Most U.S. passport delays happen because of simple mistakes: an unacceptable photo, a missing signature, or the wrong fee. These are minor issues that can be corrected by following the right steps through the U.S. Department of State.
In some cases, however, a passport is not just delayed; it is denied or revoked under federal law. Passport denial or revocation occurs when the U.S. government determines that a person is not legally eligible to receive or hold a valid US passport.
This page explains the main reasons a passport application may be denied or an existing passport revoked, the agencies involved in each decision, and what steps you can take to correct the problem and restore your passport eligibility.
On This Page
- Overview of U.S. Passport Revocation
- Primary Legal Reasons for U.S. Passport Denial or Revocation
- U.S. Passport Processing After Resolution
- Limited-Validity U.S. Passports
- Restoring Eligibility and Reapplying
- Need a New Passport Fast After Reinstatement?
- Preventing Future Passport Problems
- Passport Denial & Revocation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Overview of U.S. Passport Revocation
A passport revocation is the formal process by which the U.S. Department of State cancels the validity of a previously issued passport. Once a passport is revoked, it is no longer recognized as a valid travel document, even if it is physically undamaged and unexpired. Revocation occurs in the government’s electronic records, meaning that once the status changes, the passport will be flagged as invalid when scanned by an airline, border officer, or any official passport verification system.
If a US passport is revoked while the holder is outside the United States, the State Department may issue a limited-validity passport that allows the US citizen to return directly to the U.S. but not to travel elsewhere internationally. Under federal regulation, individuals whose passports are revoked are required to surrender the passport to the U.S. Department of State upon request.
Primary Legal Reasons for U.S. Passport Denial or Revocation
A U.S. passport can be denied or revoked only under specific legal conditions. These situations involve issues such as unpaid child support, delinquent federal tax debt, criminal warrants, court-ordered travel restrictions, or an inability to prove U.S. citizenship. Each reason is outlined below, along with the appropriate steps to correct the problem.
1. Owing Child Support of $2,500 or More
Federal law requires the U.S. Department of State to deny or revoke a passport if the applicant has been certified by their state as owing more than $2,500 in child support. This information is provided to the State Department through the Federal Passport Denial Program.
How to Correct It: You must contact your state child support enforcement agency to pay or resolve the debt. The passport agency cannot remove your name from the federal list. After payment, allow 2–3 weeks for the state to update its records and confirm your clearance before reapplying for a US passport.
2. Seriously Delinquent Federal Tax Debt
Under Internal Revenue Code §7345, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can certify an individual to the State Department as having a seriously delinquent tax debt. For 2025, this amount is more than $64,000, including penalties and interest. Once certified, the State Department must deny new US passport applications and may revoke existing US passports.
How to Correct It: You must resolve the issue directly with the IRS. Options include:
- Paying the full balance,
- Entering into an approved installment agreement, or
- Having an offer in compromise accepted.
The IRS may take up to 30 days after resolution to notify the State Department that your certification has been reversed.
3. Outstanding Felony Warrant
Individuals who have an active felony warrant are not eligible to receive or hold a U.S. passport. The Department of State will deny the application or revoke the US passport until the warrant is cleared.
How to Correct It: Contact the court or law enforcement agency that issued the warrant to resolve the matter. U.S. Passport eligibility can be restored once the warrant has been officially cleared.
4. Parole, Probation, or Court-Ordered Travel Restrictions
Individuals currently under parole, probation, or supervised release are often prohibited from holding a US passport and international travel. Applying for or using a US passport during this period can be viewed as a violation of court-ordered restrictions.
How to Correct It: US passport eligibility is restored once all conditions of parole or probation are completed, or when written authorization for international travel is granted by the supervising authority.
5. Failure to Establish U.S. Citizenship
A US passport may be denied if an applicant cannot provide sufficient proof of U.S. citizenship. This often occurs when a birth record cannot be verified, or when a delayed birth certificate (filed more than one year after birth) does not meet State Department standards.
How to Correct It: Applicants must obtain a Letter of No Record from the state vital records office and submit secondary evidence such as:
- Hospital birth records
- Baptismal or church certificates
- Early school or census records
- Medical records from infancy
- A Form DS-10 Birth Affidavit completed by a parent or older relative
In complex cases, consultation with an immigration or nationality attorney may be necessary.
U.S. Passport Processing After Resolution
After the underlying issue has been resolved, your US passport eligibility is not restored immediately. Each agency involved must update its records before the U.S. Department of State can approve a new passport application or reinstate passport eligibility.
| Reason for Denial/Revocation | Requires Agency Clearance | Typical Delay | When You May Reapply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Support Debt | Yes (state child support agency) | 2–3 weeks | After the state updates the federal record |
| Seriously Delinquent Tax Debt | Yes (IRS certification) | Up to 30 days | After the IRS sends a reversal notice to the State |
| Felony Warrant | No | None | Once the warrant is cleared |
| Parole/Probation Restrictions | No | None | Once restrictions end or written permission is granted |
| Failure to Prove Citizenship | No | None | Once sufficient documentation is submitted |
Before reapplying, confirm that your name has been removed from all applicable federal lists. Applying before the update is complete can result in another denial and additional delay.
Limited-Validity U.S. Passports
If a US passport is revoked while the holder is outside the United States, the U.S. Department of State may issue a limited-validity passport. This document authorizes the holder to travel directly back to the United States, but it cannot be used for any other international travel. Limited-validity passports are issued only when necessary to facilitate a return to the U.S. They are valid for a short period and must be surrendered once the US citizen has returned. US citizens who have been issued a limited-validity passport should contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) or a Regional Passport Agency after returning to determine when they may reapply for a full-validity passport.
