Thousands of Americans with unpaid child support are now facing a consequence that can stop international travel before it begins: passport revocation.
The policy has caused confusion because the underlying law has existed for decades. The change in 2026 is enforcement. The U.S. government has moved from blocking passport applications and renewals to revoking valid passports already in use.
According to the State Department passport guidance on child support debt, Americans who owe more than $2,500 are ineligible for a U.S. passport, and a valid passport may be revoked.
After revocation, the passport can no longer be used for travel, even after the debt has been paid. A new passport application must follow once federal records…