US FederalCan my passport be denied or revoked if I owe back child support?
Yes, your U.S. passport can be denied or revoked if you owe $2,500 or more in past-due child support, under federal law enforced through the Child Support Enforcement program.
What the Law Says
Federal law authorizes the denial and revocation of U.S. passports for individuals who owe significant past-due child support. This authority stems from amendments to the Child Support Enforcement program, implemented under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
The legal basis is found in provisions tied to 42 U.S.C. § 651, which authorizes appropriations for child support enforcement programs. While § 651 itself is an appropriations section and does not directly impose passport restrictions, it funds the broader statutory framework—including 42 U.S.C. § 652(k)—that empowers the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disclose delinquent child support debt to the Secretary of State for passport action.
Under that framework, the Department of State may deny a passport application or revoke a current passport if the individual owes $2,500 or more in 'past-due support' as certified by a state child support enforcement (IV-D) agency.
Before any action, the individual must receive written notice and have at least 30 days to contest or resolve the debt.
Statutory TextChild support enforcement programs
— 42 U.S.C. § 651 — Child support enforcement programs
What to Do
Contact your state’s IV-D child support agency to confirm the amount and status of your debt.
Request a review or appeal of the certification if you believe the debt is inaccurate or paid.
Make payment arrangements or settle the arrears—once the debt falls below $2,500 or is resolved, the restriction is lifted.
If your passport was revoked or denied, submit proof of resolution to the Office of Child Support Enforcement and request removal from the passport denial list.
Apply for a new passport only after receiving written confirmation that the restriction has been removed.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.