Restoring Eligibility and Reapplying
Once the underlying reason for passport denial or revocation has been resolved, individuals may submit a new application through standard channels. The type of passport application form required depends on the applicant’s circumstances:
- Form DS-11: Used for first-time applicants, minors, or anyone who does not have a current passport that can be renewed.
- Form DS-82: Used for eligible adult passport renewals by mail.
If your passport was previously revoked, you will generally need to apply in person using Form DS-11 and provide proof that the disqualifying issue has been cleared. Applicants who must travel soon after restoring eligibility may request expedited service or use a registered passport courier authorized to submit applications directly at a Regional Passport Agency. These services can reduce overall processing time once all eligibility requirements are satisfied.
Before reapplying, confirm that:
- Any prior agency holds (child support or IRS certification) have been fully cleared.
- You have obtained and retained written proof of resolution.
- All required documents, photos, and fees meet current U.S. Department of State standards.
Need a New Passport Fast After Reinstatement?
After weeks or even months of working to clear a child support or IRS hold, the last thing you want is to wait another 6–8 weeks for routine passport processing. If you have urgent travel plans, you need a faster option.
Once your name is officially cleared from the denial list, you have two ways to get your passport quickly:
- 1. Apply at a Regional Agency: You can try to secure an appointment at one of the 26 regional passport agencies. This requires you to apply in person and is subject to appointment availability.
- 2. Use a Registered Passport Courier: A much simpler option is to use a registered passport expediter. These services are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to submit your application on your behalf, often securing your passport in days instead of weeks.
A professional service can manage the process and ensure your application is submitted correctly. You can browse our directory of the top-rated passport courier services to compare your options. If you are ready to apply now, RushMyPassport can process your application in as little as 1–3 business days once your eligibility is confirmed.
Preventing Future Passport Problems
Passport denial and revocation are uncommon, but they carry serious legal and travel consequences. Understanding the specific reason(s) for ineligibility and the passport eligibility rules helps ensure your US passport privileges are not denied or revoked in the future.
To prevent delays and future denials:
- Resolve all outstanding child support or tax obligations before submitting your application.
- Clear any active warrants or court-ordered travel restrictions.
- Maintain accurate, verifiable proof of U.S. citizenship.
- Review all required forms, photos, and payments for accuracy and completeness before mailing or submitting them.
By staying current on financial and legal obligations and keeping your documentation in order, you can help ensure your passport remains valid and ready for travel. If you have time-sensitive travel plans, you may also consider using an authorized passport courier service or scheduling an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency for expedited processing.
Passport Denial & Revocation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: The U.S. Department of State will send you an official letter (often called a ‘Letter of Denial’) that explains the reason for the denial or revocation. This letter will identify the specific legal reason (e.g., child support, tax debt, lack of citizenship proof) and provide information on the agency you must contact to resolve the issue.
A: No. All passport application and execution fees are non-refundable processing fees. If your application is denied for legal ineligibility (like child support or tax debt), you will not receive a refund.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you must submit a brand-new application (generally Form DS-11, in person) and pay all associated fees again.
A: No, they are different. An application that is ‘suspended’ or ‘on hold’ is typically missing simple items, like an acceptable photo, a missing signature, or the correct fee. You can correct these issues directly with the passport agency.
A ‘denial,’ however, is a formal, legal determination that you are ineligible to receive a passport under federal law (e.g., due to a felony warrant or child support debt). A denial cannot be fixed by just sending in a new photo; it requires resolving the legal issue with the certifying agency (like the IRS or your state child support office).
A: In most cases, yes. Passport denial eligibility is generally tied to active felony warrants or individuals who are currently on parole or probation. Once your sentence, including any parole or probation, is fully completed, an old conviction does not typically prevent you from obtaining a U.S. passport.
However, federal law may permanently ban individuals convicted of certain serious, drug-related felonies, particularly those that involved crossing international borders.
A: It depends on the nature of the warrant. Under federal regulation (Title 22, § 51.60), the State Department is authorized to deny passport applications for individuals with active felony warrants. This includes outstanding Federal, state, or local warrants for a felony.
However, bench warrants for lesser charges, such as misdemeanors or traffic violations, are not typically grounds for passport denial.
A: Generally, no. To restore passport eligibility, most state agencies require the child support arrears to be paid in full before they will remove your name from the federal denial list. Simply being on a payment plan is often not sufficient to override the denial. You must contact your specific state child support enforcement agency for their policy.
A: No. Federal law only requires the State Department to deny passports for individuals who have been certified by their state as owing more than $2,500 in child support. If your arrears are below this threshold, it should not trigger a federal passport denial.
A: Yes. Once you enter an approved installment agreement or have an offer in compromise accepted, the IRS no longer considers your debt ‘seriously delinquent’. The IRS will then send a reversal notice to the State Department to clear you for a passport. Be aware this notification process can take up to 30 days after your agreement is finalized.
A: No. The law authorizing passport denial for tax debt applies only to federal tax debt (Internal Revenue Code §7345) that has been certified by the IRS. Unpaid state or local taxes are not grounds for a federal passport denial.
All content on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or official government advice. We are a private company and not affiliated with the U.S. government. No attorney-client relationship is formed. You should not act on this information without seeking professional counsel or official guidance from the U.S. Department of State. The website owner assumes no liability for actions taken based on this site's content.
