Does a passport show a criminal record?
Asked by: Ronaldo Gorczany | Last update: August 3, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (6 votes)
Generally, criminal offenses (including DUIs) do not appear on passports. While a DUI conviction does not appear on your passport, it can still affect your international travel.
What will disqualify you from getting a 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)
What do passport records show?
Name, date and place of birth, Social Security Number, passport information, race, gender, phone number, personal address, email address, nationality, other names, employer/business contact information, biometrics/images, family information, mother's maiden name, arrests and convictions, and legal information.
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.
Does your criminal record show up when your passport is scanned?
When USA customs scan your passports they do not see criminal history/records. They only see criminal records if they investigate further like secondary inspection or suspect foul play when crossing.
The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record
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.
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).
What information is kept on a passport?
Passports are small booklets that typically contain the bearer's name, place of birth, date of birth, the date of issue, date of expiry, passport number, photo and signature.
Can you get a passport with a felony?
Having a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from getting a passport. The State Department typically only denies passports for specific reasons like: Owing $2,500+ in child support. Being subject to sex offender registration requirements.
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.
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 travel with a misdemeanor?
Will a misdemeanor conviction affect my travel plans? It depends on the country you're visiting. Some countries, such as Canada, treat misdemeanors like DUIs as grounds for denying entry. Others may not consider minor offenses disqualifying unless they involve violence or drugs.
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)
What information is written on a passport?
a person's name, place and date of birth, nationality status and photo must be included in the details page of their passport.
What is the 6 month rule for passports?
The 'Six-Month Rule' stipulates that your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of your entry or departure to or from the international destination. If your passport expiration date is sooner than six months from your date of arrival, you may not be admitted.
Why would you be denied a passport?
There are many reasons why you might not get passport, including: missing paperwork, errors in the application, valid warrants of arrest, or being on the passport denial list. Keep reading to discover the most common rejection reasons for passport photos, how to avoid them, and how to recover if you do make an error.
Can I get a passport with a misdemeanor warrant?
The question remains, can you get a passport with a misdemeanor warrant? Yes! In most cases, such warrants do not impede your right to apply for a passport. Thus, you can go through the passport processes and get your travel documents ready as you await your court hearing.
What do they see when they check your passport?
Visual check of the document
First of all, the border control officers will check the integrity of the entire document. They will look at the passport cover, count the pages, and evaluate the correctness of filling in all the fields on the data page.
Can I travel with a DUI conviction?
A DUI conviction may also affect your ability to travel to certain countries. Some countries have strict laws and regulations regarding DUI convictions and may deny entry to individuals with a DUI conviction. Other countries may require additional documentation or fees to enter the country.
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.
What country won't let you in with a DUI?
There are several countries that will not allow someone with a DUI on their record to enter their borders. These countries include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Canada, for example, has strict entry requirements for individuals with criminal records, including those with a DUI conviction.
Can a person with a criminal record 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 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.
What does it mean when your passport is flagged?
Flagging a passport typically indicates that there is some concern or issue associated with the passport holder, such as suspicion of criminal activity, security threats, or administrative issues.