When you are applying for a passport, it is important to consider several factors that could influence the process. One such factor is any outstanding financial obligations you may have, such as unpaid child support.
Before applying for a new passport or renewing your old one, it is helpful to understand that your application can get denied due to unpaid child support.
Child support and passport eligibility
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services works with the Department of State to enforce child support obligations. If you owe more than $2,500 in child maintenance, authorities can deny your application and may revoke your existing passport. This is part of the effort to ensure parents meet their financial responsibilities towards their children, both in the U.S. and abroad.
The Passport Denial Program
The Passport Denial Program is a tool used by the federal government to encourage compliance with child support orders. Through this program, state agencies can request the denial, revocation or restriction of passports for individuals with outstanding child support debts. This means that if you have a large amount of unpaid support, authorities may prevent you from traveling internationally until you pay off your debt.
Resolving child support issues
If your passport application gets denied due to unpaid support, it is important to take action quickly. Resolving outstanding support payments through payment plans or negotiations with the relevant authorities can help restore your passport eligibility. The Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division can help you and answer any questions you have concerning this issue.
By taking care of your outstanding child support obligations, you can ensure a smooth passport application process and avoid potential denials or delays.