If you fall behind on child support, you could face many different penalties, including the possibility of passport denial. However, it is important to understand how passport denial works and take steps to restore your passport privileges if the government rejected your passport application.
Whether you want to renew your passport as someone who enjoys visiting other countries or you want to apply for a passport to attend an important family event overseas, it is crucial to address back child support swiftly so that you can move forward with your pursuit of a U.S. passport.
When do parents lose passport privileges due to child support?
The Florida Department of Revenue says that if you owe at least $2,500 in
unpaid child support, the Department of State will not approve your passport application until you pay arrears. In addition, the government will reject your request to replace, renew or add pages to your passport if you owe at least $2,500 in back support.
Prior to denying an application, the Department of State mails a notice to parents who owe back support, and they have 30 days to pay child support arrears, reach out to the Child Support Program or contest the denial by asking for an administrative review.
Can parents leave the country with back child support?
In some instances, parents can leave the country even if they owe
back child support. For example, if you owe more than $2,500 in child support arrears and you need to travel for job-related purposes, military duties or the death of a close relative, you could have the ability to leave the country. However, you should reach out to the Child Support Program as soon as you can.
