US child support debtors risk losing passports

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded American citizens that those with significant outstanding child support debt risk having their passports revoked under U.S. law.

The mission disclosed this in a post on its X handle on Wednesday, stating that the U.S. Department of State, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, is enforcing passport revocations for affected citizens.

It stated, “The Department of State, in coordination with @HHSGov, is revoking passports of Americans with significant outstanding child support debt.”

The mission added that affected Americans outside the United States could only obtain limited-validity passports to enable them return home.

It said, “If you are outside the U.S. and your passport is revoked, you can schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a limited passport, valid only for direct return to the United States. Once your debt is paid, you can apply for a full validity passport.”

Checks by PUNCH Online on the U.S. Department of State website showed that Americans who owe more than $2,500 in child support are ineligible for a U.S. passport.

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According to the department, “If you owe more than $2,500, federal regulations do not allow us to issue you a U.S. passport and we may revoke your valid U.S. passport.”

The department explained that affected passport holders must first settle their outstanding child support with the state where the debt is owed before becoming eligible to apply for a new passport.

It noted that “A revoked passport may no longer be used for travel even if child support debt has been paid.”

The State Department further advised Americans overseas whose passports have been revoked to contact the state where the debt is owed to repay it before approaching the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

It added, “You are only eligible for a limited-validity passport for direct return to the United States until HHS verifies repayment of the debt.”

The department also warned that even after payment, the process of updating records between state authorities and the Department of Health and Human Services could take at least two to three weeks before passport eligibility is restored.