US passport revoked
Updated on November 19, 2025
Published by
Clark Stott has been with Expat Tax Online since 2015. Being a dual national based in the UK, Clark has unique experience helping US citizens (and Accidental Americans) become tax compliant via the Streamlined Tax Amnesty program. Clark likes to help Americans in the UK keep their tax situations as simple as possible to avoid harsh IRS treatment.
Table of Contents
Can the IRS really revoke your US passport? In a way, yes. The IRS doesn’t cancel it itself, but if you owe over US$64,000 in unpaid taxes, they can notify the US Department of State, which has the power to deny or revoke your passport.
It sounds harsh, but it’s fixable. Most expats who act quickly never lose travel access at all. As long as you respond promptly, the fix is usually straightforward.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the process works, who’s at risk, and what steps you can take to protect your passport and stay compliant.
What does it mean when the US revokes a passport for tax debt?
When people say the IRS ‘takes away passports,’ it’s a bit misleading. What actually happens is that the IRS shares your tax debt information with the State Department, which then decides whether to revoke or deny your passport.
Under Internal Revenue Code §7345, created through the FAST Act (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act), the IRS certifies taxpayers with “seriously delinquent tax debt.” Once certified, the State Department can:
- Deny new or renewed passports, or
- Revoke an existing one
The IRS itself doesn’t physically cancel your passport—it just triggers the process. Once your name is on that certified list, the State Department can hold up your renewal or restrict your travel documents until the IRS clears you.
In other words, the IRS starts the chain, but the State Department makes the final move.
Note: A “seriously delinquent tax debt” means you owe more than US$64,000 (as of 2025) in legally enforceable federal tax debt, including penalties and interest.
Who is at risk of having their passport revoked?
This rule applies regardless of whether your income originates from the US or abroad. The law doesn’t make exceptions for expats.
You may be certified if:
- You owe over US$64,000 in total tax debt (including penalties and interest).
- The IRS has filed a lien or issued a levy against you.
- You have no active payment plan (installment agreement, offer in compromise, or appeal).
If those conditions line up, the IRS sends your information to the State Department.
Example:
A US consultant in the UK owes US$70,000 in unpaid self-employment tax. Once the IRS certifies the debt, the passport renewal can be denied until a payment plan is arranged or the balance is settled.
How does the passport revocation process work?
Here’s what typically happens:
- IRS certifies your debt as seriously delinquent.
- You receive Notice CP508C, confirming your certification.
- The State Department reviews your record and can:
- Deny new passport applications.
- Revoke current passports.
- Issue a limited-validity passport (valid only for returning to the US).
- Once you pay or make arrangements, the IRS sends Notice CP508R (reversal).
- Once you pay in full or enter an approved payment plan, the IRS must tell the State Department within 30 days that your debt is no longer “seriously delinquent.”
Tip: Keep your address current with both the IRS and the State Department. Many expats miss the first notice simply because it was sent to their old US mailing address.
What happens if your passport is revoked while you’re abroad?
If your passport is revoked or renewal is denied while you’re living overseas, the State Department may issue you a limited-validity passport. That temporary passport only allows you to return directly to the US; you can’t use it for other international travel.
That can be disruptive. You might not be able to renew your residence permit, open a bank account, or re-enter the country where you live.
Note: The State Department isn’t out to trap you abroad. If your passport is revoked, you’ll be allowed to travel back to the US to fix your tax issue. You just can’t travel freely until it’s resolved.
Have you considered renouncing? Get informed—download your free guide today.
Who is exempt from passport revocation?
There’s good news: not every unpaid tax case gets certified. Here are the main exceptions:
- You’re in an approved installment agreement or offer in compromise.
- Your case is in bankruptcy or under appeal.
- You’ve been deemed “currently not collectible” due to hardship.
- You’re in a federally declared disaster area or a victim of identity theft.
- You’re serving in a combat zone or contingency operation (collection postponed)
- You have a pending CDP hearing.
Additionally, certification does not apply to debts from child support, FBAR penalties, or DOJ criminal fines.
Important! If your payment plan is still pending approval, your account may not yet be protected. Always confirm written approval from the IRS before assuming you’re safe from certification.
How can you fix or prevent passport revocation?
Here’s a step-by-step process on how to fix passport revocation or prevent it before it starts:
If you’re already certified:
- Pay the full amount owed: The fastest and cleanest fix.
- Set up an installment agreement: Once approved, your debt is no longer “seriously delinquent.”
- Submit an Offer in Compromise (OIC): Negotiate a lower settlement if you qualify.
- Request “Currently Not Collectible” status: If you’re financially struggling, this pauses collections.
- Correct errors or identity theft issues: If the debt is wrong, call immediately to dispute it.
If you haven’t been certified yet:
- File any missing tax returns; silence can look like non-compliance.
- Stay in contact with the IRS and respond to notices quickly.
- Partial payments don’t stop certification on their own, but showing effort to pay can help once you set up an official payment plan.
Tip: Once you’re in good standing, the IRS must decertify your record within 30 days, but it can take the State Department another 2-4 weeks to update its database.
How long does it take to get your passport back?
There’s no exact timeline, but here’s the general range:
|
Step |
Typical Timeframe |
Notes |
|
IRS posts payment or approves plan |
1-2 weeks |
Verify your account online |
|
IRS sends decertification notice to the State |
Within 30 days |
Notice CP508R |
|
State Department updates system |
2-4 weeks |
Processing can be expedited for emergencies |
In urgent humanitarian or family situations, your tax professional can request expedited reversal through the IRS Passport Certification Unit.
Note: These timeframes are typical. Only the IRS’s 30-day deadline to notify the State after resolution is guaranteed by law; processing can vary depending on workload.
What should you do if you receive Notice CP508C?
This letter indicates that your passport is officially at risk, but you still have time to rectify the situation.
Here’s what to do:
- Read it carefully. It lists the tax years and balance owed.
- Check that the notice is real by calling the IRS phone number printed on it. Scams sometimes use fake versions of this letter.
- Contact the IRS or a tax professional immediately. Explain your situation and explore payment or settlement options.
- Keep documentation. Save every call log, receipt, and letter.
- Act quickly. Waiting too long can lead to full passport denial or revocation.
Can you still travel while your passport is at risk?
Usually, yes—until it’s officially revoked.
Having your debt certified doesn’t automatically cancel your passport. You can still use it until it’s revoked. But if it expires or you need a replacement, the State Department can block your new passport until you clear the debt.
So if you’ve been warned about serious tax debt, don’t wait until your next trip to act.
Check your IRS online account for balances and make arrangements before booking tickets.
FAQs
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Does passport revocation affect your credit score or borrowing ability?
No, the certification itself doesn’t show up on your credit report. However, the underlying tax debt can be especially problematic if a federal tax lien is filed publicly. Lenders sometimes pick that up, so resolving the debt still protects your credit health indirectly.
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Can state tax debt trigger passport issues too?
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Does this affect Green Card holders living abroad?
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What if you renounced citizenship but still owe back taxes?
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How do expats know if they’ve been certified without receiving a notice?
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