What can hold you up from getting a passport?

Asked by: Gloria Haag I  |  Last update: January 15, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (20 votes)

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)
  • A request for extradition.

What can stop you from getting a passport in US?

If you got outstanding warrants, fugitive, legal action taken at federal level, or on the watchlist of federal government due to any criminal activities, any information that were on your application which is not verifiable or found to be false or inaccurate, you will be denied passport.

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 would hold up passport application?

According to Conde Nast Traveler, incorrect passport photos are the most frequent issues with delayed passports. Some of the most common ways a passport photo can get your application denied is if your eyes are shut, you're wearing headphones, or are wearing non prescription glasses.

Will they tell you why your passport is denied?

If the application is denied, the Department of State will send the applicant a written notice setting forth the reasons for the denial and procedures for review. Within 90 days, the applicant can submit documentation to overcome the denial without a new application.

Things That Disqualify You From Getting a Passport

29 related questions found

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 does it mean when your passport is flagged?

Criminal Record: Passports may be flagged if the passport holder has a criminal record or is wanted for questioning or arrest by law enforcement authorities. Fraudulent Activity: Passports may be flagged if there are suspicions of passport fraud, such as the use of counterfeit or altered documents.

Can I get a passport if I have 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.

Do I get a refund if my passport is denied?

💡 If my passport application is rejected, do I have to pay again? Yes, passport application fees are non-refundable and you must pay for each time you apply. So, if your passport was denied, you must pay again.

What is checked for passport application?

You must show at least one of these photo IDs:
  • 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)

Can the IRS prevent you from getting a passport?

By law, the IRS will certify taxpayers with seriously delinquent tax debts to the U.S. Department of for specific actions regarding their passports. Generally, the U.S. Department of State will not issue passports to taxpayers after receiving their delinquent debt certification from the IRS.

Does bad credit affect passport?

Under the U.S. Passport Denial Program, which is part of the Federal Collections and Enforcement Program, your passport can be denied for certain reasons. However, bankruptcy isn't one of them. This program primarily focuses on denying passports to people who have unpaid back taxes or unpaid child support.

Can you get a passport if you filed bankruptcies?

Bankruptcy and Passports

In the U.S., you won't be denied a passport due to bankruptcy. However, international travel can be considered a source of debt or an extravagant expense. Passport denial is typically associated with those who have unpaid back taxes or child support.

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.

Why is it so hard to get a passport?

As of September 16, 2021, routine passport processing times can take up to 18 weeks if you try and obtain your passport through the government. This is due to the number of passports that are backlogged. Luckily, you can avoid long passport processing times if you choose Swift to obtain your passport.

Can I get a passport if I have a bench warrant?

In general, misdemeanor bench warrants won't prevent anyone from getting a passport, but a felony warrant, on the other hand, may cause your application to be denied, and may even cause an escalation of one's problems with the law.

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.

How long are passports taking?

You'll usually get your passport within 3 weeks.

Can you go on a cruise if you owe back taxes?

If you owe the IRS, your travel plans could be put on hold. In cases of seriously delinquent back taxes, the IRS has the legal authority to ask the State Department to deny your passport application or revoke your current passport. Don't let tax debt ruin your travel plans.

What disqualifies a person from getting a passport?

Unsealed federal warrant for the applicant's arrest. Federal or state court order. Parole or probation conditions barring the applicant from leaving the country.

Can felons go on cruises?

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. However, it's important to remember that being able to board does not guarantee you will meet the entry requirements at each foreign port on your journey.

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 does the red color on a passport mean?

Red / Burgundy passport. It is the colour chosen by countries with a current or previous communist system. Citizens of China, Serbia, Latvia, Slovenia, Romania, Russia, Georgia for example, have their passports in this color. Burgundy and other shades of red, have the passports of EU member states.

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).