Can a felon with a gun charge get a passport?

Asked by: Graham Schowalter MD  |  Last update: December 14, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (3 votes)

If you have received a felony conviction and have served out your sentence, including any parole or supervised release, then in most cases, you will be eligible to apply for a US passport.

Can I get a passport with a felony charge?

Who can and cannot get a passport? 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.

What would disqualify you 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)
  • A request for extradition.

Can you travel internationally with a pending felony charge?

If you face criminal charges, you may be restricted from traveling out of state or internationally. You may need to obtain permission from the court to travel, and you will be required to comply with any conditions set by the court, including adhering to the specific criminal laws of the jurisdiction you are in.

Can you travel to Europe with a felony?

Can felons visit Europe? Yes, felons can visit Europe once they've served their term.

Can I Get A Passport With A Felony Arrest Record | Criminal Record

16 related questions found

Can you go to Spain with a felony conviction?

Spain does not refuse entry to those convicted of minor offenses. Travelers with a recent criminal history are less likely to gain entry.

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).

What happens if you flee the country on felony charges?

Extradition From the U.S. to Another Country

If someone is suspected of committing a crime, they may try and leave the country to avoid a trial or punishment. However, if they go to a country that has an extradition agreement with the United States, they may find themselves turned over to U.S. custody.

Can a US felon visit the UK?

General rules for entry clearance

Those seeking permission to enter the UK will normally be refused if they have previously been convicted of a criminal offence punishable by at least 12 months imprisonment.

Can a pending felony be dropped?

A felony charge may be dropped before trial if new evidence comes to light proving innocence or casting reasonable doubt. It may also occur if the prosecutor decides the case is too weak to lead to a conviction.

What can stop you getting a passport UK?

For example, you may not get a new passport (or your existing passport may be taken from you) if:
  • you're suspected of a serious crime and an arrest warrant has been issued.
  • a court order stops you having a UK passport or restricts your travel.
  • you're on bail and bail conditions mean you cannot leave the UK.

What crimes disqualify you from global entry?

Here are some key examples of disqualifying criminal convictions:
  • Felony Convictions. ...
  • Drug-Related Offenses. ...
  • Crimes Involving Fraud or Deception. ...
  • Theft and Property Crimes. ...
  • Domestic Violence and Assault. ...
  • DUI and DWI Convictions. ...
  • Sex Offenses. ...
  • Immigration Violations.

Can a convicted felon own a gun?

California Penal Code 29800 PC imposes a lifetime ban on gun ownership or control by convicted felons. It applies to anyone convicted of a felony in any state or country.

What will stop you from getting a passport?

If you've failed to make payments on a loan from the Department of State you would need to pay it off before sending in your application. Certain court orders, being convicted of a felony, or if you're wanted on an arrest warrant, can also result in a passport denial.

Can a convicted felon go on a cruise?

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 convicted felon 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.

Can felons live in the UK?

#4: United Kingdom

Those with recent convictions (within the past 12 months) or multiple offenses may face entry restrictions. Under the Visa Waiver Program, visitors must disclose their criminal history, and the UK authorities will assess their admissibility on a case-by-case basis.

What convictions stop entry to the UK?

the person has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas for which they have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more. the person is a persistent offender who shows a particular disregard for the law. the person has committed a criminal offence, or offences which have caused serious harm.

What makes you a fugitive?

A fugitive from justice refers to someone being charged with committing a crime but is avoiding punishment by fleeing or hiding from law enforcement. The fugitive from justice charge is placed on some when they are actively avoiding arrest, or they have escaped from police custody.

Can you go out of country with a felony?

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 crimes prevent you from leaving the country?

In general it is very difficult, if not impossible, to travel to any country if you have a record of convictions for violent or sexual crimes, repeated convictions for felonies, or a recent conviction for a serious crime.

What is the best country for a felon to live in?

1) Marshall islands or Micronesia. Buy flight on credit, do farm or whatever labor you can to eat while you get booted. No visa needed to live or work. 2) Some nations such as Argentina have effectively no immigration enforcement.

Do airports check for felony warrants?

TSA's Role – The primary objective of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is to ensure passenger safety by screening for threats like weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items. They do not actively search for individuals with arrest warrants.

Can I go to Canada if I had a felony 20 years ago?

Can Felons Travel to Canada? Canada has one of the toughest borders in the entire world. Unfortunately, this means that an American with a felony record will typically have difficulty traveling there. Even a single conviction from a long time ago can result in a felon being denied entry by Canada.