Form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances for Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Minor Under Age 16
Form DS-5525 explains to the State Department why one parent or guardian cannot give consent for a child under 16 to receive a U.S. passport.
This is the genuine DOS PDF, unmodified. Source: DOS official page.
What is DS-5525?
Children under 16 normally need both parents or legal guardians to consent to a passport application, either by appearing together with Form DS-11 or by providing a notarized Form DS-3053. When the second parent cannot be located or is otherwise unable to consent, the applying parent completes Form DS-5525 to describe the exigent or special family circumstances.
The form asks for a detailed written statement covering the family situation, the efforts made to contact the other parent, and any supporting facts. The State Department reviews each statement case by case and may ask for additional evidence, such as custody orders, protective orders, or documentation of the other parent's unavailability.
Who files DS-5525?
- A parent applying alone for a child's passport because the other parent cannot be located
- A parent or guardian facing an emergency that makes obtaining the other parent's consent impossible
- Applicants with special family circumstances such as incarceration or documented abandonment by the other parent
- Guardians directed by a passport agency to document why two-parent consent is unavailable
How to fill out DS-5525
- Fill out DS-5525 with a thorough, specific statement of the circumstances and your attempts to reach the other parent.
- Attach any supporting evidence you have, such as court orders, police reports, or correspondence.
- Complete Form DS-11 for the child; DS-5525 does not replace the passport application itself.
- Bring both forms, the child, and your identification and citizenship evidence to a passport acceptance facility or agency.
- Submit everything in person; the acceptance agent forwards the package and the State Department decides whether the statement is sufficient.
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Frequently asked questions
Does filing DS-5525 guarantee the passport will be issued?
No. The State Department evaluates each statement individually and can request more information or deny the application if the circumstances are not sufficiently documented. Detailed, verifiable statements have the best chance.
What is the difference between DS-5525 and DS-3053?
DS-3053 is the notarized consent form the non-applying parent signs when they agree but cannot appear. DS-5525 is used when that consent cannot be obtained at all because the parent is unreachable or the family situation prevents it.