Can a felon get a passport?

Asked by: Garrick Dooley  |  Last update: April 2, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (10 votes)

According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.

Can a US citizen with a felony get a passport?

Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.

How long does a felon have to wait to get a passport?

For some crimes like drug trafficking, a 5-10 year waiting period may be required before getting a passport. This allows for a “cooling off” period to elapse. Other felony convictions don't have defined waiting periods. But typically, the longer it's been since finishing your sentence, the better chances of approval.

What disqualifies a person from getting a passport?

Some reasons to deny a passport include: A valid, unsealed federal warrant of arrest. A federal or state criminal court order. A condition of parole or probation forbidding departure from the United States (or the jurisdiction of the court)

Can a felon go to Cancun, Mexico?

Mexico Law: Convicted Felons Can Be Denied Entry

The traveler later explains: “The authorities took my boyfriend into the immigration office and told him he would not be allowed to come into the country based on a felony charge on his record from when he was 16 years old.” (This incident was 12 years later.)

CAN I GET A PASSPORT WITH A FELONY ARREST RECORD | HOW TO GET YOUR US PASSPORT | CRIMINAL RECORD

37 related questions found

Can felons go to the Bahamas?

All U.S. Nationals who are currently on community supervision cannot enter the Bahamas, but can seek entry once their sentence is completed.

What convictions stop you from entering Mexico?

Serious crimes include, among others: manslaughter; terrorism and international terrorism; sabotage; piracy; genocide; prison break; attacks on public thoroughfares; drug-related crimes; corruption of minors; child pornography; exploitation of minors; falsifying and counterfeit of currency; rape; highway robbery; ...

What crimes prevent passport?

Offenses that may prevent the issuance of a passport include any violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act or the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, plus any violation of state law that prohibits the possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances.

Do passports do background checks?

When someone applies for a US passport, they will do background checks before issuing the passport. What do they check. Customer: When someone applies for a US passport, they will do background checks before issuing the passport.

Can felons go on cruises?

Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. Cruisers would not usually be denied entry to the cruise unless they had been convicted of violent crimes such as physical and/or sexual assault.

Can a felon go to Jamaica?

Caribbean. Most Caribbean nations, excluding Jamaica, will not limit entry for those with criminal records. But Jamaica will not allow those with a felony conviction to enter their country. Given the differing treatment, it's best to research a destination's country-specific laws and regulations before traveling there.

Can a felon join the military?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

Can you fly with a felony charge?

Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).

Do you need a passport to go to the Bahamas?

U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, such as a U.S. passport card.

Can a felon move to another country?

Convicted felons may face travel restrictions that limit their ability to move freely. However, in most cases, felons that have served their sentence can enter other countries, assuming they have a valid passport. There are several exceptions, with some countries explicitly prohibiting felons from going abroad.

What documents do I need for a U.S. passport?

Get a photo ID (and a photocopy)
  • Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card.
  • In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo.
  • Certificate of Naturalization.
  • Certificate of Citizenship.
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)

What's the difference between a passport card and a passport book?

Passport Book: Valid for all domestic travel as well as international travel by air, sea or land. Passport Card: Valid for all domestic travel including when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.

Do you need a passport to go to Mexico?

To enter Mexico, you must have the following documents: 1. A valid passport or travel document. There is no need for a minimum period of validity of the passport (for example 6 months); but this document must be valid during the length of your stay in Mexico.

Do you get a refund if your passport is denied?

We cannot refund the passport application fee and the execution fee. By law, we collect both fees and keep them even if a passport is not issued.

Can felons go to Mexico?

According to the State Department, “Mexican law permits Mexican immigration authorities to deny foreigners entry into Mexico if they have been charged with or convicted of a serious crime in Mexico or elsewhere.”

What can hold you up from getting a passport?

However, certain factors can invalidate a passport application, including:
  • Outstanding child support payment of $2,500 or more. ...
  • Seriously delinquent tax debt (via notification from the Secretary of the Treasury) ...
  • Unsealed federal warrant for the applicant's arrest.
  • Federal or state court order.

Can I get a passport if I have a felony?

Having a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from getting a passport. The State Department typically only denies passports for specific reasons like: Owing $2,500+ in child support. Being subject to sex offender registration requirements.

Can felons go on a cruise to Mexico?

The short answer is: just about anywhere. It's easier to explain where you can't cruise with a felony or other criminal conviction. The major cruise destinations that might not allow you into their countries if you have a criminal record are Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.

What countries don't do background checks?

Worried You Won't Pass The Background Check? In These 5 Countries You Can Qualify For Residency Without One
  • #1: Mexico. Adobe Stock/lunamarina. Residency in Mexico is fast and easy. ...
  • #2: Chile. Adobe Stock/Loïc Bourgeois. ...
  • #3: Colombia. Adobe Stock/Braeden. ...
  • #4: Italy. Adobe Stock/Jag_cz. ...
  • #5: Peru. Adobe Stock/sharptoyou.