The Form DS-5525, also known as the ” Statement of Exigent and Special Family Circumstances,” is used by the U.S. Department of State to gather additional information and documentation when applying for a U.S. passport for a minor under the age of 16. The Department of State requires written consent from both parents or legal guardians for a minor to receive a passport, making Form DS-5525 mandatory.
Therefore, parents or legal guardians of minors under 16 must fill out Form DS-5525 when applying for a U.S. passport for their child. Suppose the minor is traveling with one parent or legal guardian. In that case, if one parent or legal guardian is deceased or if one parent or legal guardian cannot be located, the applicants should fill out this form.
The form helps ensure that both parents or legal guardians have given their consent for the minor to travel and helps to prevent child trafficking and other illegal activities.
This blog will go over the steps to fill out Form DS-5525 in detail and what to expect throughout the process.
Step 1: Gather the Required Information
Before filling out the form, gathering all the necessary information is important to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
The following information is required:
- The minor’s full name and date of birth
- The names and addresses of both parents or legal guardians
- Any relevant documentation, such as a court order or death certificate (if applicable)
Step 2: Fill out Form DS-5525
Applicants can find Form DS-5525 online on the U.S. Department of State website.The form can be filled out online or printed and filled out by hand. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the form:
Section 1: Basic Information
In this section, you must fill out the minor’s full name and date of birth.
Make sure the information you provide is accurate, as any errors can delay the processing of the passport application.
Section 2: Parental Information
In this section, you will need to provide the names and addresses of both parents or legal guardians.
If one parent or legal guardian is deceased, you will need to provide the date of death and a copy of the death certificate.
If one parent or legal guardian cannot be located, you must explain your efforts to locate them.
It is essential to be as thorough as possible when explaining the circumstances. The Department of State will use this information to determine if both parents or legal guardians consent for the minor to receive a passport.
Section 3: Signature
Both parents or legal guardians must sign the form.
If one parent or legal guardian cannot sign the form, please explain why not, along with any relevant documentation (such as a court order). Please ensure to notarize both signatures when you submit the form by mail.
Lastly, make sure to sign and date the form.
Step 3: Submit the Form
Once you fill and sign the form, submit it online or by mail. If you are mailing the form, include all required supporting documentation and a check or money order for the appropriate fee. The address to mail the form to can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
Step 4: Wait for a Response
The U.S. Department of State will review your form and supporting documentation, and you can expect a response within 6-10 weeks. Once the state department approves your application, you will receive the minor’s passport in the mail. If there are any issues with the application, the Department of State will contact you for additional information or clarification.
Filling out Form DS-5525 is a straightforward process. Still, gathering all the necessary information and supporting documentation is crucial to ensure the timely processing of the minor’s passport application. The Department of State takes the process of issuing a passport for a minor under the age of 16 very seriously, and it is essential to provide accurate and complete information to ensure that both parents or legal guardians have
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