The United States Department of State is reminding Americans that carrying significant child support debt could prevent them from obtaining or retaining a US passport.
According to Antigua.news, updated guidance from the State Department makes clear that individuals who owe more than US$2,500 in outstanding child support are ineligible to receive a US passport. Federal regulations further allow authorities to revoke an existing passport if the holder falls into arrears on court-ordered child support payments.
The policy applies to individuals whose child support obligations are being enforced through state child support enforcement agencies across the United States.
The State Department states that applicants must fully settle any outstanding child support debt before becoming eligible for passport services. Officials also clarified that individuals whose passports are revoked due to unpaid child support must contact the state in which the debt is owed and establish payment arrangements to resolve the matter.
The department advises that notifications regarding passport revocations are sent directly to affected individuals, either by email or to the mailing address on file from their most recent passport application.
The renewed warning comes as US authorities continue efforts to strengthen enforcement measures aimed at ensuring compliance with child support obligations.
