Can a felon get a TSA PreCheck?
Asked by: Vince Jaskolski | Last update: February 10, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (17 votes)
Yes, a felon can get TSA PreCheck, but it depends heavily on the type and recency of the felony, as some offenses permanently disqualify you (terrorism, espionage), while others might if they occurred within the last 7 years or if you were released from prison within the last 5 years (drug offenses, robbery, firearms). Each case is reviewed, and honesty on the application is crucial, but older, less severe felonies often don't prevent approval if you've stayed out of trouble since.
What criminal offenses disqualify you for TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck disqualifying offenses involve federal security violations like terrorism, espionage, treason, making bomb threats, interfering with flight crews, and bringing prohibited items (firearms, explosives) to airports, with suspensions ranging from temporary (e.g., 5 years for a first offense) to permanent for severe or repeated violations. Convictions for serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, fraud, drug trafficking, and certain weapon offenses also disqualify applicants, alongside more specific aviation-related crimes like aircraft piracy or hazardous material transport violations, notes the TSA and legal sources, and official regulations.
Can I get TSA PreCheck if I'm a felon?
A conviction for one of the following felonies is disqualifying if you were convicted within seven years of the date of the application, or were released from incarceration within five years of the date of the application: Unlawful possession, use, or sale of a firearm or other weapon. Extortion.
Who cannot qualify for TSA PreCheck?
If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...
Does TSA know if you are a felon?
Their screening is about what you bring onto a flight, not about your legal background. TSA officers are not law‑enforcement agents. They do not carry weapons, and they do not arrest people. Their job is to screen for items that could threaten flight safety, not to enforce warrants.
Can You Get TSA Precheck With A Felony? - CountyOffice.org
What countries can I not travel to if I have a felony?
Felons face restrictions entering countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, the UK, and China, with rules varying by the country and crime's severity (e.g., Canada denies entry for DUIs; UK blocks sentences over a year). Taiwan also restricts entry for those with criminal records. Always check the specific immigration website for your destination, as policies depend on your record's nature, age, and the country's security concerns.
Who is ineligible for TSA PreCheck?
The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.
What background check does TSA PreCheck do?
Criminal History Background Checks
This information includes arrest and conviction information for all criminal arrest submissions and a specific segment of non-criminal records (i.e. applicants processed for fingerprints for criminal justice employment, some military, etc.).
Can you get Global Entry with a felony?
Felony convictions are among the most serious offenses and typically result in automatic disqualification from Global Entry. Felonies include a wide range of crimes, such as: Murder.
What is a disqualifying offense?
"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.
How long does a felony stay on your record in the US?
A felony conviction typically stays on your U.S. criminal record indefinitely, creating a permanent history, but specific states offer remedies like expungement or sealing after waiting periods (often 7+ years) and meeting strict criteria, though serious or violent felonies are often ineligible. Options depend heavily on your state, the crime's severity, and your behavior since, with some "Clean Slate" laws automatically sealing records.
Can felons get TSA clear?
Programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR require background checks and are only available to low-risk travelers. A conviction (especially for a felony) may disqualify you from these services, which means: Longer wait times at airport security.
How far back does TSA do a background check?
In most cases, the TSA background check looks back seven years into your criminal, financial, and employment history. However, this can vary depending on the severity of the offense.
How far back does a PreCheck background check go?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
Can you fly if you're a felon?
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).
Does a felony disqualify you from 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. These conditions include: Your criminal behavior and conviction are not recent. Your crime was an isolated incident.
What countries can you not travel if you have a felony?
Felons face restrictions entering countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, the UK, and China, with rules varying by the country and crime's severity (e.g., Canada denies entry for DUIs; UK blocks sentences over a year). Taiwan also restricts entry for those with criminal records. Always check the specific immigration website for your destination, as policies depend on your record's nature, age, and the country's security concerns.
Does your criminal record show up when your passport is scanned?
No, scanning your passport doesn't instantly display your full criminal record, but it does allow border officials to access linked law enforcement databases (like the NCIC for the U.S.) where criminal history, warrants, and watchlists are stored; a flag or alert can trigger deeper checks, potentially revealing offenses like DUIs or security threats, leading to further questioning or denial of entry, especially for non-citizens.
Do felons qualify for a passport?
A felon can get a U.S. passport once they've completed their full sentence (including probation/parole), resolved all legal obligations (like warrants or child support over $2,500), and aren't barred by specific severe crimes like international drug trafficking, though waiting periods (sometimes 5-10 years post-sentence) may apply, especially for drug-related felonies. The key is fulfilling all court-ordered requirements and having no pending legal issues, with the passport being a citizenship document, not a character certificate.
Who cannot get TSA PreCheck?
PERMANENT DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
- Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage.
- Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition.
- Treason or conspiracy to commit treason.
- A federal crime of terrorism as defined in 18 U.S.C. ...
- A crime involving a TSI (transportation security incident).
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.
Can I get TSA PreCheck if I have a criminal record?
The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.
Does anyone get denied TSA PreCheck?
Recurrent vetting for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members also tends to involve checking members' criminal records. Being convicted of a crime could cause membership to be suspended or revoked, as could having any pending criminal charges or arrest warrants.
Why do Republicans want to get rid of the TSA?
Republicans largely want to abolish the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) to replace it with a privatized system, arguing it's an inefficient, intrusive, and wasteful federal bureaucracy that fails security tests, infringes on privacy, and creates long lines, while privatization could offer better accountability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness through competition, with federal oversight remaining.
What documents do you need to get TSA PreCheck?
For TSA PreCheck enrollment, you need original documents proving your identity and citizenship/legal status, such as a valid U.S. Passport OR a Driver's License (REAL ID compliant) and a Birth Certificate, plus your Social Security Number (card not needed) and payment, with originals required at your in-person appointment for fingerprints and a photo.