US to revoke passports of parents owing child support

The U.S. Department of State is taking a firm stance on child support enforcement, leveraging existing federal regulations to ensure compliance. This updated approach, facilitated by enhanced data-sharing between the Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department, allows for more systematic identification and revocation of passports for delinquent parents.

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Individuals with significant child support debt should contact their state child support agency immediately to make payment arrangements and avoid passport revocation.

The policy, rooted in a 1996 law, aims to incentivize payment by threatening a significant consequence: the inability to travel internationally. The State Department has clarified that individuals owing over $2,500 in child support are ineligible for new or renewed passports and face revocation of existing ones.

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If you owe more than $2,500, federal regulations do not allow us to issue you a U.S. passport and we may revoke your valid U.S. passport.

Affected parents are advised to contact their state child support agency immediately to arrange payment. The process of clearing one's name and regaining passport eligibility can take several weeks after the debt is settled, a crucial detail for those with urgent travel plans. For U.S. citizens abroad, a limited-validity passport may be issued solely for return to the United States until the debt is resolved.

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If you have urgent travel, be aware the process for your state and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to remove your name from its records may take a minimum of 2-3 weeks.