Chilldren's passports

[MariaAN 0]

I passed my naturalization interview, and already have an appointment for the oath ceremony. I understand my Candian born children will get their US citizenship through me. I know I can apply for our US passports afterward. I was just told today (by a friend who works for the post office/passport office) that I would need a notarized letter from their biological father to give permission for them to get one. I have full custody of the kids, I did not need his permission to get their Canadian passports. Are the rules different for US passports for minors? What if I can't get a notarized letter because I don't have any contact with him? 

[geowrian 22,337]

I'm assuming the children are currently LPRs in the US.

 

The DS-11 (https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11.pdf) outlines the requirements for passports for children. In particular:

"IF ONLY ONE PARENT APPEARS, YOU MUST ALSO SUBMIT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

- Second parent's notarized written statement or DS-3053 (including the child's full name and date of birth) consenting to the passport issuance for the child. The notarized statement cannot be more than three months old and must be signed and notarized on the same day, and must come with a photocopy of the front and back side of the second pa rent's government-issued photo identification; OR

- Second parent’s death certificate if second parent is deceased; OR

- Primary evidence of sole authority to apply, such as a court order; OR

- A written statement or DS-5525 (made under penalty of perjury) explaining in detail the second parent's unavailability"

[MariaAN 0]

Yes, they are. Thank you, this was very useful information. I have always traveled with all my court papers regarding custody of my kids. So that sounds like the path I'll be using to get their US passports too. Thank you again. 

[geowrian 22,337]

Congrats on the naturalization, btw.