Can You get a passport if You had a felony?

Can You Get a Passport if You Had a Felony?

If you’ve been convicted of a felony, you may be wondering if you’re still eligible to apply for a passport. The good news is that the answer is yes, but it’s not always a straightforward process. In this article, we’ll explore the rules and regulations surrounding passport applications for individuals with felony convictions.

The Simple Answer

Yes, you can get a passport if you had a felony. However, the process may be more complex and time-consuming than usual. The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is responsible for issuing passports, and they have specific guidelines for applicants with criminal convictions.

What Determines Eligibility?

When evaluating an applicant’s eligibility for a passport, the CA considers several factors, including:

• The type of crime: Not all felonies are created equal. If you’ve been convicted of a serious crime, such as a violent or financial crime, it may affect your eligibility.
• The length of time since the conviction: If it’s been a significant amount of time since your conviction, it may not be a factor in your passport application.
• Any subsequent arrests or convictions: If you’ve been arrested or convicted of additional crimes since your initial felony conviction, it could impact your eligibility.
• The applicant’s current legal status: If you’re not a US citizen or are under any legal restrictions, it may affect your eligibility for a passport.

Types of Felonies That May Affect Eligibility

While not all felonies will automatically disqualify you from obtaining a passport, some may carry more weight than others. Here are some examples of felony convictions that may impact your eligibility:

• Drug-related offenses: If you’ve been convicted of a drug-related crime, it may raise red flags during the application process.
• Violent crimes: Convictions for violent crimes, such as assault or robbery, may be a concern for the CA.
• Financial crimes: Felonies related to financial crimes, such as fraud or embezzlement, may also impact your eligibility.
• Terrorism-related offenses: Convictions related to terrorism or other national security concerns may result in denial of a passport.

The Application Process

If you’re wondering how to apply for a passport despite a felony conviction, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather required documents: You’ll need to provide proof of citizenship, identification, and a photocopy of both sides of your ID.
2. Fill out Form DS-11: The application form can be found on the US Department of State’s website or obtained from a passport acceptance facility.
3. List all prior arrests and convictions: Be honest and accurate when listing your prior arrests and convictions. Omitting or misrepresenting this information can result in denial of your application or even criminal charges.
4. Attend a passport acceptance facility: Take your application and supporting documents to a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or library.
5. Wait for processing: The CA will review your application and make a determination on your eligibility.

What Happens if You’re Denied?

If your application is denied, you’ll receive a written explanation of the reasons why. You can appeal the decision by submitting additional documentation or requesting a reconsideration.

Conclusion

While a felony conviction can make the passport application process more complicated, it’s not an automatic disqualifier. By understanding the factors that determine eligibility and following the application process carefully, individuals with felony convictions can still obtain a passport.

Additional Resources

• US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: www.fbi.gov/
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services: www.uscis.gov/

Table: Felony Convictions That May Affect Eligibility

Bullets List: Key Takeaways

• Be honest and accurate when listing prior arrests and convictions on your application.
• Gather required documents and proof of citizenship and identification.
• Attend a passport acceptance facility to submit your application.
• Wait for processing and review your application carefully.
• Appeal if denied by submitting additional documentation or requesting a reconsideration.