Federal law requires that a parent with a past due child support obligation of $2,500 or greater shall not be issued a passport.
How can I remove the hold from my passport?
In California, you must pay off your child support arrears and bring your balance to zero ($0.00) in order for a passport to be issued or renewed. You can make a payment with a:
Credit card online
Credit card by calling 866.901.3212
Money order, cash or credit card by walking into our office
If you have the passport denial letter please have it handy when you call or bring it with you to our office. Our office will fax a release request once your child support balance is paid in full.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes.
Mistaken identity
Imminently ill immediate family member
Death of an immediate family member
If you have had a death of an immediate family member or have a family member who is imminently ill in another country, your case will be reviewed for temporary (30 day) release without full payment if you take the following steps:
Provide a letter from the doctor providing care
The letter needs to be translated to English
The letter needs to be notarized
Your passport will not be permanently released unless your balance is paid off in its entirety. The temporary release will activate your passport for only 30 days. DCSS will notify you by telephone regarding the results.
If you have any questions, please call 866.901.3212.
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