by Hope / Walter
(Snellville, GA usa)
Question
I'm trying to travel in 10 days but just received notice that my passport was denied because of arrears. The court order when into effect December 10th of last year. I agreed to pay the arrears with my current support. Only paying $50 of my $489 payment a month. What are my chances of getting my passport approved before my departure on September 15? What steps do I need to take? It's a holiday weekend and I can't do anything until Tuesday.
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Answer
The only way to get a passport if you are in arrears of child support is to make acceptable arrangements for payment of the arrears.
Following is the process that must be completed in order for you to obtain your U.S. Passport. It is based on Section 51.70 (a) (8) of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
- Before you submit the application for a United States passport, you should enter into contact with the state agency to which you owe child support and make arrangement to pay your arrears.
- Then the State Child Support Enforcement Agency needs to report the fact that acceptable payment arrangements have been made to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Following this, HHS has to remove your name from their list of those with unpaid arrears and send the updated list to the U.S. Department of State.
- Finally, Passport Services has to receive the updates list from HHS and verify that your name has been removed before your passport application can be processed.
Note, it may take 2-3 weeks after being notified that arrangements for payment have been made before Passport Services is permitted to process your application.
Arrears Terminated
by: Anonymous
Question
My arrears were terminated by the mother of my child. What’s the next step in me applying for a passport?
Answer
You need to contact the Office of Child Support Enforcement handling your case. If sufficient arrangements or agreements have been made, the office will take your name off the passport denial list and notify passport services. When this is confirmed, you may apply for your passport.
Payment Agreement With Ex-Spouse
by: Anonymous
Question
I owe around $30,000 in child support and have payments taken weekly from my paycheck. If my ex agrees in writing, can I get a passport as long as payments remain current?
Answer
As a general rule, the debt must be paid in full to be taken off the passport denial list. You need to contact the enforcement agency to make arrangements. If they approve the arrangement, they will notify passport services.
Passport Denied in Error
by: Anonymous
Question
My passport renewal was denied due to child support arrears even though my balance has been zero since 2022 and I submitted proof. What can I do?
Answer
You need to contact the Office of Child Support Enforcement that handled your case and report the error. Once confirmed, they can remove your name from the denial list so your application can proceed.
Paid Arrears – Now What?
by: Anonymous
Question
I was denied a passport for child support but have now paid everything off. I can’t get anyone on the phone. What happens next?
Answer
The state agency reports your payment to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which then removes your name from the denial list and notifies passport services. This process usually takes 2–3 weeks.
How Long After Paying Arrears?
by: Anonymous
Question
I paid my arrears a month ago. How long does it take before my passport renewal is approved?
Answer
It generally takes about 2 to 3 weeks for HHS to notify passport services that your name has been removed from the denial list. Once verified, your passport application will be processed.
Denied But Received New Passport
by: Press
Question
I was previously told my passport was canceled due to child support, but I later received a new passport. Is it valid?
Answer
There is no need to worry. If you received a new passport, it is valid for travel.
Still on Denial List After Paying
by: Anonymous
Question
I paid my arrears three weeks ago but don’t know if my name is off the denial list. How can I check?
Answer
You need to contact the State Child Support Enforcement Agency handling your case. Once they confirm removal, passport services can process your application.
Travel With a Valid Passport
by: Anonymous
Question
I owe more than $2,500 in child support but already have a valid passport. Can I still travel?
Answer
If your passport has not been revoked, you may continue to travel until it expires. However, you will not be able to renew it unless your arrears are paid in full.
Below the $2,500 Threshold
by: Anonymous
Question
If I’m only $200 behind on child support, will I be placed on the passport denial list?
Answer
Only individuals who owe more than $2,500 in child support arrears are placed on the passport denial list.
How to Confirm Removal From the List
by: Andrew
Question
Is there a way to confirm that my name has been removed from the passport denial list before applying?
Answer
You must contact the State Child Support Enforcement Agency handling your case. Once they report your clearance to HHS and passport services, your application can proceed.
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