Do they check for warrants when applying for a passport?
Asked by: Era Rippin | Last update: July 2, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (34 votes)
As part of the passport application process, you will be asked to answer questions about outstanding legal issues, including outstanding warrants.
Can you get a passport if you have 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.
Do airports look up warrants?
Airports are high-security zones where passengers undergo thorough checks for safety and national security reasons. But do airports check for warrants? Generally, security personnel at airports and airport security officials themselves do not specifically check for outstanding warrants.
What crimes prevent passports?
Offenses that may prevent the issuance of a passport include any violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act or the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, plus any violation of state law that prohibits the possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances.
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.
Things That Disqualify You From Getting a Passport
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)
Can I apply for a passport while on probation?
654. IMPORTANT! GET PERMISSION FROM YOUR PAROLE OR PROBATION OFFICER TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT OR TRAVEL: If you are on supervision (like parole or probation), you MUST get permission from your parole or probation officer if you want to apply for a Passport (even if you are legally allowed to leave the country).
What kind of background check is done for a passport?
The US State Department handles passport applications and conducts background checks on applicants using the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. The NCIC is linked with all federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the US.
Can you get a passport if you have debt collection?
Generally, the State Department will not issue passports to taxpayers after receiving their delinquent debt certification from the IRS. The State Department may also deny a taxpayer's passport application or revoke their current passport.
What do they check for a passport?
- Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card.
- In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo.
- Certificate of Naturalization.
- Certificate of Citizenship.
- Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
Does TSA care about warrants?
The TSA does not routinely check for warrants during the security screening process.
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.
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.
Will I get stopped at the airport if I have a warrant?
If you have an outstanding bench warrant, or an arrest warrant issued by a court, you may be detained or arrested at the airport.
How do I know if my 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.
Can I fly to another country with a warrant?
If you have all the required paperwork—a valid passport for foreign travel and visas for the destination nations you want to visit—you may fly with an active warrant. Flying with an outstanding warrant, even for minor offenses, nonetheless might cause problems.
What disqualifies you from 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 you be denied a passport because of debt?
Seriously delinquent tax debt is your unpaid, federal tax debt which includes interest and penalties. If the Secretary of the Treasury let us know you have seriously delinquent tax debt, we cannot issue a U.S. passport to you. We may also revoke your valid U.S. passport.
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 I get a passport if I have a warrant?
Reasons for denying 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), or a request for extradition.
What disqualifies you from a federal background check?
INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.
Will a misdemeanor affect getting a passport?
In general, having past misdemeanor charges or being on probation does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a passport. However, there are certain circumstances where your ability to get a passport may be restricted.
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.
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.
Does US customs know if you are on probation?
Your probation will not show up on your scan through customs, but if your probation officer does find out about this and you went without permission, then they can still hit you with a probation violation even if they gave you permission once before.