Can Felons Get Passports

Can Felons Get Passports?

For felons looking to travel internationally, one big question often comes up: can I get a passport with a felony record? The short answer is yes, felons can obtain passports in most cases. However, the process may be more complicated compared to someone without a criminal record.

Passport Eligibility for Felons

U.S. citizens have a constitutionally protected right to travel abroad. Having a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from getting a passport. The State Department typically only denies passports for certain reasons like:

• Owing $2,500+ in child support
• Being subject to sex offender registration requirements
• Having a federal or state warrant out for your arrest
• Being convicted of international drug trafficking

So if your felony conviction doesn’t fall into one of those categories, your passport application may still be approved. With that said, having a criminal record can complicate things and requires providing additional documentation.

The Passport Application Process for Felons

When applying for a passport with a felony, you’ll need to go through the regular application process. This includes filling out the application form, getting passport photos taken, providing citizenship evidence, etc.

The main difference is needing to also submit a personal statement explaining your criminal record. This letter should provide details on:

• The date(s) you were convicted
• The specific crime(s) committed
• The sentence(s) imposed
• How much time has passed since completing the sentence
• Any rehabilitation efforts or changes in your life

Submitting this statement gives the passport office better context to evaluate your application. It also demonstrates you’ve moved on from past mistakes.

Waiting Periods

For some crimes like drug trafficking, a 5-10 year waiting period may be required before getting a passport. This allows for a “cooling off” period to elapse. Other felony convictions don’t have defined waiting periods. But typically, the longer it’s been since finishing your sentence, the better chances of approval.

Providing Court Dispositions

Including official court dispositions with your application is also recommended. These documents verify details of your case(s) like:

• The specific charges filed
• What counts you were convicted on
• The type of sentence handed down
• When you completed probation, parole, restitution payments, etc.

Court dispositions help corroborate the information in your personal statement. They serve as definitive proof directly from the courts.

Getting U.S. Passport Cards

For domestic travel to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, passport cards are also available. The application process is the same as for regular passports. But the waiting time is shorter—only 4-6 weeks for routine service. Passport cards can’t be used for international air travel. But they provide another option for felons needing to take cruises or road trips abroad.

Possible Reasons for Passport Denial

While most felons can get passports, some applications do end up denied. This usually happens if:

• You have an outstanding warrant or pending charges
• You’re behind on child support payments
• You recently committed certain violent or drug trafficking crimes
• You fail to disclose/downplay your criminal history

Providing false information is grounds for immediate denial and can jeopardize future applications. That’s why it’s critical to be upfront from the start. Minimizing details or leaving parts out altogether is seen as dishonest by passport officials.

Appealing a Denial

If your passport application gets denied, you can file an appeal within 60 days. This involves submitting a formal letter explaining why you believe the denial was unwarranted. Supporting materials like updated court records, proof of rehabilitation, character references, etc. should be included as well. Appeals won’t always be successful though, so having realistic expectations is important.

Travel Privileges Can Be Restored Over Time

The bottom line is having a felony conviction makes getting a passport more difficult but not necessarily impossible. While restrictions may be imposed right away, travel privileges can be restored over time in many cases. Exactly how long depends on the severity of your crimes and what steps you’ve taken to turn your life around. Patience and perseverance are key when dealing with the passport application process as a felon.

Did you find this helpful? Let me know if you have any other questions!