Can a Person Get a Passport with a Felony?
Traveling abroad can be a thrilling experience, but it’s essential to ensure you have the necessary documents before embarking on your journey. One of the most crucial documents is a valid passport. However, individuals with a felony conviction on their record may wonder if they can obtain a passport. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide guidance on the process of applying for a passport with a felony.
What is a Felony?
Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand what a felony is. A felony is a serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies are typically classified into two categories: violent crimes and non-violent crimes. Examples of violent crimes include murder, rape, and assault, while non-violent crimes include fraud, drug trafficking, and burglary.
Can a Person Get a Passport with a Felony?
The short answer is: yes, but with some caveats. The U.S. Department of State, which is responsible for issuing passports, does not explicitly prohibit individuals with a felony conviction from obtaining a passport. However, the application process may be more complex, and additional documentation may be required.
Requirements for Applying for a Passport with a Felony
If you have a felony conviction on your record, you’ll need to provide additional documentation to support your application. Here are some requirements to keep in mind:
- Certificate of Good Conduct: You’ll need to obtain a certificate from the court where your felony conviction was issued, which confirms that you’ve completed your sentence and are now eligible to apply for a passport.
- Restoration of Civil Rights: If your felony conviction has resulted in the loss of your civil rights, you’ll need to restore these rights before applying for a passport.
- Discharge and Release Documents: You’ll need to provide documentation showing that you’ve been discharged and released from any supervised release or parole.
Table: Documents Required for Applying for a Passport with a Felony
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Good Conduct | Confirms completion of sentence and eligibility to apply for a passport |
| Restoration of Civil Rights | Restores lost civil rights |
| Discharge and Release Documents | Shows discharge and release from supervised release or parole |
How to Apply for a Passport with a Felony
The application process for a passport with a felony is similar to the process for a standard passport application. However, you’ll need to provide the additional documentation mentioned above. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including your felony conviction certificate, restoration of civil rights documents, and discharge and release documents.
- Fill Out the Application: Complete Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport, and provide the required information.
- Provide Biometric Data: You’ll need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints, as part of the application process.
- Submit the Application: Submit your application, along with the required documents and biometric data, to a passport acceptance facility.
- Pay the Application Fee: You’ll need to pay the application fee, which is currently $110 for a U.S. passport book or $40 for a U.S. passport card.
Timeline for Applying for a Passport with a Felony
The timeline for applying for a passport with a felony is typically longer than for a standard passport application. This is because the additional documentation and background check process takes longer. Here’s a rough estimate of the timeline:
- Application Processing Time: 6-8 weeks
- Background Check Time: 4-6 weeks
- Total Time: 10-14 weeks
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible to obtain a passport with a felony conviction, the application process is more complex and requires additional documentation. By understanding the requirements and following the step-by-step guide, individuals with a felony conviction can successfully apply for a passport and enjoy their travels abroad. Remember to gather all the necessary documents, fill out the application correctly, and provide biometric data as part of the application process. With patience and persistence, you can obtain a passport with a felony conviction.
