The Division of Child Support will notify the U.S. Department of State through the federal Office of Child Support Services to release the passport of the parent who is ordered to pay child support if the parent:
- Pays the debt in full.
- Needs the passport for employment or military deployment.
- Has a life-or-death family emergency requiring travel.
NOTE: Reasons 2 and 3 are not automatic releases.
To request a release of your passport for employment or military deployment, you must:
- Have a firm job offer and have completed all pre-screening steps.
- Submit a letter on your employer’s or commanding officer's letterhead stating:
- A passport is required for employment.
- A contact phone number.
- Agreement to comply with income-withholding order.
To request a release of your passport for a family emergency requiring travel, you must:
- Provide verification in the form of a letter on letterhead from either a doctor or hospital, or
- Provide verification from the American Red Cross. A family emergency is defined as a life or death situation involving an immediate family member.
- The federal government defines an immediate family member as:
- Parent, guardian, or stepparent.
- Child or stepchild.
- Grandparent.
- Sibling or stepsibling.
- Aunt or uncle.
- Spouse.
If you have questions or need to discuss your options, please call your assigned case manager at 800-442-KIDS (5437).