Notarization Requirement for Statement of Consent by Non-Applying Parent in Passport Applications for Minors Under the Age of 14

Effective November 1, 2004, for U.S. passport applications for minors under age 14, where only one parent is present during application, the consent statement signed by non-applying parent must be notarized. The new requirement for notarization for this document is being implemented to enhance the accurate identification of passport applicants and aid in the prevention of international child abduction and substitution.

Passport applications for minors under the age of 14 are required to be signed by both parents. The child must also be present during the passport application process. The "Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under the Age of 14" for use by the non-present parent must be notarized for use in passport applications filed on and after November 1, 2004.

The consent statement must include the child’s name and date of birth, as well as parent’s identification information or a copy of his/her government issued identification.

2004/1197