Can someone with a felony get a passport?

Asked by: Prof. Merle Hills IV  |  Last update: December 7, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (51 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 a US citizen with a felony get a passport?

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 disqualifies you from getting a U.S. 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)

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.

Can a felon travel to 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.)

How To Travel Internationally As A Convicted Felon, Live From Israel

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Can a felon go on a cruise?

Cruise Line Background Checks

As a result, you could be denied boarding if you are a sex offender or have a violent felony conviction on your record, such as for armed robbery.

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.

Can you go to the Bahamas with a felony?

The Bahamas does not accept Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) for entry. All U.S. Nationals who are currently on community supervision cannot enter the Bahamas, but can seek entry once their sentence is completed.

Does a passport show a criminal record?

Passports do not list information about a person's criminal record, including charges for driving under the influence (DUI). They typically only display personal information such as a person's name, date of birth, photograph, and passport number.

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 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.

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.

Do they take your birth certificate for a passport?

You must submit one of the following documents: U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements: Issued by the city, county, or state of birth. Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth.

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).

Does a DUI show up on your passport?

A DUI conviction itself does not appear on your passport because passports are identification documents, not criminal records. However, if your DUI resulted in legal restrictions—such as probation or being barred from leaving the country—this can indirectly impact your ability to use your passport.

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.

What felonies stop you from getting a passport?

Disqualifying Previous Convictions

Federal law (22 U.S. Code § 2714) prohibits issuing a passport to anyone convicted of international drug trafficking. This applies if the offense involved using a passport or crossing international borders while committing federal or other felony drug offenses.

What can deny 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 Border Patrol see expunged records?

Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) still have access to records that are sealed. Even if you have an expunged or sealed record, the U.S. government has access to that documentation and can see your records.

Can convicted felons go on a cruise?

Carnival is committed to a safe environment for our guests and crew and reserves the right to deny boarding to any persons convicted of certain crimes which may include but are not limited to; aggravated physical assault, sexual assault, and other sexual offenses, armed robbery and related offenses, and other violent ...

Can I travel to Mexico if I'm a felon?

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.”

Can felons 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.

What state doesn't do background checks?

Wyoming: Known for its individualistic approach, Wyoming does not mandate background checks in many scenarios, offering employers more freedom but also more responsibility in their hiring decisions. Montana: This state takes a similar approach, placing the onus on employers to decide when and how to conduct checks.

Can countries see your criminal record?

With the INTERPOL databases, “member countries” (countries that participate in and contribute to the databases) have access to criminal databases containing millions of records. If your home country is a member country with the INTERPOL databases, one of them may contain your criminal record.