passport application process while protecting the child’s interests.

When One Parent Cannot Attend

If one parent or legal guardian is outside the US but still shares custody, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) can issue the passport through an alternative process. The absent parent must submit a Statement of Consent using Form DS-3053 along with the standard passport application documents.

The DS-3053 form must be signed before a certified notary public and include a photocopy of the absent parent's photo identification. This process allows families to obtain necessary travel documents even when circumstances prevent both parents from being physically present.

Special Circumstances

The Department of State requires additional forms and documentation in the following situations:

Sole legal custody
Single parent on birth certificate
Absent or missing parents

These circumstances require specific documentation to verify custody arrangements and parental rights.

A&C Provides Guidance You Can Count On

Your family immigration questions deserve legally accurate and informed answers. The attorneys at Antonini & Cohen have decades of experience helping families understand their rights and options. Contact our Atlanta immigration attorneys today at (470) 428-3400 for a consultation.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

For more information about passport requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State website.