Could I Get a Passport if I Owe Child Support?

If you owe back child support and plan to apply for a U.S. passport, the answer depends on how much you owe and whether you’re in good standing with your state’s child support enforcement agency.

Passport Eligibility & Child Support Arrears

Under this program, if you owe $2,500 or more in past-due child support, your passport can be denied. This applies to applications for new passports, renewals, replacements, or even adding pages.

The U.S. State Department participates in what’s called the Passport Denial Program.

How It Works

• When your child support debt reaches or exceeds $2,500, your state may report you to the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE).
• OCSE forwards your name to the U.S. Department of State, which then refuses to issue or renew your passport until the issue is resolved.

What You Can Do to Get a Passport

To become eligible for a passport after being flagged for child support arrears:

1. Pay down or pay off your past-due child support, bringing the balance below the threshold or fully current.
2. Work with your state’s child support office to have them report your new status to OCSE.
3. Once your name has been removed from the federal denial list, you can reapply or continue passport processing.

Other Notes

• If you owe less than $2,500, you generally remain eligible to apply for a passport, although you may still want to resolve your back support with your state.
• Contacting the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778) can help you check whether your name is on the denial list and what your status is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a U.S. passport if I owe child support?

Yes, if you owe less than $2,500 in past-due child support. If you owe $2,500 or more, your passport application or renewal will be denied until the debt is resolved.

How much child support do you have to owe to be denied a passport?

You can be denied a U.S. passport if you owe $2,500 or more in certified child support arrears reported by your state.

Will my passport renewal be denied for unpaid child support?

Yes. Passport renewals are treated the same as new applications and can be denied if you owe $2,500 or more in back child support.

What happens if I apply for a passport while owing child support?

Your application will be placed on hold or denied if your name appears in the federal child support passport denial system

How do I remove a child support passport hold?

You must pay down or resolve your child support arrears and have your state child support agency notify the U.S. Department of State to remove the hold.

How long does it take to clear a passport denial for child support?

After payment, it typically takes 2–4 weeks for the passport hold to be cleared, depending on how quickly your state updates federal records.