Can you get a US passport if you have a criminal record?

Asked by: Prof. Paul Kerluke IV  |  Last update: February 12, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (17 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.

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 you travel outside the US with a criminal record?

Having a criminal record can impact your ability to travel internationally. Certain countries, including Canada and the United States, may refuse entry to individuals with criminal convictions. Understanding the entry rules of the country you plan to visit is crucial to avoid any travel disruptions.

Can you get a passport with a suspended license?

Decoding the Suspended License Dilemma

For instance, a suspension due to a first-time DUI might not impede your ability to obtain a passport. However, more severe offenses, particularly those classified as felonies, could lead to application denial.

CAN I GET A PASSPORT WITH A FELONY ARREST RECORD | HOW TO GET YOUR US PASSPORT | CRIMINAL RECORD

18 related questions found

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.

Can I fly in the US with a suspended license?

Make sure you have the correct proof of identification before attempting to fly. While you can fly with a suspended license, a license may not be enough if you don't have proper REAL ID certifications. Arriving at the airport without proper documentation can disrupt your travel plans.

What crimes prevent you from getting a passport?

Applying for a US Passport with a Criminal History
  • Federal law (22 U.S. Code § 2714) prohibits issuing a passport to anyone convicted of international drug trafficking. ...
  • Individuals with felony convictions for trafficking minors or “sex tourism” offenses are also unlikely to receive a US passport.

What countries don't do criminal 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.

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 DUI show up on your passport?

Passports do not list information about a person's criminal record, including charges for driving under the influence (DUI).

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 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.

What are 2 requirements to receive a US passport?

What do you need to get a passport?
  • Original proof of citizenship - Learn about what qualifies as primary citizenship evidence or what secondary evidence may qualify if you do not have primary evidence.
  • An acceptable photo ID.
  • A photocopy of both your citizenship document and photo ID.

What is the passport denial program?

The Passport Denial Program helps child support agencies collect from noncustodial parents who owe more than $2,500 in past-due child support. A noncustodial parent whose support debt meets the criteria for certification receives a Pre-Offset Notice that explains the process.

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.

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 a convicted felon leave the US?

Can I travel abroad with a criminal conviction? Yes, you may leave the United States if you are not currently under supervision. However, you must check with the Country in which you want to travel to. That County's Customs and Immigration Laws will determine if you are able to safely enter.

What will stop you from getting a US 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.

Do they do a criminal background check for a passport?

There is no question about criminal history on the application for a passport, but one thing a person needs to keep in mind is that a passport is simply a form of international identification. It allows a person to get back into the U.S. but does not allow entry into a foreign country.

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.

Can I fly if I don't have a driver's license?

Many of the alternatives are federal IDs, like a US passport or passport card (yes, they work to board domestic flights, too!). You can also use an ID card from a federal “trusted traveler” program. These include Global Entry cards or those for the NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST programs.

Can I travel out of state with a suspended license?

Yes, at least temporarily. In the USA, each individual state honors licenses to drive issued by sister states. This allows you to drive in states other than your home state even though you don't have a license in that particular state.

Can you still use a suspended license as ID?

A suspended license is still considered a valid id as long as it has not expired. However, if your license is taken, you may want to go to your local DMV and request identification (ID) card. Any U.S. citizen can obtain an ID card. In California, an ID card is valid for six years.