Can a felon get a government security clearance?

Asked by: Filiberto Auer  |  Last update: February 18, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

Yes, a felon can get a government security clearance, but it's significantly harder, as a felony is a major disqualifying factor, though not an automatic denial; clearance depends on mitigating factors like the crime's recency, severity, evidence of rehabilitation (e.g., education, job training), honesty during the process, and whether it was an isolated incident, with serious offenses like espionage or treason being nearly impossible to overcome.

Can I get government clearance with a felony?

The older the conviction, the less likely it is to affect your ability to obtain a security clearance. Any person convicted of a felony cannot obtain or renew a security clearance unless you are granted a waiver due to mitigating conditions of your conviction.

What disqualifies you from a government clearance?

Security clearance disqualifiers center on vulnerability to coercion, with major red flags including drug involvement, significant financial problems, a history of dishonesty, certain criminal conduct (especially violent or fraud-related), and questionable foreign influence, but the biggest automatic disqualifier is lying or omitting information on the application itself. While past issues can often be mitigated with honesty and improvement, current illegal drug use or deliberate deception is almost always disqualifying. 

Can a convicted felon be a security officer?

State-by-State Differences. California: The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) may deny a guard card to applicants with felony convictions, but allows for appeals and rehabilitation evidence.

Can a felon hold a government job?

Yes, you can work for the Federal Government if you have a criminal record and were formerly incarcerated. People with criminal records are eligible to apply to most federal jobs, however there are some exceptions.

Can A Convicted Felon Get A Security Clearance? - SecurityFirstCorp.com

25 related questions found

What is the hardest background check to pass?

The hardest background checks are typically US government security clearances (especially Top Secret/SCI) and those for high-level law enforcement, involving deep dives into criminal, financial (credit), employment, and personal history (interviews with associates) via extensive forms like the SF-86, far exceeding standard employment screening. These checks scrutinize all life aspects for integrity, reliability, and potential security risks, often requiring disclosure of past drug use, financial issues, and undisclosed criminal records, making them incredibly difficult to pass if issues exist. 

What jobs are off limits to felons?

While there's no universal "forbidden" list, felons often face significant barriers in jobs requiring licenses (teaching, law, healthcare), government roles (police, security clearance), finance (banking, trading), transportation (pilots, conductors), and any position involving vulnerable populations (children, elderly), with restrictions varying by state and the nature of the conviction, especially for crimes related to honesty, violence, or substance abuse. 

What is the best career path for a felon?

Good jobs for felons are often in high-demand, hands-on industries like skilled trades (construction, welding, HVAC), transportation (trucking, delivery), food service (cooking, kitchen staff), manufacturing & warehousing (forklift operator, assembly), and the gig/freelance economy (writing, web development), focusing on performance-based roles and companies with second-chance hiring, as many large corporations and startups value work ethic over past mistakes.
 

Can a felon go to the national guard?

Felons and individuals with multiple convictions cannot join, but waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions.

What will fail me on a DBS check?

The UK government website has a list of specified offences. There are over 1,000 but the most common ones are of a violent or sexual nature or relate to safeguarding of adults or children. If you were cautioned for one of these offences when you were aged 18 or under, it can be removed from your DBS check.

How far back do they check for security clearance?

The SF-86 form requests information back 7 years for employment and residence; however, to comply with the investigative standards, 10 years is required.

What will get you denied a security clearance?

Security clearance disqualifiers center on vulnerability to coercion, with major red flags including drug involvement, significant financial problems, a history of dishonesty, certain criminal conduct (especially violent or fraud-related), and questionable foreign influence, but the biggest automatic disqualifier is lying or omitting information on the application itself. While past issues can often be mitigated with honesty and improvement, current illegal drug use or deliberate deception is almost always disqualifying. 

What is the background check for a government security clearance?

The security clearance process typically includes a FBI reference check of former employers, coworkers, friends, neighbors, landlords, and schools along with a review of credit, tax, and police records.

Can a felon work for the CIA?

Having a single felony is considered a significant disqualifier by the CIA and you're unlikely to get a security clearance. Multiple felonies is a no times whatever number of felonies you have. These types of things cause the Department of State to question your ability to follow regulations and rules.

Can a convicted felon get clear?

No, felony convictions do not automatically disappear after any time period. They remain permanently on your criminal record unless you successfully petition for expungement, sealing, or receive a pardon.

Can a felon pass a federal background check?

An arrest or conviction record is not an automatic disqualifier for most jobs with the federal government or federal contractors. With only certain exceptions, a federal government agency or a federal contractor may not ask whether you have a criminal record until after they have made you a conditional job offer.

Can you work for USPS with a felony?

It is Postal Service policy to evaluate the employability of each applicant with a criminal conviction record individually. The fact that an applicant has a criminal conviction record is not sufficient to disqualify that applicant from postal employment.

Does any military branch accept felons?

Felonies are the most serious category of criminal offenses and are generally a significant barrier to enlistment. Across all branches of the military, felony convictions are typically disqualifying, unless a waiver is obtained.

What jobs can felons not get?

While there's no universal "forbidden" list, felons often face significant barriers in jobs requiring licenses (teaching, law, healthcare), government roles (police, security clearance), finance (banking, trading), transportation (pilots, conductors), and any position involving vulnerable populations (children, elderly), with restrictions varying by state and the nature of the conviction, especially for crimes related to honesty, violence, or substance abuse. 

What state hires felons the most?

These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons

  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • Nevada.
  • New Hampshire.
  • New Mexico.
  • New York.
  • Texas.
  • Washington.

What is the highest paying job for a felon?

12 highest-paying jobs for people with criminal records

  • Digital marketer. ...
  • Freelance designer. ...
  • Painter. ...
  • Maintenance worker. ...
  • Entrepreneur. ...
  • Web developer. ...
  • Truck driver. ...
  • Barber.

Does the FBI hire felons?

FBI Eligibility

To be eligible for employment, you must adhere to the following guidelines prior to application consideration: Be a U.S. citizen. Public record must be in good standing with no felony convictions.

What's the best trade for a felon?

While getting a job depends on various factors, some industries are more open to hiring individuals with a record: Construction and skilled trades: Carpenters, plumbers, welders, and electricians are in demand, and employers often focus on skills and experience.