The United States Department of State, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced that Americans with significant outstanding child support debts may have their passports revoked or be denied new passport issuance.
In a notice issued by the State Department, authorities stated that citizens who owe more than $2,500 in child support are not eligible to receive a U.S. passport.
“To be eligible for a U.S. passport, you must pay any outstanding child support. 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,” the department said.
The agency explained that passport holders whose travel documents are revoked will be formally notified.
“Notices about passport revocations will be sent from the U.S. Department of State directly to the passport holder via email or to the mailing address provided on the most recent passport application,” the statement said.
According to the department, individuals affected by the measure must contact the state where the debt is owed and settle their outstanding obligations before becoming eligible for a new passport.
“Contact the state where your debt is owed for options to repay. After you have paid the state, you will be eligible for a new U.S. passport,” the notice stated.
The State Department further clarified that a revoked passport cannot be used for travel, even after the debt has been paid.
“A revoked passport may no longer be used for travel even if child support debt has been paid.”
For Americans whose passports are revoked while abroad, U.S. embassies and consulates may issue a limited-validity passport to facilitate their return home.
“If you are overseas and you received a notification that your U.S. passport has been revoked, please contact the state where you owe child support to pay your debt,” the department said.
