Applying for a U.S. passport for a child under 16 isn’t as simple as filling out a form and dropping it off. When one parent or guardian cannot be present at the passport appointment, the U.S. State Department requires a notarized Form DS-3053 – Statement of Consent to be submitted along with the application.
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At Tewksbury Notary, we help families across Lowell and throughout Middlesex County notarize this critical document correctly, so their child’s passport application doesn’t get delayed or denied. If you’re uncertain about the process of completing and notarizing DS-3053, this article provides step-by-step instructions.
What Is Form DS-3053?
Form DS-3053 is used by the non-appearing parent or guardian to give official permission for their child to receive a U.S. passport. The federal government requires this notarized consent to help prevent child abduction and ensure both parents are aware of the international travel.
This form must be used when:
- One parent is unavailable for the passport appointment
- Parents are separated or divorced, and only one is applying
- The non-custodial parent lives out of state or abroad
- One parent can’t physically appear but still shares legal custody
Failure to include a notarized DS-3053 when required will result in the passport application being denied.
What the Form Includes
Form DS-3053 contains:
- The full name and date of birth of the child
- Name and information of the parent or guardian submitting the passport application
- A declaration of consent by the non-appearing parent
- That parent’s signature
- A notarial certificate signed and sealed by a licensed notary public
It must be completed accurately and legally notarized, or it won’t be accepted.
Who Should Use This Form in Middlesex County?
Whether you’re located in Lowell, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Wilmington, or another part of Middlesex County, this form is for any parent or guardian who:
- Shares custody of a child under 16
- Cannot attend the in-person passport appointment
- Is required to give legal consent for passport issuance
At Tewksbury Notary, we work with parents in all of these cities to get their documents notarized quickly and correctly—often the same day.
How to Fill Out DS-3053 Properly
1. Obtain the Official Form
Make sure you have the latest version of DS-3053, available from the U.S. State Department. Old versions may not be accepted.
2. Complete Every Section
Fill in your child’s full legal name and birthdate. Then enter the name of the parent or guardian who will be submitting the passport application. Lastly, fill in your own name as the consenting parent.
3. Do Not Sign Yet
This part is critical—you must not sign the form until you are in front of a licensed notary public.
What to Bring to the Notary in Lowell or Nearby
When you arrive at Tewksbury Notary, or schedule a mobile appointment in Middlesex County, be sure to have:
- The completed, unsigned DS-3053 form
- A valid, government-issued photo ID (like a license, passport, or military ID)
- A clear photocopy of that ID to be submitted with the form
We’ll review your information, verify your identity, witness your signature, complete the notarial certificate, and stamp the form—all within minutes.
📍 Looking for a reliable Notary Public in Lowell, MA? We’re just minutes away, and we handle passport forms every day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Every week we help clients who’ve been turned away from the post office or passport office because of one of these mistakes:
- Signing the form before seeing a notary
- Using an expired photo ID
- Forgetting to include a copy of their ID with the form
- Having a mismatch between the date of signing and notarization
- Submitting the form after the 90-day expiration period
At Tewksbury Notary, we make sure none of that happens. We verify every field, double-check ID, and ensure that your DS-3053 will be accepted.
What If the Parent Is Outside the U.S.?
If the non-applying parent is overseas, they can still complete DS-3053 by visiting a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Embassy officials can notarize the form in accordance with federal requirements.
If the parent is deployed in the military, they may also be able to get the form notarized by a legal officer on base.
Why Families in Lowell & Middlesex County Trust Us
We specialize in sensitive and time-critical notarizations. Our clients trust us because we:
✅ Offer walk-in service in Tewksbury
✅ Serve the greater Lowell area with mobile options
✅ Provide same-day notarization for DS-3053 forms
✅ Understand what passport offices require
✅ Have no hidden fees—just fast, reliable service
Real Client Experience
“I was in Lowell and needed to notarize the DS-3053 form before submitting my son’s passport paperwork. I found Tewksbury Notary online, called them, and they said I could walk in without an appointment. In 10 minutes, it was done. Fast and professional!”
— Chris D., Lowell, MA
How to Book Your Appointment
Don’t let a missed signature or invalid form delay your child’s passport. Whether you’re based in Lowell, Dracut, Chelmsford, Billerica, Wilmington, or any part of Middlesex County, we’re your local notary partner for Form DS-3053.
📌 Visit us online at https://tewksburynotary.com
📍 Trusted Notary Public in Middlesex County, MA
📞 Call us at (978) 851-0199 for availability
We will ensure that your documents are correctly completed, legally signed, and submitted without any issues.