If US citizen's child's parents, are at work abroad. US citizen child is staying with grand-parent in US. Grandparents are on temporary 6 months visit visa.

1) Can grand-parent apply for passport of US citizen grandchild ?

2) Does grand-parent need to be appointed as legal guardian ?

3) Can US child leave the country with a grand-parent to go to his/her parent ?

Note: Grandparent / nor Parents are US citizens nor do they reside in US (non-residents)

  1. Yes. See the State Department's page on passports for children under 16. If both parents are unable to appear

A third party may apply for the child's passport with a notarized statement from both parents/guardians giving that third party permission to apply for the child.

The statement must include a photocopy of the parents/guardians' identification.

  1. No. See above for details.

  2. Yes. A notarized letter of consent from both parents may be necessary depending on where the parents are.

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