Can You get passport with a felony?

Can You Get a Passport with a Felony?

Obtaining a passport can be a straightforward process, but if you have a felony on your record, it’s essential to understand the steps you need to take. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to the question Can you get a passport with a felony?, and outline the requirements and procedures involved.

Is a Passport Possible with a Felony?

In general, having a felony on your record does not automatically bar you from obtaining a U.S. passport. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is responsible for issuing passports, and its guidelines state that a passport can be issued to any U.S. citizen or national, including those with a felony conviction.

However, there are some crucial considerations to keep in mind:

• Passport Application Requirements: To apply for a passport, you must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, identity, and a photocopy of both sides of your government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license).
• Felony Conviction Information: You must disclose any felony conviction on your passport application. Failure to do so can result in the cancellation of your passport or refusal of a passport application.

Types of Felony Convictions that May Affect Passport Eligibility

Certain types of felony convictions can impact your eligibility for a passport. These include:

• Crime of moral turpitude: Passports are denied to those convicted of crimes that demonstrate a lack of moral fitness, such as murder, kidnapping, or sexual crimes.
• Crime resulting in imprisonment: If your felony conviction resulted in a prison sentence, you may be required to provide a waiver from the sentencing judge or court administrator.
• Crime related to travel or immigration: Felony convictions related to travel fraud, immigration fraud, or other crimes that involve government documents or international travel can lead to passport denial or revocation.

Required Documents and Procedures

When applying for a passport, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

1. Application Form (DS-11): Fill out the application form, which is available at the U.S. Department of State’s website (travel.state.gov) or at a regional passport acceptance facility.
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Provide one of the following documents:

   • Birth certificate
   • Naturalization certificate
   • Prior U.S. passport

3. Proof of Identity: Provide one of the following government-issued photo IDs:

   • Driver’s license
   • Government ID
   • Military ID

4. Copy of Both Sides of Photo ID: Make a photocopy of both sides of your government-issued photo ID.
5. Felony Conviction Disclosure: If you’ve been convicted of a felony, you must disclose the conviction on the application.

Passport Application Steps

To apply for a passport, follow these steps:

1. Find a Regional Passport Acceptance Facility: Search for the nearest facility at travel.state.gov.
2. Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including the application, proof of citizenship, identity, and photocopy of your ID.
3. Fill Out the Application: Complete the application, including the disclosure of felony convictions.
4. Submit the Application: Hand-deliver the application, along with supporting documents, to the passport acceptance facility.
5. Review and Sign the Application: The acceptance agent will review your application and have you sign it.
Check out the 50 Cheapest Guns Now


6. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the application fee, which is currently $110 for a standard adult passport book and $30 for a passport card.
7. Pay the Execution Fee: Pay the passport acceptance facility fee, typically $35.
8. Wait for Processing: Wait for processing, which typically takes 6-8 weeks (expedited processing is available for an additional fee).
9. Receive Your Passport: Once processed, your passport will be mailed to you via first-class mail.

Conclusion

In summary, having a felony on your record does not automatically prevent you from obtaining a passport. You must disclose the conviction on your application and provide necessary documentation. The U.S. Department of State does not automatically deny passports due to felony convictions, and you can still apply by following the necessary steps outlined above.

Important Documents and Fees:

Application Fee:

Execution Fee:

Disclosure of Felony Conviction:

• Required: You must disclose any felony conviction on your passport application.
• Failure to Disclose: Failure to disclose can result in passport cancellation or denial.

Remember to carefully follow the application process and required documentation to ensure a smooth application experience. If you’re unsure about the process or have specific questions, contact the U.S. Department of State’s National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778).