Form DS-5525: Statement of Special Family Circumstances (2026)

Key Facts About DS-5525

• Free form — No government fee for the form itself
• No notarization required — Unlike DS-3053
• Documentation-driven — Strength of your supporting evidence determines approval
• Discretionary review — State Department decides case-by-case
• Child passport only — For minors under 16
• Submitted with DS-11 — Used in conjunction with the main child passport application

Sole Legal Custody

You have been awarded sole legal custody of the child by court order. The court order must explicitly state “sole legal custody” — physical custody alone does not qualify. Submit a certified copy of the custody order with DS-5525.

Absent Parent Cannot Be Located

Despite reasonable, documented efforts, you cannot locate the other parent. The State Department expects you to demonstrate good-faith efforts: certified mail to last known addresses, contact attempts to family members, hiring a process server or skip tracer, filing missing persons reports. Document everything.

Incapacitated Parent

The absent parent is mentally or physically incapacitated and cannot give informed consent. Supporting documentation may include medical records, court-ordered conservatorship or guardianship documents, mental health commitment orders, or physician statements.

Incarcerated Parent

The absent parent is in prison and cannot be reached or refuses to cooperate. Documentation should include the prison name and address, inmate identification number, and evidence that you have attempted to communicate with the parent through proper channels.

Terminated Parental Rights

The absent parent's legal parental rights have been terminated by court order. This is the strongest possible documentation — once parental rights are terminated, the parent has no legal standing to consent or object to passport issuance. Submit a certified copy of the termination order.

Parental Abduction or Domestic Violence Concerns

Active concerns about international parental abduction (the absent parent attempting to take the child abroad) or documented domestic violence may justify DS-5525 use. Restraining orders, police reports, and family court records support these cases. The State Department's Children's Issues team specifically reviews these applications.

Foreign-Resident Parent (Difficult Cases)

If the absent parent lives abroad in a country without easy U.S. consular access, or in a country where they cannot be safely reached, DS-5525 may be appropriate. Provide documentation of the foreign residence and explain why DS-3053 (which can be signed at U.S. embassies) is not feasible.

Court Orders (Most Powerful Evidence)

• Sole legal custody orders (must explicitly say “sole legal custody”)
• Termination of parental rights orders
• Restraining orders or protective orders
• Court-appointed conservatorship or guardianship
• Adoption decrees

Court orders must be certified copies, not photocopies.

Government Records

• Death certificates (certified copies)
• Prison records or inmate identification
• Mental health commitment orders
• Police reports for missing persons
• Foreign government documentation for parents abroad

Third-Party Documentation

• Affidavits from clergy, attorneys, or social workers
• Medical records and physician statements
• Domestic violence shelter or advocate documentation
• Skip tracer or process server reports
• Certified mail receipts and returned envelopes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Download the latest version. Get DS-5525 from eforms.state.gov.

Step 2: Complete the appearing parent's information. Full legal name, date and place of birth, current mailing address, daytime phone number, and relationship to the child.

Step 3: Complete the child's information. Full legal name, date of birth, place of birth.

Step 4: Provide the absent parent's known information. Name, last known address, last known phone number, and any other identifying information you have. If you have no information, state that clearly.

Step 5: Explain the special circumstance in detail. Use the narrative section to describe the situation. Be specific, factual, and complete. Reference the supporting documentation by name.

Step 6: Document your efforts to involve the absent parent. Even if you cannot locate them, the State Department wants to see good-faith efforts. List every attempt with dates.

Step 7: Sign and date the form. No notarization required for DS-5525 itself, but be honest — the form is signed under penalty of perjury.

Complete Submission Package

• Form DS-11 — Child's passport application (do not sign in advance)
• Form DS-5525 — Completed and signed
• All supporting documentation — Court orders, government records, third-party affidavits
• Child's evidence of citizenship — Certified birth certificate or prior U.S. passport
• Appearing parent's photo ID — Front and back
• Evidence of parental relationship — Birth certificate listing parent names, adoption decree
• One passport photo of the child — 2x2 inches, taken within last 6 months
• Application fees — $135 routine ($100 book + $35 execution) or $195 expedited