How Ohio Collects Unpaid Child Support: Wage Garnishment, License Suspension and Passport Denial
If you don’t pay child support in Ohio, a default at one month of support starts a notice, a 14-day hearing window, income withholding, liens and license suspension steps, and lump sums of $150 or more can be intercepted.
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Ohio?
When a default is identified the agency investigates your employment and assets (3123.02), the state sends a default notice within 15 days (3123.03), and you have 14 days to ask for an administrative hearing on whether the notice contains a mistake of fact; the hearing must be held within 10 days (3123.04). After a final default finding, the court or agency issues withholding or deduction notices or other court orders (3123.06).
How much can Ohio take from my paycheck?
Withholding must start within 14 business days after the notice is mailed to the payor, and the amount covers support plus arrears but cannot exceed the federal limit (3121.03): 50% or 60%, and 55% or 65% for support more than 12 weeks overdue (15 U.S.C. 1673(b)).
| If the person | Limit | If support is more than 12 weeks overdue |
|---|---|---|
| Supporting a spouse or another child | 50% | 55% |
| Not supporting a spouse or another child | 60% | 65% |
Can they take lump sums?
Yes. When the payor notifies the agency of a lump sum of $150 or more owed to you, and you are in default or owe arrears, the agency orders the lump sum, or enough of it to pay the arrears, sent to the state office; if you owe nothing, it is released to you (3121.12).
Can I lose a license?
After a final default determination the agency can notify licensing boards, which will not issue or renew licenses and will suspend them (3123.44). A similar process applies to the registrar of motor vehicles, which bars issuing or renewing a driver’s license and imposes a class F suspension (3123.55), and to hunting and fishing licenses (3123.62).
Is there a lien?
The arrearage found in default and later current support that becomes arrears are a lien on all personal property, including after-acquired property, and on real property once the lien is filed with the county recorder (3123.67).
What does the default notice say?
It summarizes the actions that may be taken against you if the court or agency makes a final and enforceable determination that you are in default (3123.03). Read it before the 14-day hearing deadline runs.
What about passports?
If a state agency certifies that a person owes child support arrearages of more than $2,500, federal law requires refusal of a passport (42 U.S.C. 652(k)). The Ohio arrears calculator warns when the unpaid principal passes that figure.
What should you do if you owe?
Respond to every notice within 14 days, ask for a hearing if the notice is wrong, add up the balance in the Ohio child support arrears calculator and, if your circumstances changed, file a petition to modify right away.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Ohio?
A default notice, income withholding, liens, license and driver's license steps can follow.
How much of my paycheck can Ohio take for child support?
No more than the federal limits: 50% or 60%, and 55% or 65% for support more than 12 weeks overdue.
How long do I have to contest an Ohio default notice?
Fourteen days to request an administrative hearing, on mistake of fact only.
Can Ohio take my bonus for child support?
A lump sum of $150 or more is intercepted for arrears when you are in default.
When can the passport of an Ohio parent who owes child support be denied?
When arrears above $2,500 are certified under federal law.
Official sources
- ORC 3121.01: definition of default
- ORC 3123.17: default findings and interest
- ORC 1343.03: interest rate
- ORC 3123.03: default notice
- ORC 3123.04: hearing on mistake of fact
- ORC 3123.67: lien
- ORC 3123.55: driver’s license notice
- ORC 3123.44: license notice
- ORC 3121.12: lump sum payments
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Ohio statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Ohio attorney.