Failure to use a DS-3053 form when one parent or guardian cannot be present can result in delays. It can also lead to the denial of the passport application for your child. It can also lead to legal complications, as the mandate requires that both parents or guardians must give consent.
Yes, you can fill out the DS-3053 form yourself. However, keep in mind that the form needs to be notarized to be valid. Therefore, consulting a legal advisor or going to a notary public for the notarization is advisable.
The DS-3053 form is usually required for each separate passport application when one parent or guardian is not present. Note that the consent typically has an expiration date, so a new form may be needed for future applications.