Can a Felon Get a Passport? Rules, Restrictions 2025 Guide

A felony on record does not always block a passport. Many people with convictions apply without issue. The rules depend on court orders, unpaid debts, or open warrants. Once those are cleared, most people can begin the process.

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Passport Eligibility After a Felony Conviction

A past felony does not always bar you from a passport. The government does not deny passports because of a criminal record. Most people with past convictions can get a passport if they meet the requirements. You still need to be a U.S. citizen. You must provide documents for proof of citizenship and identification.

However, there are a few situations where your application could be blocked. For example, a serious ongoing court case might lead to a denial. The next sections outline specific reasons a felon might be denied a passport.

What Can Stop You from Getting a Passport

Some conditions will prevent approval of your passport application. They remain in effect until you resolve those issues. These involve ongoing legal issues or obligations. Below are the main scenarios that can block a U.S. passport:

Outstanding Warrants and Travel Restrictions

Outstanding Debts to the Government

Certain unpaid debts can also stop your passport. Two big examples are child support and federal taxes. Owing more than $2,500 in child support will trigger a passport denial.

You must get below that amount before you can apply. The same goes for seriously delinquent tax debt. If you have a seriously delinquent tax debt (around $50,000 or more), the IRS will inform the State Department. The State Department will not issue a passport until you address the tax issue.

A default on certain U.S. government travel loans can also block your passport. These debt-related bars stay in place until you make payment arrangements. The relevant agency must confirm you are eligible before the passport can be issued.

Serious Criminal Convictions

Most past crimes will not prevent a passport once you have served your sentence. But there are a few notable exceptions. One example is a drug trafficking conviction involving crossing a border or using a passport. The State Department will not issue a passport in that situation. They wait until you finish your prison term or supervised release. Another example is treason or similar crimes against the state. For example, a conviction for espionage or supporting terrorism could lead to a passport denial for national security reasons.

A U.S. passport is a proof of citizenship and identity. It does not contain your criminal record. The application form does not directly ask if you have a felony. Unless you fall under a special case above, the passport agency does not review your criminal history. Outside of those exceptions, a past conviction is not considered during passport review.

How to Apply for a Passport with a Felony

Applying for a passport is nearly the same for everyone. This includes people with a felony record. You still have to gather the required documents and fill out the same forms. You will submit your application as usual. You might need to include extra paperwork about your conviction or parole status. That is the main difference for applicants with a record.

Collect your documents: Get your standard passport documents together. You will need proof of U.S. citizenship and a valid photo ID. For example, bring an original birth certificate or naturalization certificate for citizenship proof. Use a driver’s license or state ID for identification.

If you had a previous passport, bring it. In addition, prepare any court or probation papers that show your legal status. If you are on probation, get a letter from your officer confirming you are allowed to travel. If you finished parole, obtain a court order confirming you met all requirements.
Fill out the correct form: Most first-time applicants need to fill out Form DS-11 for a new passport. If you are renewing by mail, use Form DS-82 instead (if you are eligible). These forms are available online or at passport acceptance facilities. Fill out the form with your personal details. It will ask for information like your Social Security number and other basic details. It will not ask anything about criminal convictions.
Pay the fees: You will need to pay the required fees. A routine adult passport book costs around $130. There is also a $35 execution fee for processing at the facility. If you need the passport faster, add the expedited service for an extra fee. Pay by check or other accepted methods, as the form instructs.
Get a passport photo: You must include one recent color passport photo. The photo must meet the official requirements (2×2 inches, neutral expression, plain background, etc.). Many drugstores, post offices, and photo centers can take a passport photo for you. Make sure you have this photo ready when you submit your application.
Submit your application: If you cannot renew by mail (for example, first-time applicants), you must apply in person. Submit your application at an authorized passport acceptance facility. Examples include post offices and county clerk offices. These are local government locations authorized to accept passport applications.
Bring all your documents, your photo, and payment to the appointment. An agent will check your papers and administer an oath. They will then send your application for processing. If you are renewing by mail, follow the instructions for mailing. You will send your form, old passport, photo, and fees to the address provided.
Wait for processing: After you submit, all you can do is wait. Routine processing can take several weeks. Currently it averages about four to six weeks for regular service. Expedited processing (for an extra fee) might take two to three weeks. If there is any problem, you may get a letter or email with further instructions. For example, the State Department might ask for proof that you finished probation. Respond quickly to any requests so your application stays on track.

