How do I get regular passports for my children if their father is deployed?

Question: I want to apply for tourist passports for me and my family. My kids and I already have military passports, so I was wondering how to go about applying for tourist passports for the 3 of us. Also, with a general power of attorney can I even get them passports or will I need a special poa? My husband is deployed.

Answer: Following are the regulations in a situation in which there is only one parent present at the time of application:

Passport regulations require that the DS-3053 or statement of non-applying parent's consent be notarized.

* The applying parent, (or legal guardian, if any), will execute the minor's application, with child present.

* The applying parent, (or legal guardian, if any), will provide acceptable identification documentation.

* Acceptable evidence listing the executing adult as the minor's parent will be submitted (see section above on both parents)

* The applying parent will provide either of the following:

1. A signed, notarized statement from the non-applying parent, (or guardian, if any), agreeing to passport issuance to the minor. (Listing child's name and date of birth.) The non-applying parent may type or write his or her own statement, or complete and sign the appropriate section (4A) on the Department's form DS-3053: Statement of Consent. A photocopy of the non-applying parent's identification is required.
Sample wording would be:

"I, (name) consent to the Passport Application of my son/daughter (Name)(Date of Birth). Signed (Non-Applying Parent's Signature)

The statement from the non-applying parent (or guardian) must be notarized. The statement does not have to reflect any identification documentation for the non-applying parent. A faxed copy of the parental consent statement may be acceptable for urgent departure cases.

If the consent of the non-applying parent cannot be obtained because of an "Exigent" or "Special Family" circumstance, the applying parent must submit a written statement explaining the situation, or complete and sign the appropriate section (5) on the Department's form DS-3053 entitled "Statement of Consent".

-OR-

2. Documentary evidence that the applying parent or guardian has sole legal custody or legal guardianship of the minor, that the minor is being authorized by a court of competent jurisdiction to travel outside the United States where a passport is required, or that the minor may be issued a U.S. passport. Such documentary evidence may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) A certified birth certificate providing the minor's name, date and place of birth, and the applying parent's name only;
(b) An adoption decree naming only the applying parent;
(c) A guardianship decree naming only the applying guardian;
(d) A court order granting sole legal custody to the applying parent or guardian. The order cannot include a provision limiting the minor's ability to travel outside the United States;
(e) A court order specifically authorizing passport issuance to the minor, regardless of custodial arrangements;
(f) A court order specifically authorizing the travel of the minor to a country where a U.S. passport is required;
(g) A court order declaring the non-applying parent or guardian to be incompetent;
(h) A copy of a death certificate for the non-applying parent or guardian.

For complete instructions, click the link below.

How to Get a Passport for a Child