The United States government has announced that Americans who owe more than $2,500 in unpaid child support risk having their passports denied or revoked.

In a notice issued by the United States Department of State in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, officials said individuals with significant child support arrears are not eligible for a U.S. passport.

According to the department, anyone owing more than $2,500 in child support cannot be issued a passport, and an existing valid passport may also be revoked. Affected passport holders will receive official notification through email or the mailing address listed on their most recent passport application.

The State Department advised individuals with outstanding debts to contact the state where the child support is owed and arrange repayment. Once the debt is settled and verified, they can apply for a new passport.

Officials stressed that a revoked passport remains invalid for travel even after the debt has been paid. Americans whose passports are revoked while abroad may be issued a limited-validity passport by a U.S. embassy or consulate, allowing them to return directly to the United States.

The department also warned that restoring passport eligibility is not immediate. After payment is made, state child support agencies must notify HHS, which then removes the individual's name from its records and informs the State Department. This verification process can take at least two to three weeks before a new passport can be issued.

Authorities urged citizens with urgent travel plans to resolve any outstanding child support obligations well in advance, as passport services cannot proceed until HHS confirms their eligibility.