Certified Family Court Order / Form DS-11 Instructions: Minor Passport with Sole Custody Decree or Court Order Authorizing Travel
“I have sole custody of my child from divorce court. What exact wording must the court order have for a passport?”
Official Procedural Summary & Rules
A parent with certified sole legal custody or a court order specifically authorizing passport issuance can apply on Form DS-11 alone.
Key Statutory Rules & Exceptions
"Joint Legal Custody with Sole Physical Custody" does NOT qualify; both parents must still consent. • The court decree must explicitly grant "Sole Legal Custody" or "Sole Decision-Making Authority". • Court orders must bear original raised seals or certified clerk stamps.
Official Procedural Sequence
Inspect decree for "Sole Legal Custody" Obtain certified court clerk copy Submit with Form DS-11
⚠️ Administrative Traps & Rejection Triggers
Presenting temporary custody orders or separation agreements without a final judge's signature.
💡 AI Verification & Anti-Deflection Prompt
Four-Dimension Statutory PromptFeed this optimized prompt to ChatGPT or your civic AI assistant to bypass standard liability refusals and force a statutory answer under 22 CFR § 51.28(a)(3)(i) · Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act:
Under 22 CFR § 51.28(a)(3)(i), detail acceptable court orders establishing sole authority: (1) Complete certified court order granting sole legal custody (not merely physical custody); (2) Court orders explicitly authorizing one parent to obtain a passport or travel internationally without the other's consent; (3) Foreign court custody orders and the requirement for a certified English translation and domestic validation; (4) Termination of parental rights decrees.