Can a Felony Affect Your Passport? What You Need to Know Before Traveling Abroad
If you’ve been convicted of a felony and are wondering about your ability to travel internationally, you’re not alone. Many people ask: Can a felony get a passport? Can felons get a passport? Or can you get a passport with a felony? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the offense and whether there are any ongoing legal restrictions tied to your conviction.
The U.S. Department of State is the federal agency that issues passports, and contrary to what many believe, there is no automatic lifetime ban on passport eligibility for individuals with felony convictions. However, there are key exceptions and restrictions that can absolutely impact whether a convicted felon can get a passport.
When Can Felons Get Passports?
In general, can felons get passports? Yes — unless their specific circumstances fall within one of the legally defined disqualifying categories. According to 22 C.F.R. § 51.60, the U.S. government can deny or revoke a passport if:
The person is currently incarcerated as a result of a federal or state felony conviction.
The person is subject to a federal arrest warrant, subpoena, or court order, including conditions of supervised release or parole that prohibit international travel.
The person was convicted of certain drug trafficking offenses, particularly if the offense involved crossing international borders (see 22 U.S.C. § 2714).
The person owes more than $2,500 in unpaid child support (see 42 U.S.C. § 652(k)).
So, can you get a passport if you have a felony? If you are not currently incarcerated and do not fall under one of the exceptions above, you may still be eligible to apply for or renew your passport.
However, even if you’re eligible under federal rules, having a felony record may still complicate travel abroad. Many foreign countries have entry restrictions for individuals with certain criminal convictions, including drug offenses, violent crimes, or financial fraud. That means even if felons get passports, they may still be denied entry into specific countries without advance clearance.
Your Next Step: Consult an Experienced Attorney
At The Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq., we routinely assist individuals in understanding their legal rights related to travel and felony convictions. If you’re asking, can you get a passport with a felony? or can a convicted felon get a passport?, we’re the go-to firm for helping you review your eligibility, prepare any necessary documentation, and even assist with travel clearance or expungement matters when appropriate.
Don’t let uncertainty about your record keep you from making plans or asserting your right to travel. If you or a loved one has questions about passports, criminal records, or international travel restrictions, contact our office today for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.