Can I Get a Passport If I Owe Child Support?

Family Law Support Forum
1

Wasup people …Am planning a trip abroad and I need to get a passport. However, I currently owe some back child support. I’m worried this might prevent me from getting my passport.

Does anyone know if you can get a passport if you owe child support? Are there specific rules or exceptions I should be aware of? Thanks in advance…

1 Like
2

The “passport denial program” consists of two components. First, according to federal law, state CSS programs must direct all debtors who owe more than $2,500 to the passport denial program. If your passport application is denied, the US State Department receives your name and SSN. All states have to abide by it, as it is automatic. You ought to be directed to the denial procedure even if you have a payment plan in place for the arrears and are meeting your installments.
Your passport is immediately released from hold once you pay off all outstanding balances. The hold remains in place if you are referred by someone and you owe more than $2,500 but you pay less than that amount.
The second is the date on which the passport hold will be released by the same state CSS program.

3

Owing child support over $2,500 can delay your US passport, but there are ways out!

  • Pay off the arrears. This is best, but might take time.
  • Set up a payment plan.* Agreeing to a repayment plan with the child support agency can unblock your passport application.
  • Show “good cause” for urgent travel. This is tougher, but possible for emergencies.

Contact your child support agency for your specific options. You can still get your trip back on track!

4

The payment of child support arrears to the relevant state child support enforcement agency must be made before applying for a passport if you owe more than $2,500 in unpaid child support, you will not be granted one.

1 Like
5

Yes, having more then $2500 in back due child support in any USA jurisdiction prevents you from obtaining a passport.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/legal-matters/child-support.html

6

Indeed. However, you can obtain a unique one-way passport to return to the US if you are already abroad.

7

If your unpaid child support balance reaches $2,500, the US State Department will not issue or renew your passport until you have paid it in full. If your passport application is denied, please contact your local child support office so that they can assist you.