Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program

Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP)

The Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) is a free service that allows the U.S. Department of State to alert a parent or legal guardian when someone applies for a U.S. passport for their child. It’s one of the most effective tools for helping prevent international parental child abduction. 

Enroll Your Child in CPIAP Now

To enroll your child, complete these steps: 

1. Download and complete the CPIAP request form, DS-3077 (PDF) — one form per child.  

2. Gather required documents

  • Proof of your identity: a driver’s license, U.S. passport, or other government-issued ID with photo and signature.  
  • Proof of your legal relationship to the child: 
    • Child’s birth certificate, 
    • Custody or guardianship court orders, 
    • Adoption decree, affidavit of paternity, or similar legal documents. 

3. Submit your form and documents: 

Email (faster): PreventAbduction1@state.gov 
Mail: U.S. Department of State  
Office of Children’s Issues – CPIAP
CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709 

4. Keep your information up to date 

To help us protect your child, please tell us right away if:  

  • Your phone number, email, or mailing address changes 
  • There are new legal documents (like court orders, custody changes, or protective orders) 
  • To update your information you can email us or call: 1-888-407-4747

What You Need to Know About CPIAP Enrollment

Who can be enrolled? 

Only U.S. citizens under the age of 18 are eligible for this program.  

Your child will automatically be removed from CPIAP when the child reaches the age of 18. If your child is under 18 and you no longer want to be told about their passport applications, send a copy of your photo ID and a notarized written request. The request can be mailed or emailed and must include the child’s name and date of birth.  

Who can request that a child be enrolled?  

  • A parent or legal guardian,  
  • Law enforcement,  
  • A court
  • Child Protective Services, or  
  • Someone acting legally on behalf of a parent, such as an attorney or family member 
What CPIAP Can Do What CPIAP Can’t Do

After your child is enrolled in CPIAP: 

We monitor passport applications for the child.  

  • If someone applies for a passport, we will contact the enrolling parent or guardian.  
  • We check if the required two-parent consent has been given.  
  • We will let you know if any U.S. passports already exist for the child. 
Note: Enrolling parents can still apply for a passport while the child is enrolled in CPIAP. 

It’s important to understand the limits of CPIAP: 

  • We cannot block the issuance of foreign passports. 
  • We cannot prevent a child from traveling internationally once they have a valid passport with CPIAP alone. 
  • We cannot guarantee that the issuance of a U.S. passport will be stopped. 
  • We do not monitor passport renewals or applications for foreign citizenship documents. 

If your child has citizenship in another country (dual nationality), the U.S.

Keep Your Information Up to Date

To help us protect your child, please tell us right away if: 

  • Your contact information changes 
  • There are new legal documents (like court orders or protective orders) 

To update your information
Email: PreventAbduction1@state.gov
Call: 1-888-407-4747

Last Updated: January 14, 2026