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Co-parenting is hard enough without having to sit across a table from your ex to sign paperwork. When a child needs a travel consent letter or a passport consent (DS-3053), Notary Java can schedule separate appointments so each parent signs on their own time, in their own space.
Why Separate Appointments Work
- Less stress for everyone. There's no awkward meeting and no conflict in front of the kids.
- Flexible timing. Each parent books when it suits their schedule.
- Neutral and professional. We're impartial. We don't take sides or pass messages.
- Same legal effect. A notarized signature is just as valid whether the parents signed together or apart.
How It Works
For a Travel Consent Letter
- The traveling parent prepares the letter and shares it with the other parent.
- The non-traveling parent books their own appointment, brings the unsigned letter and a photo ID, and signs in front of us.
- The non-traveling parent delivers the notarized original however the two of you agree, whether by mail or in person.
For a Child Passport (DS-3053)
- The non-applying parent fills out the DS-3053 but doesn't sign it until the appointment.
- We notarize the signature the same day it's signed.
- The parent attaches a photocopy of the front and back of the ID they showed us.
- The applying parent submits it with the DS-11 within 90 days, according to Department of State guidance.
What We Need From Each Parent
- A current government-issued photo ID
- The unsigned document, or send it through our Upload Document Now button and we'll print it
- A quiet place to meet, such as your home, workplace, a library, or a café
Discretion Matters
Our confidential concierge service is built for sensitive situations. We don't share one parent's appointment details with the other, and we keep our conversation to what the notarization needs.
When There's a Court Order
If a custody order affects travel or passport decisions, follow it. Questions about your appointment? Contact us and just ask: call or text 207-808-0550.
Serving Families Across Southern Maine
We hold separate appointments in Gorham, Westbrook, Windham, Saco, Biddeford, Portland, and South Portland, and throughout Maine by arrangement. Call or text 207-808-0550, and we'll set up a calm, private appointment for each parent.
Keep Reading
- Minor Travel Consent Letters: Notarized in One Visit
- Child Passports With Separated Parents: DS-3053 Explained
- Confidential Notarizations at Your Home or Business
Frequently Asked Questions
Can each parent sign the same letter at different times?
Yes, if the letter has signature blocks for both. Each signature gets its own notarial certificate at the time it's signed.
Will you tell the other parent when I'm signing?
No. Each appointment is private, and we don't share scheduling details between parents.
Can you deliver the signed form to the other parent?
We return documents to the person who signed. How it gets to the other parent is up to the two of you.
Is a separately signed DS-3053 still valid?
Yes. The DS-3053 is designed for the parent who isn't present at the passport application.
Book Your Appointment
Call or text 207-808-0550 to schedule with Notary Java. We are based at 50 Market Street, #400, South Portland, ME 04106, and we come to you across Greater Portland, York and Cumberland counties, and beyond. If you need documents printed, use the Upload Document Now (Send Documents) button in our contact section, or email files to SigningService@NotaryJava.com. That inbox is for sending documents only, so please call or text to book.