Idaho parents who are past-due on child support payments to lose their U.S. passports as new national policy takes effect

Idaho Child Support Services stands ready to collect payments for Gem State families

Noncustodial parents in Idaho with U.S. passports who are significantly behind on child support payments will soon find that their passports have been revoked.

The U.S. Department of State announced on May 8 that it will begin revoking passports of noncustodial parents who owe more than $100,000 in past-due child support, using its authority under Section 452(k) of the Social Security Act. Starting June 1, passport revocations will be implemented for those owing more than $75,000.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare immediately started implementing the new policy, which was effective nationwide on May 8. Idaho Child Support Services is currently monitoring 150 noncustodial parents who are more than $100,000 behind on child support payments. At this time, the program does not know how many non-custodial parents have passports who also are behind in their child support payments.

"This is an exciting step in helping children thrive in Idaho because they have the full support of their parents," said DHW Director Juliet Charron. "This will allow us to make sure parents are providing the court-ordered support their children need and are entitled to."

Idaho Child Support Services provides a variety of services depending on the family's needs. The program can establish paternity, establish or modify an order for financial and medical support, receive and distribute child support payments, and take enforcement actions when necessary.

Previously, the program had several options to enforce the collection of unpaid child support including:

• Withholding support payments from income
• Reporting debts to credit bureaus
• Garnishing bank accounts and assets
• Suspending Idaho driver's hunting, fishing, and occupational licenses
• Filing liens
• Denying passports before they are issued

Revoking current U.S. passports is now added to that list.

Parents who have their passport revoked should address any questions to the State Department contact listed in their revocation letter. After they pay their debt, they will be able to apply for a new passport. Parents who have already applied for a passport should pay their debt immediately to ensure the application process continues. Those who are traveling out of the country and receive notification that their passport has been revoked should contact Idaho Child Support Services to pay the debt. They will then need to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for passport application procedures. They are only eligible for a limited-validity passport for direct return to the United States until repayment of the debt has been verified.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.