State Dept. Refines Forms for Kids' Passport Protection Alerts
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Parents and guardians can ask to join the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program, which helps protect kids from passport misuse. The Department of State wants your feedback on updating the form and process, with about 4,000 people affected and each request taking around 30 minutes. You’ve got until May 15, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees, just your voice!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Parents Can Enroll Kids for Passport Alerts
Parents or legal guardians can submit Form DS-3077 to enter a minor (an unmarried, unemancipated person under 18 years of age) into the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program. If enrolled, when the Department receives a passport application for that minor (new, replacement, or renewal), the application may be placed on hold for up to 90 days and the Office of Children's Issues may attempt to notify the person who requested the alert.
Time Burden to Submit DS-3077
Filling out Form DS-3077 takes about 30 minutes per submission; the Department estimates about 4,000 respondents and a total estimated burden of 2,000 hours. Responding is voluntary and submissions occur on occasion.
Flexible Submission and Signature Options
Form DS-3077 can be filled out online and printed or completed by hand, must be manually signed, and submitted by email or mail with supporting documentation. Retyping the signer's name on a digital device is explicitly acceptable as a signature.
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