Does a Felony Affect Passport Renewal?

In general, a past felony does not prevent renewing your passport. You can renew by mail if your latest passport is under 15 years old. The passport must also be undamaged. It must have been issued after you were 16. You must have the passport in your possession. Fill out the DS-82 renewal form. Mail it along with your old passport and new photo.

Having a felony record does not change this process. However, there are a few circumstances to keep in mind. If a court took your passport during your case, you might need to get that passport back or apply for a new one. Courts sometimes take passports from people facing serious charges to prevent flight. If your case is over and you are allowed to travel, you can ask the State Department to return your passport. If the passport is still valid, they can send it back to you. If the passport expired while it was confiscated, you will need to apply for a new one.

Certain convictions (like international drug trafficking) can cause your passport to be revoked. If none of those special conditions apply, your passport is not automatically canceled because you were convicted of a felony. A felony conviction alone does not void an existing passport. Many people keep their passports while in prison or on probation. They cannot use them until they are allowed to travel again. Once you complete your sentence, you are free to use your passport for travel if it is still valid. This assumes the court did not take it during your case.

If you are not sure, check your passport status with the State Department. They can verify whether your passport is still valid. They can also see if any hold was placed on it due to your conviction.

Traveling Abroad with a Felony Record

Having a passport after a felony does not guarantee entry into every country. Each nation has its own entry rules, and some are strict about criminal records. Check the entry rules of your destination country before you travel. For instance, Canada can deny entry to travelers with certain convictions, even some misdemeanors like DUI. Such travelers may need to get special permission in advance. The United Kingdom and Australia also ask about criminal history on entry. They can turn people away for serious offenses.

Always check the official embassy or immigration website of the country you plan to visit. That way you know their entry requirements in advance. You might need to apply for a visa and disclose your record. In some cases, you could be considered inadmissible until enough time has passed. You might have to wait or get a special waiver.

Many countries cannot easily check your whole U.S. criminal background when you arrive. However, it is still your responsibility to follow their entry laws. If in doubt, reach out to the embassy of that country before you travel. Describe your situation and ask if it will be an issue.

U.S. authorities will not stop you from leaving for having a past felony. The concern is the country you plan to enter, not the U.S. exit. Do your homework about visas and entry rules whenever you travel with a criminal record.

Getting Help with the Passport Process

You do not have to navigate the passport process alone. If you are unsure or have a unique situation, help is available. Start with official resources like the U.S. State Department’s website. Travel.State.Gov provides detailed instructions for passport applications and lists phone numbers for assistance. You can call the National Passport Information Center to ask general questions about applying.

Many local post offices and county clerk offices have staff who can help with passport applications. Local passport acceptance staff can double-check that you have the right documents before you submit. If you need extra guidance, consider consulting a legal advisor. This can be helpful if you have an unusual restriction related to your felony.

Some private passport expediting services exist as well. These services (registered courier companies) can help you through the application steps. They deliver your paperwork to the processing center for a fee. They cannot bypass legal restrictions or guarantee approval. They may be useful if you have a tight deadline or need personal assistance with paperwork.

Always remember that final passport approval is up to the U.S. Department of State. No outside service can override federal rules or make exceptions for disqualifying issues. Be wary of anyone who promises to “get you a passport no matter what.” Instead, stick to reputable sources for help. Make sure you address any legal barriers (warrants or unpaid support) before you apply. This way you set yourself up for the smoothest possible application process.

Things to Remember

A felony record by itself does not disqualify you from getting a U.S. passport. Most people with past convictions can still apply successfully after resolving any restrictions.
Issues that can block a passport include arrest warrants, court orders barring travel, large unpaid child support, and major delinquent tax debts. Resolve these issues before your application can move forward.
The passport application process for someone with a felony is almost the same as for anyone else. You will use the same forms and fees. Be sure to include any extra documents (like a probation completion letter) to prove you are free to travel.
If you already have a passport, a new felony conviction does not automatically void it. Only certain offenses or situations (such as specific federal convictions or sex offender status) can lead to passport revocation or special limitations.
Having a passport doesn’t guarantee entry into another country. Always check the entry requirements of your destination because some nations may refuse visitors with criminal records. It’s better to know any restrictions before you travel.

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FAQ

Can a felon get a U.S. passport after their release?

