Felony Guide

Can I obtain a passport with a felony?

When you are a convicted felon you notice that many of your rights and freedoms are restricted - your ability to own a firearm, for instance, or your right to vote. What about obtaining a passsport? Actually, felons can usually get US-issued passports - getting visas, however, can be another issue.

What is a passport?
First of all, it is important to understand what a passport is (and also what is it not). A lot of people think that having a passport issued in the US gives you license to travel anywhere you want in the world - this is not the case. A passport is more like an international ID card that has been agreed upon and standardized by different nations.

Since a passport really is just like an ID card, you will not see too many restrictions on issuance of a passport. There are a few exceptions (see below), but for the most part if you want a passport you aren't going to have a problem getting one.

What else do you need?
Typically when you travel internationally you need to get a Visa. Sometimes you can get these at the border (on arrival) and sometimes you need to get them ahead of time. Keep in mind that when issuing a Visa the destination country can do a full background check and decide whether they want to allow you within their borders or not.

In other words, issuing a passport is the US's way of letting you leave the country, but it is entirely up to the destination country if they want to allow you in or not. You probably want to do some research on your target destination to find out how strict they are. Also, consider the nature of your crime - if you have been convicted of drug smuggling you probably aren't a great candidate for a trip to Colombia because they are particularly sensitive to these types of crime.

Severity of punishments
Also, keep in mind that the severity of punishments abroad can be much harsher than US sentences. It is not uncommon, for instance, for other countries to institute the death penalty for drug smuggling. If you want to visit another country you will be best to just keep your nose clean.

Situations where you may be denied a passport

  • If you have an outstanding warrant
  • If you are considered by the State Department as a flight risk for a pending trial
  • If, after a manual review, the State Department concludes that you present a risk to yourself or others overseas.

I have a felony DUI can I get a passport and go on a cruise to Mexico or Jamaca?

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Laurie
Wednesday, July 7, 2010

yes you can if you have finished all of your sentence and are not on parole or probation from that charge

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Thursday, July 22, 2010

I was charged with 2 1/2 years ago with a felony possession and conspiracy. I was addicted to oxycodone and was caught selling to feed my habit. I served a few months of jail time on work release and have now been clean for two years and I continue to attend counseling and meetings. I have no outstanding warrants and I am not at flight risk. I live in Washington State where they offer a special license to cross the boarder to Canada. Could I obtain a license to travel to Canada legally? I don't believe it asks if you are a felon when you apply for the license and they do not ask at the boarder if you are a felon. Would this be illegal if I did not offer the information when I cross? Is there a better way to approach this as I would like to be able to visit my family?

Thank you, Jesse


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Jesse
Tuesday, June 22, 2010

I have an Autralian police record for possesion of explosives and VRO breach that has happened 3 years ago. Previously I had no record. What countries am I allowed to obtain a passport for? Can I go to Canada or New Zealand?

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Richard
Sunday, June 20, 2010

I have a warrant for my arrest for traffic tickets that I did not show up in court for. Will I be able to get a passport to go to Jamaica?

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hov
Tuesday, June 15, 2010

I was convicted of a crime and i dont remember if the judge dismissed it, i did a backround check and nothing came up i pay restitution was on probation but never went to jail

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SAL
Sunday, June 13, 2010

I have a misdemeanor dui conviction, and want to know if I am able to go into Canada ?

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John
Sunday, June 6, 2010

i have a felony for check fraud i went to prison for it but my cast is cleared would i be able to get a passport?

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ternice
Thursday, June 3, 2010

My brother was convicted as a juvenile of vehicular manslaughter. Then at 21 of DUI can he get a passport to go to Canada???

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Dawn
Monday, April 12, 2010

Yes, he can get a passport. However, Canada will not let him into their country with those crimes. There are exceptions though and your brother must apply for the special visa that must be applied for about a year ahead. Good Luck

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misha
Saturday, April 17, 2010

Yes, you can get a visa. I have a felony and I have traveled the globe. Some countries I've traveled to that require a visa: Brazil, Turkey, India, and Pakistan.

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Michael
Saturday, February 27, 2010

I'm U.S citizen also with a felony. What kind of visa did u apply for going to India?

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dee
Friday, May 7, 2010

I got a felony for breaking into a store twenty years ago and not even a speeding ticket ever since,can I become a canadian resident?

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mark
Friday, February 5, 2010

Have you talked to somebody about getting it expunged? That would make it a lot easier.

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jon
Sunday, April 18, 2010