US to Revoke Passports of Parents Owing Child Support

May 7, 2026

57 min

May 7, 2026 20:30

US will start revoking passports for thousands of parents who owe child support: AP

## New Enforcement Measures

The US State Department is set to revoke the passports of thousands of parents who owe significant amounts in unpaid child support. This initiative, starting Friday, targets individuals with arrears of $100,000 or more, affecting approximately 2,700 passport holders.

## Expansion of the Program

The program will soon expand to include those owing more than $2,500, in line with a 1996 law that has been largely unenforced. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is gathering data to determine the number of individuals affected by this lower threshold.

## Impact and Compliance

Previously, only those renewing passports faced penalties. Now, all passport holders with debts over $2,500 will be subject to revocation. The State Department reports that since announcing the expansion, many parents have settled their debts.

## Historical Context

Since its inception in 1998, the program has helped states collect $657 million in child support arrears. Parents whose passports are revoked will be notified and must clear their debts to reapply for travel documents. Those abroad at the time of revocation can obtain emergency travel documents from US embassies or consulates.

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