Yes, in most cases you can get a passport after release. After you complete your sentence, you can apply for a U.S. passport. A felony on your record is not an automatic disqualifies. The main thing is that you have no travel restrictions from a court. If you are not under parole or probation that forbids travel, you are generally eligible. Make sure you have resolved any other issues like warrants or unpaid child support. If those are resolved, your application is treated like any other.

What felonies can disqualify a passport application?

Very few convictions will completely disqualify you. Even those tend to block your passport only for a certain time period. One example is a drug trafficking conviction involving crossing a border or using a passport. The State Department will not issue a passport in that situation. They wait until you finish your prison term or supervised release. Another example is treason or similar crimes against the state.

For example, a conviction for espionage or supporting terrorism could lead to a passport denial for national security reasons. Other than those, most felonies do not permanently bar you from getting a passport. The passport agency mainly looks at current restrictions, such as warrants or court orders. It does not focus on the nature of past convictions.

Can you get a passport while on probation or parole?

It depends on the terms of your supervision. You might be able to get a passport if your probation or parole officer allows international travel. In practice, many probation orders restrict travel outside the state or country. The State Department requires anyone on probation or parole to provide proof of permission. You must include a letter or court order showing you are allowed to have a passport.

If your probation officer or judge gives you written approval to travel, include that with your application. Without such permission, you will likely need to wait until you complete probation or parole before applying. Always check with your probation or parole officer first. They can tell you if obtaining a passport during your supervision is possible.

Do passport applications ask about criminal history?

No, the U.S. passport application form does not ask about criminal history. It asks for identifying information such as your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. It also asks for your place of birth and an emergency contact. But it never inquires about whether you have a criminal record. So you do not have to volunteer any information about past crimes on the application.

They normally do not run a criminal background check unless there is a specific reason. For example, if your name is on a watchlist or you owe child support, that could trigger a check. So a felony by itself remains private during passport processing. Keep in mind, though, that the system will check separate databases for warrants or unpaid obligations. You will not be questioned about your record, but any disqualifying issues (like those described earlier) can still come to light through those automated checks.

Can I get a passport if I owe child support or taxes?

Not until those debts are dealt with. Federal law blocks passports for anyone with a large child support debt. The current threshold is $2,500 or more in arrears. If you owe that amount or above, your name goes on a list that the State Department checks. The passport agency will put your application on hold until you resolve that. The Department of Health and Human Services must confirm that your child support debt is under the limit.

If you have a seriously delinquent federal tax debt (around $50,000 or more), the IRS can flag your passport application. In that case, the State Department will not issue the passport until you address the tax. You must either pay off a large portion or set up a payment plan with the IRS. After you resolve these debts and the agencies confirm it, you become eligible for a passport. Take care of any child support or tax issues well before applying. That way they will not cause problems with your passport.

Will my existing passport be revoked after a felony?

In most cases, a passport you already have will remain valid after a felony conviction. There are a few notable exceptions. If your crime falls under a special case (such as international drug trafficking or certain sexual offenses), the State Department can take action. For example, under International Megan’s Law, certain offenders have their passports reissued with an identifying mark. And drug trafficking convictions can lead to revocation during imprisonment or supervision.

If none of those conditions apply, your passport is not automatically canceled because you were convicted of a felony. A felony conviction alone does not void an existing passport. Many people keep their passports while in prison or on probation. They cannot use them until they are allowed to travel again. After you finish your sentence, you can travel on your passport if it is still valid and not seized.

If you are not sure, check your passport status with the State Department. They can verify whether your passport is still valid. They can also see if any hold was placed on it due to your conviction.

Can a felon travel internationally with a U.S. passport?

As long as you have a valid passport and no travel restrictions, you can leave the United States. They will not stop you if you have the proper documents and no court order forbids your travel. The issue can be entering another country. Each country sets its own rules. Some nations may refuse entry to a person with a serious criminal record. For example, Canada can be strict about felonies. Others might not check at all, especially for short tourist visits.

Always research the visa and entry requirements of your destination country in advance. If needed, reach out to that country’s embassy to ask if your record poses a problem. Many felons travel abroad without issues. Even so, it is wise to know the rules before you go.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational use only. It does not provide legal advice or official instructions. Passport eligibility rules may vary based on your legal status, court orders, or federal restrictions. Always check with the U.S. State Department or a licensed legal professional for guidance on your specific case.

Can a Felon Get a Passport? – A Complete Guide 2025