Can a federal licence, like a passport or pilot's licence, be suspended for unpaid support?

Yes, pursuing suspension of a federal licence is one of the enforcement tools available to the Family Responsibility Office for persistent, unaddressed support default. A passport is the example most people are familiar with, but the underlying tool isn't limited to travel documents specifically; it's aimed at federally issued licences more broadly where a payor has ongoing arrears that haven't been resolved through other enforcement measures. This step follows notice to the payor and is generally reserved for sustained non-payment rather than a single missed payment.

This tool works alongside FRO's other options, including wage and bank account garnishment, property liens, licence suspension at the provincial level, and credit bureau reporting. For payors whose work or personal life depends on a federal licence, the practical impact can be significant, which is exactly why FRO gives notice and an opportunity to respond before pursuing suspension. Anyone facing potential suspension of a licence they depend on for work or travel should treat FRO's notice seriously and get advice quickly about paying the arrears, proposing a plan, or otherwise addressing the default before the suspension takes effect.