Can you get a passport with a felony?
Asked by: Mrs. Glenna O'Keefe Sr. | Last update: July 4, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (50 votes)
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 a convicted felon get a US 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 US 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 for 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 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 | Criminal Record
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; ...
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.
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 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.
What can hold you up from getting a passport?
- 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 I travel internationally if I have a felony?
Entry restrictions depend on several factors, including the following: Individuals sentenced to imprisonment for more than four years are generally denied entry. Those with recent convictions (within the past 12 months) or multiple offenses may face entry restrictions.
Is there jails on cruises?
Most cruise ships have a facility known as a “brig” or “holding cell.” These are small, secure rooms designed to detain passengers or crew members who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Can felons travel to Hawaii?
Having a criminal record does not automatically bar you from traveling to the US, including Hawaii. With the appropriate US Entry Waiver, you can legally enter the country and enjoy your trip without issues.
Can I go to Cancun with a felony conviction?
Mexico's immigration and travel laws are more forgiving than those in Canada. 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 countries don't do background checks?
- #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.
How long after a felony can you go to Canada?
You can be “deemed rehabilitated” if enough time has passed since your conviction, or since all conditions of your sentence have been met. The standard amount of time is 10 years. So if it has been 10 years or more since you committed a crime or completed a sentence for a crime, you may be able to enter Canada.