Breaking News: New Form DS 3053 for Passport Applications Released
In a significant development for travelers applying for passports for their children under the age of 16, the United States Department of State has released a new form, Form DS 3053. This form, the Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under the Age of 16, is required from non-applying parents or guardians when one parent is applying for a passport for their child.
The release of Form DS 3053 comes as part of the ongoing efforts by the Department of State to streamline and modernize the passport application process. The previous process required non-applying parents or guardians to physically accompany the applying parent to the passport acceptance facility in order to provide their consent for the issuance of a passport to their child. This could be challenging for parents who are separated, divorced, or live in different locations.
With the introduction of Form DS 3053, non-applying parents or guardians can now provide their consent in writing, without the need for a physical appearance at the passport acceptance facility. This new form, which must be notarized, allows non-applying parents or guardians to authorize the issuance of a passport to their child without having to be present in person.
The release of Form DS 3053 has been welcomed by many parents who have faced difficulties in obtaining passports for their children due to logistical challenges. “I am relieved that the Department of State has introduced this new form,” said Sara Martinez, a single mother from Chicago. “My ex-husband lives in another state, and it was always a struggle to coordinate our schedules to apply for our daughter’s passport. With Form DS 3053, the process will be much simpler and more convenient for both of us.”
In addition to simplifying the passport application process for parents, the introduction of Form DS 3053 is also expected to reduce the processing time for passport applications. With non-applying parents or guardians able to provide their consent in writing, without the need for a physical appearance, passport acceptance facilities are likely to experience a decrease in the number of incomplete applications and long wait times.
The Department of State has also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of children in the passport issuance process. “The safety and security of children is our top priority,” said Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. “Form DS 3053 allows us to verify the consent of both parents or guardians before issuing a passport to a minor, helping to prevent cases of child abduction or unauthorized travel.”
Parents applying for passports for their children under the age of 16 are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Form DS 3053 and the requirements for providing consent. The form can be downloaded from the Department of State’s website and must be completed, signed, and notarized by the non-applying parent or guardian.
Overall, the release of Form DS 3053 marks a significant step forward in the passport application process for minors. By providing a more convenient and efficient way for non-applying parents or guardians to give their consent, the Department of State is making it easier for families to obtain passports for their children and ensuring the safety and security of minors in the travel document issuance process.
