Passport Issue

[RRevak]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida

This might be a redundant question but I want to be certain of what I have to do before I begin this situation. My husband, daughter and I are going to Germany for 2 weeks this summer (Aug) and although my husband and I have current passports, my daughter does not. In order to obtain one for her do I need to have her fathers information and permission (signature)? He is extremely difficult to reach and most of the time I have no earthly idea where he is or who he is living with so contacting him is generally next to impossible. I really need to get this process started asap as I want to be certain we will have it in time to leave but if I have to goose chase him thats going to be difficult. I would like to know sooner than later if I have to call out the bloodhounds .
We have no court papers or custody agreements so those arent issues here. Thanks for your help guys!

[CourtClerk]

Yes, both parents must sign the passport application... in person.

[RRevak]

Ok thats what I was afraid of. And if I cant reach him in time to get the paperwork completed thats a no-go for her pass huh...?

[CourtClerk]

Originally Posted by RRevak

Ok thats what I was afraid of. And if I cant reach him in time to get the paperwork completed thats a no-go for her pass huh...?

You can get a court to order a passport be issued.

[RRevak]

Ok, how would I go about that? Honestly, its like finding a needle in a haystack when it comes to her father. My fear is that he will not get back to me in time for me to get the information submitted and leave enough time for it to reach us. If memory serves it takes about 6-8wks to recieve a pass once all the paperwork is completed. We are finally financially able to pull this trip together and I just dont want something like this to have to put the kabash on it.

[IrishLady47]

Originally Posted by CourtClerk

Yes, both parents must sign the passport application... in person.

Or, one parent must sign in person and bring a completed DS 3053 from the other parent.

You've said there's no court orders or custody agreements--but unless your daughter's birth certificate says father unknown--he will have to either sign the passport application in person or sign (notarized) the DS 3053.

This website explains all options, including court orders - [url=http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html]Special Requirements for Children Under Age 16[/url]

[RRevak]

Thats Court for the quick response and thats for the site Irish, it was really helpful.

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by IrishLady47

Or, one parent must sign in person and bring a completed DS 3053 from the other parent.

You've said there's no court orders or custody agreements--but unless your daughter's birth certificate says father unknown--he will have to either sign the passport application in person or sign (notarized) the DS 3053.

This website explains all options, including court orders - [url=http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html]Special Requirements for Children Under Age 16[/url]

There is actually another option as well. There is an affidavit that can be signed by the custodial parent, explaining why its not possible to get the signature of the other parent. It is then up to the passport officials to decide whether or not to accept the affidavit.

[IrishLady47]

Originally Posted by LdiJ

There is actually another option as well. There is an affidavit that can be signed by the custodial parent, explaining why its not possible to get the signature of the other parent. It is then up to the passport officials to decide whether or not to accept the affidavit.

The DS 3053 has a section where the applying parent can explain why the consent of the other parent cannot be obtained. This is explained in the website link provided. However, I can tell you as a passport agent, simply saying you have no idea where Dad is, isn't going to cut it.