Passports and Child Support Debt

New policy revokes the passports U.S. citizens with unpaid child support debt.

The State Department announced on 7 May 2026 that it will revoke passports for U.S. citizens with outstanding child support debt.

This expands the State Department’s long-time policy to deny first-time passport applications or deny passport renewals to U.S. citizens with outstanding child support debt. On 26 May 2026 the State Department updated its website on this topic.

What Overseas Americans Need to Know About Unpaid Child Support Debt

1. If an overseas American who is in arrears on child support submits a passport renewal, or their passport is revoked, just like other situations where there’s a problem with a passport application (for example, a wrong size photo) the State Department will typically communicate with the individual. This might be via email, though it could also be via "snail mail" and would be directed to the email, snail mail or phone number that the State Department has on file from the most recent passport application.
   
   
2. If a passport renewal application is denied, or a passport is revoked, citizens who are outside the United States are entitled to obtain a limited-validity passport to return to the United States. Guidance for how to obtain a limited-validity passport can be obtained from an embassy or consulate.
   
   
3. Given that most countries require foreign residents to hold a valid passport issued by the country of the foreigner's citizenship, if the U.S. passport of a U.S. citizen who lives overseas expires and is not renewed, or is revoked, the eligibility to legally remain in that foreign country might terminate. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the implications of remaining abroad without a valid U.S. passport.
   
   
4. After payment of child support arrears is completed, it could take a minimum of two to three weeks for a name to be removed from Department of Health and Human Services records, only after which the State Department can process a passport application.
   
   
5. AARO cannot advise members on their personal passport circumstances, nor can AARO advocate with the State Department on behalf of members who encounter passport renewal denial or revocation. AARO does, however, provide general feedback to the State Department about the passport renewal (or revocation) experience of overseas Americans.