So you are going out of the country? Super fun! These kids will never forget this experience! Yes it will be hard work but will pay off with the memories. You have at least a game plan of where you are going and remember that you need to get your child a passport. One problem, only one parent is able to go. In this post we will cover how to get a child passport with one parent absent.
How To Get A Child Passport With One Parent Absent
According to the US government, any child under 16 needs to apply for a passport in person with both parents present. So how does that work if your spouse, partner, or co parent can’t be there.
Don’t worry, there is hope. Here are a few situations you might find yourself in.
Question: What is my child’s father can’t make join us to get the passport?
Answer: A notarized consent is required from the father. This includes if you share joint legal custody. There is a section labelled “special circumstances DS-3053” that needs to be filled out by the missing parent which will allow you to get the passport.
The other solution for this situation is to gain sole legal custody of the child/children.
Question: What if the partner cannot be located?
Answer: If the partner cannot be located then apply for a court order requiring the father to sign the consent form. If the court attempts contact with the partner and they are still unresponsive, the state will issue a clearance letter which you can use when applying for the passport.
Question: Does this also apply if we were never married as a couple?
Answer: Yes
Question: What about passport renewals?
Answer: You cannot renew using the DS-82 renewal form. You must apply for a replacement passport using the DS-11 form but do not sign it. Make an appointment and show the application as well as their birth certificate or old passport to prove citizenship.
Question: What should I do if my child/children are adopted?
Answer: If your children are adopted, you must prove the relationship to parents, yourself, and proof of U.S. citizenship. Do this by filling out a DS-11, signed by the parents in front of a clerk precessing the application.
If your child is foreign-born and doesn’t have a US Social Security number yet, you will create a statement reading “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: (full name of your adopted child) has never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”
Then you will sign and date the DS-11 form.
In these situation, if one adoptive parent cannot be there, they will fill out the DS-3053 from giving proof and permission.
Conclusion
It does take a few extra steps to get a passport when your partner isn’t there but it can be done! For more details check out the US Website regarding children’s travel.
Need Some Traveling Gear?
We have some suggestions 🙂
If you are going on a flight we highly recommend the Doona Stroller! You can actually roll it onto the plane if you have an extra seat for the baby, or you can fold it up right before getting on the plane and they store it underneath until you exit. Has worked wonders on our adventures!
Going to see the great outdoors? We recommend a few carriers depending on the age of your children and how much space you have to pack. The Minimeis carrier works great for toddler age and does fold up well. If that’s to much space or your baby is a little young for that, the ErgoBaby 360 is a great option! Folds up relatively small and can be worn multiple different ways!
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