A common question among people with a criminal record is whether Felons can get a U.S. passport. The short answer is: Yes, most felons can — but there are some important exceptions and restrictions to know about.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What a Passport Really Does (and Doesn’t Do)
A passport is simply an identification document issued by your government that proves your citizenship and allows you to travel internationally.
It does not grant you permission to enter another country — that’s determined by the visa or immigration policy of the country you want to visit.
So, even if you get a passport, a country could still refuse to let you in based on your criminal history.
When Felons Can Get a Passport
Most felons are still eligible for a passport, as long as they:
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Are not currently in prison or on certain types of probation or parole that restrict travel.
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Are U.S. citizens (either by birth or naturalization).
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Do not owe major federal debts related to international travel (for example, unpaid child support or federal loans).
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Are not banned by the court from leaving the country.
If you’ve already completed your sentence — including any supervised release — and there’s no court order preventing international travel, you can apply for a passport like anyone else.
When Felons Cannot Get a Passport
There are specific cases where the U.S. State Department will deny or revoke a passport:
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Convictions related to international drug trafficking
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If you were convicted of trafficking controlled substances across international borders, the U.S. government can deny your passport.
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Ongoing criminal proceedings or parole restrictions
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If you are currently under conditions that restrict your travel (for example, parole rules that prohibit leaving the country), your passport application will likely be denied until you complete those conditions.
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Outstanding federal warrants
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Anyone with an active federal arrest warrant or subpoena cannot get a passport.
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Unpaid child support or certain federal debts
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If you owe more than $2,500 in back child support, your passport application will be denied until you resolve the debt.
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Similar rules apply for large unpaid federal loans or tax debts.
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How to Apply for a Passport (as a Felon)
If you meet eligibility requirements, you can apply for a passport in the same way as other U.S. citizens:
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Complete Form DS-11 (for first-time applicants).
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Bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate).
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Bring valid ID (driver’s license, state ID, etc.).
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Submit a passport photo and pay the required fees.
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Provide any court documentation if requested — especially if you’ve had travel restrictions in the past.
The U.S. Department of State will conduct a background check as part of the process.
Important Note: Having a Passport ≠ Free Travel
Even if you successfully obtain a passport, foreign countries may deny you entry if you have a felony record.
For example:
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Canada is known for strict entry rules; many felons need a “Temporary Resident Permit.”
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Australia and New Zealand may ask about past convictions and can deny entry.
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European countries (Schengen Area) often allow entry for minor or old convictions, but serious offenses can still be an issue.
It’s best to check the entry rules of the country you plan to visit before booking a flight.
Tips for Felons Wanting to Travel
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Complete all sentence terms and get written proof that you’re free to travel.
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Consult your parole officer or attorney if you’re unsure about restrictions.
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Keep your record documentation — sometimes, embassy officials ask for clarification.
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Check each destination’s visa rules early in your planning.
In Summary
| Situation | Can You Get a Passport? |
|---|---|
| You’ve completed your sentence and have no travel restrictions | ✅ Yes |
| You’re currently in prison or on restricted parole | ❌ No |
| You have an active federal warrant | ❌ No |
| You owe $2,500+ in child support | ❌ No (until resolved) |
| You were convicted of international drug trafficking | ❌ Usually No |
So, in most cases, felons can get a it once they’ve served their time and cleared legal or financial obligations.
Final Thought
A past mistake doesn’t have to permanently stop you from seeing the world. Once you’ve met the legal requirements, you can apply for a passport, plan ahead for visa issues, and travel responsibly.
