How to collect unpaid child support in Oklahoma
How unpaid support is collected, interest and license rules, and a free letter asking the agency to enforce.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
Arrears means child support that is past due. 2% per year on court-ordered past-due child support, from the date each payment became late.
- Interest on unpaid support
- 2% a year
- License suspension
- Unpaid support equal to at least 90 days of support, or not following a payment plan or insurance order for 90 days
- Passport denial
- Over $2,500 past due (federal law)
Collection tools in Oklahoma
Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it:
- Income withholding from wages, unemployment, workers' compensation and retirement
- Passport denial
- Credit bureau reporting
- Tax refund intercept
- Seizing bank accounts, lottery winnings and insurance proceeds
- Court-ordered payment plan on arrears
- Driver's, professional and recreational license revocation
- Contempt of court, including jail as a last resort
Law: 43 O.S. 115, 139.1
Ask the agency in writing to collect what is owed: Ask the agency to collect unpaid support
Tools that work in every state
- Tax refunds. The federal government can take a federal tax refund to pay past-due child support. Law: 42 U.S.C. 664
- Passports. A parent who owes more than $2,500 in past-due support can be refused a passport. Law: 42 U.S.C. 652(k)
- Pay withholding limit. For support, up to 50% of take-home pay can be withheld if the parent supports another spouse or child, or 60% if not. It is 55% or 65% when support is more than 12 weeks behind. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1673(b)
- Past-due support. Each unpaid payment becomes a judgment on the day it is due. It can't be lowered later, except back to the date the other parent got notice of a request to change the order. Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)
Licenses in Oklahoma
Unpaid support equal to at least 90 days of support, or not following a payment plan or insurance order for 90 days
Law: 43 O.S. 139.1
When the court steps in, in Oklahoma
When a case meets criteria, CSS can file a contempt action asking a district judge to make the parent pay; jail is a last resort.
Interest on unpaid support in Oklahoma
2% per year on court-ordered past-due child support, from the date each payment became late.
Law: 43 O.S. 114
In nearby states
- Arkansas: 10% a year
- Texas: 6% a year
- Missouri: 12% a year
- Mississippi: 8% a year
What to do now in Oklahoma
Write down every payment
A simple list of payments received and missed helps the agency.
Ask the agency to enforce
Contact Oklahoma Human Services, Child Support Services (CSS) ((405) 522-2273) · Apply online
Tell the agency about income
Tell the agency where the other parent works or lives.
Check the balance
Ask the agency for the total owed, with any interest.
Get help
Ask for free help: Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma.
Where to get free help in Oklahoma
Questions about unpaid support in Oklahoma
How is unpaid child support collected in Oklahoma?
Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it: Income withholding from wages, unemployment, workers' compensation and retirement; Passport denial; Credit bureau reporting; Tax refund intercept; Seizing bank accounts, lottery winnings and insurance proceeds; Court-ordered payment plan on arrears; Driver's, professional and recreational license revocation; Contempt of court, including jail as a last resort.
Can a license be suspended for unpaid child support in Oklahoma?
Unpaid support equal to at least 90 days of support, or not following a payment plan or insurance order for 90 days
Can a parent be held in contempt for not paying in Oklahoma?
When a case meets criteria, CSS can file a contempt action asking a district judge to make the parent pay; jail is a last resort.
What is the interest rate on arrears in Oklahoma?
2% per year on court-ordered past-due child support, from the date each payment became late.