PASSPORT DENIAL OR REVOCATION
According to federal law, those who owe $2,500 or more in past due child support will be denied a passport request by the U.S. Department of State. The law also says that the U.S. Department of State can revoke an existing passport for the same reason.
On May 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced that it will start revoking active U.S. passports for people who owe more than $100,000 in past due child support. This change will roll out in phases.
If your passport has already been revoked, you must pay your past due child support before you can apply for a new one.
Important!
If you have a current passport and owe $2,500 or more in child support, contact our office as soon as possible at (888) 898-1745 or dcssopspassportgroup@dcss.ca.gov.
1. What is the U.S. State Department’s new announcement about?
The U.S. State Department announced it will begin using existing federal authority to revoke active U.S. passports for individuals who owe child support.
2. Who is affected?
The initial phase targets individuals with a current passport owing $100,000 or more, which is about 2,700 people nationwide. The U.S. Department of State plans to expand enforcement to individuals owing a lower amount as the effort continues.
3. Is California Child Support Services involved in the passport revocation process?
No. Passports are issued and managed by the U.S. State Department. If you have past due child support and are concerned about your passport status, contact the child support office handling your case to make a payment or set up a payment plan.
4. Why can a passport be revoked or denied?
Federal laws requires denial of a passport when a parent owes more than $2,500 in past due child support and gives the U.S. Department of State permission to revoke a passport for the same reason. The U.S. Department of State’s new effort to revoke passports begins with parents who owe $100,000 or more in child support.
5. What should I do if my passport is revoked?
If your passport has already been revoked, you must pay your past due child support before you can apply for a new one. Contact the child support office handling your case immediately to pay your balance or establish a payment plan approved by California Child Support Services.
6. What if my passport is revoked while I am outside the United States?
Go to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They can issue a limited validity passport so you can return to the United States. Once home, contact your child support office handling your case to resolve your child support balance.
7. How can I avoid passport denial or revocation?
Keep your past due child support balance below $2,500. If you are approaching this amount, contact the child support office handling your case to arrange a payment plan.