Passport Issuance Alert Program, Internet Dating and Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now?
With Internet dating “Leave everything behind. Come live with me. I’ll take care of everything.” Might be more of a reality how would you protect yourself. Getting a passport is easier than you think.
Louis Lliteras
11/13/20243 min read
The Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) CPIAP is a vital resource designed to prevent international parental child abduction. It allows parents to register their U.S. citizen children with the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program. If a passport application is submitted for a registered child, the program notifies the parent, providing an essential safeguard against unauthorized international travel.
Stay proactive. Know your child's passport status and take steps to prevent unapproved travel abroad.
The CPIAP is a passport lookout system that notifies U.S. passport agencies, embassies, and consulates if there is an objection to issuing a passport for a registered child. This program provides parents with advance warning if an application is submitted for international travel with their child.
Contact Information U.S. Department of State
Overseas Citizen Services – Children’s Issues
Attn: Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1707
Email: PreventAbduction1@state.gov
Phone: 1-888-407-4747
Fax: 202-485-6222
Who Can Request Entry into CPIAP? A parent or guardian (each parent may submit a separate request).
Law enforcement, courts, or legal representatives on behalf of a parent (e.g., attorneys, members of Congress, or family members).
All requests must:
Be submitted in writing and signed.
Include a copy of the child’s birth certificate or proof of parentage (such as a court order granting custody or guardianship).
Note: Only U.S. citizen children under the age of 18 can be registered in CPIAP.
Does CPIAP Guarantee Passport Denial?
Being entered into CPIAP does not guarantee a passport will be denied. If a passport application is submitted for a registered child:
The parent who requested the alert will be notified and typically given 30 days to provide consent or objection, unless extraordinary circumstances apply.
This system is designed to offer advance notification but does not prevent other countries from issuing passports to children who hold dual citizenship. Additionally, it cannot track the use of a passport once it has been issued.
How to Submit a CPIAP Request
Send the following items to Overseas Citizen Services – Children's Issues (contact information listed above):
Written and signed request.
Child’s birth certificate or other proof of parentage.
Any relevant court orders related to custody or guardianship.
How to Remove a Child from CPIAP
Only the parent or entity that initially requested the child's entry into CPIAP can request the child's removal from the program.
IMPORTANT: Keep Passport Services Updated
It is crucial that parents promptly notify Passport Services in writing of any changes to their contact information or legal representation. Failure to do so may result in a passport being issued for your child without your consent.
What if My Child Already Has a Passport?
You can still register your child’s name in the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program
(CPIAP), even if they already have a passport. This will ensure that the Department of State notifies you if a passport renewal application is submitted.
Note: The Department cannot revoke a passport that has already been issued.
Tracking Passport Use: There is no way to monitor a passport’s use, as the U.S. does not have exit controls for individuals leaving the country.
Concerned about abduction?
If you believe the other parent may attempt to remove your child from the U.S., you can ask the court to place the child’s passport in the court registry for safekeeping.
What if My Child Has a Passport from Another Country?
Many children at risk of international parental abduction hold dual citizenship. While the Department of State works to avoid issuing U.S. passports without the consent of both parents, it cannot prevent other countries from issuing passports to children who are also their nationals.
Steps You Can Take:
Contact the embassy or consulate of the other country in the U.S.
Provide a written request that the foreign government refrain from issuing a passport to your child.
Include certified copies of any relevant court orders regarding custody or travel restrictions.
Notify the embassy or consulate that you have also sent a copy of your request to the U.S. Department of State.
If your child is only a U.S. citizen, you can also request that no visa be issued in your child’s U.S. passport for travel to that country.
Important: There is no international law requiring foreign governments to honor these requests, but some may comply voluntarily.
Travel Warning: No Exit Controls in the U.S.
The United States does not conduct exit checks at its borders. This means:
Travelers leaving the U.S. are not required to present their passports or other travel documents upon departure.
If your child has a valid passport from any country, they may be able to leave the U.S. without your consent.
Make sure to act proactively to secure court orders and notify relevant agencies if there is a risk of abduction.