Grandparents can apply for a child's U.S. passport when a court order grants legal guardianship or clearly authorizes passport issuance and/or travel.
This guide explains what the court order should say, the forms to use when a parent cannot appear, which documents to bring, and step-by-step instructions for applying in person with the child.
Table of Contents
- Who Qualifies & When Grandparents Can Apply
- Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Documents Grandparents Must Bring
- Fees & Expedited Options
- Travel Tips for Grandparents (After the Passport Is Issued)
- Common Scenarios
- FAQs
- Quick Links
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Who Qualifies & When Grandparents Can Apply
Grandparents may apply for a minor's passport if a court order grants legal guardianship or explicitly authorizes the grandparent to apply for the child's passport. If parents share custody and one cannot appear, use the correct consent form(s) as described below.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: Review the court order
Confirm that the order grants guardianship or specifically authorizes passport issuance and travel. If the language is unclear (especially with temporary custody), request a short order clarifying that authority before applying.
Step 2: Complete Form DS-11
Use Form DS-11 for all minors applying in person. Do not sign until instructed by the acceptance agent.
Step 3: Prepare consent paperwork if a parent won't be present
- Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent), notarized, for a non-appearing parent. Include a front-back photocopy of the ID used with the notary. Consent is valid up to 90 days.
- Form DS-5525 (Exigent/Special Family Circumstances) if a parent cannot be located or consent cannot be obtained. Provide a detailed explanation and any supporting evidence.
Step 4: Apply in person with the child
Go to a passport acceptance facility (post offices, clerks of court, libraries). For urgent travel with proof, a regional passport agency appointment may be possible.
Step 5: Pay fees and submit the application
Bring originals and photocopies of all documents. See the fees section below and the full fee chart for current amounts.
Documents Grandparents Must Bring
For the child
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, CRBA, Certificate of Citizenship, or fully-valid prior U.S. passport)
- One compliant passport photo (photo rules)
For the applying grandparent/guardian
- Government-issued photo ID plus a front-back photocopy
- Court order proving legal guardianship or a short order explicitly authorizing passport issuance (recommended when custody is temporary)
If one or both parents cannot appear
- Form DS-3053 notarized by each non-appearing parent or proof of sole authority, plus photocopies of the IDs used with the notary
- Form DS-5525 with a detailed explanation and supporting evidence (case-by-case approval)
Fees & Expedited Options
- Minor Passport Book: $135
- Minor Passport Card: $50
- Both Book + Card: $150
Optional expedited processing adds $60. See Expedite Your Child's Passport: A Comprehensive Guide for options, eligibility, and timing.
Travel Tips for Grandparents (After the Passport Is Issued)
When a child travels without both legal parents/guardians, carry a notarized Minor Travel Consent and, when possible, a notarized medical consent. These help with airline check-in, border control, and any country-specific rules.
Common Scenarios
- Temporary custody order lacks travel/passport language: Request a short clarifying order authorizing passport issuance and travel, then apply with DS-11.
- Unable to locate a parent for consent: Apply with DS-5525 explaining the circumstances and attach supporting evidence.
- Grandparents are only chaperoning an international trip: The child still needs a valid U.S. passport and a notarized Minor Travel Consent; a medical authorization is strongly recommended.
FAQs
Not always. The controlling factor is the authority in the court order. Orders granting guardianship or explicitly authorizing passport issuance are strongest, especially when custody is temporary.
Yes. If both parents notarize DS-3053 authorizing a grandparent (third party) to apply with the child, that can satisfy consent requirements. Include photocopies of the parents' IDs used with the notary.
- Form DS-11 (application)
- Form DS-3053 (consent when a parent can't appear), or
- Form DS-5525 (exigent/special family circumstances)
Add expedited service for faster processing. For urgent travel with proof, request a regional agency appointment if available.
Yes, but the court order must clearly authorize passport issuance or grant guardianship powers. If the wording is vague, acceptance facilities may reject the application until the order is clarified by the court.
If the order is silent on passports or international travel, many acceptance agents will not proceed. The safest approach is to request a supplemental or amended order that explicitly grants this authority.
No. Only properly executed consent forms-such as DS-3053 with photocopies of the parents' IDs-are accepted. A general affidavit or "permission letter" is not sufficient.
Sometimes. If parents still retain rights, consent forms (DS-3053) may be required in addition to the guardianship order, unless the order clearly grants sole authority to the grandparents.
In joint custody arrangements, grandparents can apply with the child, but they may still need consent from at least one parent or a court order granting them sole passport authority.
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