US To Revoke Passports Of Citizens Owing Over $2,500 In Child Support

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded American citizens that those owing more than $2,500 in unpaid child support risk having their passports denied or revoked until the outstanding obligations are settled.

In a statement posted on its official X account, the mission said the measure is being enforced by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services as part of efforts to ensure compliance with child support responsibilities.

According to the mission, U.S. citizens with substantial child support arrears could lose their passport privileges under existing federal laws.

The mission further explained that Americans whose passports are revoked while residing outside the United States would only be eligible for a limited-validity passport that allows direct travel back to the U.S.

“Full passport privileges can only be restored after the outstanding debt has been settled,” the statement noted.

Information published on the U.S. Department of State’s website indicates that individuals owing more than $2,500 in child support are ineligible to obtain a U.S. passport and may also have an existing passport revoked.

The department stated that affected citizens must clear their child support debts through the state where the obligation is owed before they can apply for a new passport.

It also stressed that a revoked passport cannot be used for international travel, even after the debt has been paid.

Americans living abroad whose passports have been revoked were advised to contact the relevant state child support enforcement agency to resolve the outstanding debt before seeking assistance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

The State Department further noted that affected individuals may only qualify for a limited-validity passport for direct return travel to the United States until the Department of Health and Human Services confirms that the child support debt has been fully settled.

It added that even after payment is made, it may take between two and three weeks for records to be updated and passport eligibility to be restored.

The reminder comes as U.S. authorities continue to enforce measures aimed at ensuring parents meet their legal child support obligations while maintaining compliance with federal travel documentation requirements.