Notarization Requirements for Passport Applications

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Minors under 16 require notarized Form DS-3053 if one parent can't attend.
• Special cases (custody, adoption, emergencies) need notarized court orders or Form DS-5525.
• Remote online notarization (e.g. NotaryLive) simplifies the process with instant webcam-based verification.

Getting a passport can be both exciting (especially if planning a trip) but also daunting due to strict requirements. 

Notarization helps ensure documents are legally verified, avoiding delays.

Below are key scenarios requiring notarization when it comes to passport applications, plus additional tips and resources. 

1. Scenarios That May Require Notarization 

Here are some situations where notarization on applications are necessary. 

Minors Under 16

•  If one parent cannot attend an passport application for a minor, a notarized DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) is required.

Minors Aged 16-17

• While parental consent is required, notarization is not mandatory unless special circumstances apply (e.g., one parent disputes issuance of passport for minor). 

Single Parents 

If only one parent is listed on the child's birth certificate, that parent must provide proof of sole authority (e.g. court order).

If the other parent has passed away, a certified copy of the death certificate is needed. 

To get a certified copy of a death certificate, you may need to notarize an affidavit during the application process .

You can request vital records through StateVitalRecords.org along with notarizing these important documents. 

Legal Guardians 

If a child has legal guardians, all guardians must give consent for passport applications for minors. If they can't all be present, that's where they would need to notarize the Form DS-3053 mentioned above.

2. Special Circumstances 

In cases like sole legal custody or adoption, extra documents and notarization might be required. 

• Sole Legal Custody – you may need a notarized court order
• Adoption – You may need to provide a notarized adoption decree or court order
• Exigent Scenarios – Use Form DS-5525 (Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances) if parent is unavailable due to emergencies. (e.g., military deployment, incarceration). 

3. Third-Party Submission of Documents 

If someone else submits documents on your behalf, they may need a notarized authorization letter. 

Legal guardians must submit the same notarized Form DS-3035 as parents (see Minors Under 16 section), along with court documents proving guardianship. 

4. Notarizing Required Documents

An easy way to notarize required documents is using remote solutions like NotaryLive. 

To get started notarizing a document through NotaryLive, all you need is the document you are looking to get notarized, a device with camera/microphone capabilities that is connected to the internet, and either a valid driver's license or passport.

Once your identity is confirmed using state-of-the-art ID verification technology, you will be connected with one of our live notaries via webcam.

All you have to do to notarize a document through RON is...

To get started, you can click the button below.

Notarize Now!

FAQ For Notarizing Through Our Remote Online Notary Service 

• Is it necessary to be a US citizen to utilize our service? 
  • No. To complete the verification process, you need to either be a US citizen or have a US-based public profile. However, if you do not meet these requirements, you can have a witness verify your identity.
• What are the system requirements for remote online notarization? 
  • To use NotaryLive, all you'll need is a device such as a tablet, smartphone, or computer with internet access, a microphone, sound capabilities, and a camera.
• How much does the remote online notarial session cost with NotaryLive? 
  • Sessions start at $25 but are discounted based on your account type and monthly volume. For more pricing information, visit our Pricing Page.

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• The Evolving Role of Notaries: Passport Acceptance Agents