Do Both Parents Need to Sign for a Passport? U.S. Rules Explained

One of the most common passport questions parents ask is:
“Do both parents need to sign for a passport?”

The answer depends on who the passport is for and the child’s age. For minors, U.S. passport law places strong emphasis on parental consent to protect children from international abduction and custody disputes.

Answer

👉 Yes, for children under age 16, both parents or legal guardians must provide consent for a U.S. passport.

For applicants age 16 or older, only the applicant’s signature is required.

Why Does the U.S. Require Both Parents to Sign?

The U.S. government requires dual parental consent to help prevent:

• International parental child abduction
• Unauthorized passport issuance
• Custody disputes across borders

These rules are enforced by the U.S. Department of State, which oversees U.S. passport issuance worldwide.

Do Both Parents Need to Sign for a Child’s Passport?

Children Under Age 16

Yes. Both parents or legal guardians must consent to the passport application.

Consent can be given by:

• Appearing together in person or
• One parent appearing with notarized consent from the other parent

Applicants Age 16 or 17

Usually no. A 16- or 17-year-old may apply with:

• Their own signature
• Parental awareness (often demonstrated by a parent appearing or providing ID)

Adults (18 and Older)

No. Adults apply independently and sign for themselves.

How Parental Consent Is Provided

Option 1: Both Parents Appear in Person

This is the simplest method. Both parents appear with the child at a passport acceptance facility and sign the application in front of the acceptance agent.

Option 2: One Parent Appears + Consent Form (DS-3053)

If one parent cannot attend, the attending parent must submit:

• Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent)
• A photocopy of the absent parent’s ID
• A notarized signature on the DS-3053

The DS-3053 is valid for 90 days from the notarization date.

When Is One Parent’s Signature Enough?

Only specific legal circumstances allow a passport to be issued without the other parent’s consent.

Examples include:

• Sole legal custody (court order required)
• Death of the other parent (death certificate required)
• Court order permitting passport issuance
• Termination of parental rights

Without documentation, the passport application may be delayed or denied.

What If the Other Parent Is Unavailable or Uncooperative?

If one parent:

• Cannot be located
• Refuses to sign
• Is incarcerated or otherwise unavailable

The applying parent may submit Form DS-5525 (Statement of Exigent or Special Family Circumstances). Approval is not guaranteed and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Department of State.

Do Grandparents or Guardians Need to Sign?

Grandparents do not automatically have authority to sign for a child’s passport.

They may sign only if they can provide:

• Legal guardianship documents or
• A court order granting passport authority

Otherwise, parental consent is still required.

Where Do Parents Sign the Passport Application?

Signatures must be given:

• In person at a passport acceptance facility or
• On properly notarized consent forms

Acceptance facilities include locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State, such as:

• United States Postal Service locations
• County clerk offices
• Libraries and municipal buildings

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed

• Missing parental signatures
• Improperly notarized DS-3053
• Incorrect custody documents
• Expired or invalid parent ID copies

Carefully reviewing consent requirements prevents delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both parents need to sign for a child’s passport?

Yes. For children under age 16, both parents or legal guardians must provide consent.

What if one parent can’t appear in person?

The attending parent must submit Form DS-3053 with notarized consent and ID from the absent parent.

Do divorced parents both need to sign?

Yes—unless one parent has sole legal custody proven by a court order.

Do parents need to sign for a 16-year-old’s passport?

Usually no, but parental awareness is often required.

Can a passport be issued without the other parent’s consent?

Only in limited circumstances with proper legal documentation or approved special circumstances.