Can you get a passport with warrants?
Asked by: Kathryn Shields DVM | Last update: March 18, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (26 votes)
The Department of State can refuse a passport application if a person has: An outstanding warrant for a federal felony. An outstanding state or local warrant for a felony. A court order or other imposed legal condition that forbids departure from the United States.
Can you get a passport with a local warrant?
Additional Charges that Can Lead to a Passport Denial
You may have outstanding traffic fines that won't affect your passport approval. However, your passport can be denied if you have an outstanding warrant for a local, state, or federal felony offense.
What would disqualify you from getting a passport?
- 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 the airport see if you have warrants?
Connection with Law Enforcement – While TSA itself isn't looking for warrants, if they encounter a situation requiring local law enforcement (like a dispute, suspicious behavior, or detected prohibited items), the police called to the scene may run your information and discover the warrant.
Can you fly if you have warrants?
Yes, you can technically fly with a bench warrant, especially on domestic flights, as the TSA does not specifically check for warrants. However, it is risky because any encounter with law enforcement, such as during a security incident or a routine check, could lead to the discovery of the warrant and your arrest.
Things That Disqualify You From Getting a Passport
Does customs check for warrants?
Many travelers wonder if CBP is alerted when an inbound passenger has a warrant for their arrest issued. Yes, CBP is alerted.
What does TSA see when they scan your ID?
An agent will review your name, photo, address and date of birth, then cross-check to see that the information on your travel documents matches your ID. Keep in mind that the Real ID Act is now in effect, and it aims to deter terrorists' ability to use fake or fraudulently obtained IDs.
Can I go to Mexico with a warrant?
A: Traveling to Mexico with a bench warrant for simple battery is highly risky. If you attempt to leave the country, you may be detained at the border or upon your return, which could lead to more serious legal complications.
Do airports run background checks on passengers?
The Transportation Security Administration is expanding its screening of passengers before they arrive at the airport by searching a wide array of government and private databases that can include records like car registrations and employment information.
Who is banned from getting a passport?
(g) The Department shall not issue a passport card to an applicant who is a covered sex offender as defined in 22 U.S.C. 212b(c)(1). § 51.61 Denial of passports to certain convicted drug traffickers. (4) Any state law involving the manufacture, distribution, or possession of a controlled substance.
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.
What felonies cannot get a passport?
If a person has a conviction for trafficking drugs across country borders, then he or she cannot get a passport. It is also not allowed for anyone who owes more than $2,500 in outstanding child support or specific government loans.
What is a non-extraditable warrant?
If the warrant is non-extraditable and you're picked up in another state you will be released. If the warrant is extraditable you will be arrested and held in custody until the “issuing State” transports you. Whether or not a warrant is extraditable is decided at the time the warrant is issued.
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.
How do you know if your passport is flagged?
Extended questioning can be a sign that you've been flagged for further inspection. Secondary Inspection: If you're directed to secondary inspection upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, it could indicate that you've been flagged for additional scrutiny.
Do airports check for warrants?
In general, the TSA does not actively search for warrants on travelers. Their role is not to enforce criminal law or police civil aviation, but to manage risks and ensure flight safety.
Do ID scanners show warrants?
When law enforcement “runs” your ID, if the officer wants it to, it can reveal wants, warrants and criminal history.
Can you leave the US with a warrant?
A fugitive warrant is more severe and roughly challenging to deal with. It is issued when an accused (who may or may not be convicted) is wanted by another State or country. Such a warrant (Fugitive) can disqualify you from having a passport, so traveling internationally and locally as well.
What shows up when you scan ID?
Some of the components that an ID scanner analyzes include the first and last name, home address, birthdate, hair color, height, date issued, ID number, and more. There are three main steps that ID scanners need to go through.
Will TSA pull out my vape?
No, TSA will not confiscate your vaping device. They may need to see it out of your luggage depending on screening protocols, but if it is packed safely, it will be returned to you with the rest of your luggage.
Can you go on a cruise with a warrant?
Could you go? Not legally. Your problem would be on your return. Unless you did an all US ports cruise, you'd need to go through customs.
Do FBI background checks show warrants?
An FBI background check typically shows the following information: Criminal charges, convictions, and incarceration. Bankruptcies. Outstanding warrants.
Can immigration see warrants?
Whether the immigration and customs officers at each port of entry check for warrants is a matter of their national policy. Of those that do check, they will typically have access only to their own country's warrant files.