Can You Get a Passport if You Owe Child Support?

If you owe child support and need to get a passport, there are certain considerations and requirements you should be aware of. The U.S. Department of State has specific rules and procedures in place to address child support issues when it comes to obtaining a passport.

Can Your Passport be Denied for Child Support?

If you owe more than $2500 in past due support (arrears), there is a chance that your application or renewal for a passport may be denied. According to federal law, if an applicant has child support arrearages meeting the threshold, their passport can be denied, revoked, restricted, or limited.

What to Do if You Are on Passport Denied List?

Depending on the state you will need to pay the arrears in full to get your passport released.

If You Have Already Applied for Your U.S. Passport?

• Make arrangements to pay your child support arrears with the appropriate state child support enforcement agency.
• The state agency reports to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that you’ve made acceptable payment arrangements.
• HHS removes your name from their list and reports this to us. This may take 2-3 weeks.
• We verify that HHS removed your name.
• We process your passport application.