If you miss child support payments, it is important to understand the hardships that could arise. A lot of non-custodial parents have found themselves in this position, and you should have a solid understanding of the different consequences that you could face for falling behind. Aside from losing your license or possibly spending time behind bars, the government could revoke your passport.
Losing your passport could disrupt your life in different ways, whether you need to travel for business or have other important reasons to head overseas.
When does passport revocation over unpaid child support start?
The Administration for Children and Families published information on passport revocation due to unpaid child support. According to the ACF, parents could have their passports revoked if they owe more than $2,500 in back child support. For example, if you have this much unpaid child support and you try to add pages to your passport, repair your passport, change your name or provide it to an embassy representative or passport agent for a different reason, the State Department could revoke it.
If the Department of State revokes your passport, you will receive a notice telling you to reach out to the child support agency.
Does unpaid child support affect passport applications?
In addition to passport revocation, the government also denies passport applications if an applicant owes more than $2,500 in unpaid support. In order to restore your passport privileges, you have to make suitable payment arrangements. Losing your passport and other serious penalties highlight the importance of staying current on child support and paying arrears promptly.