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How long after a felony can You get a passport?

How Long After a Felony Can You Get a Passport?

A felony conviction can significantly impact an individual’s life, including their ability to travel internationally. The question of how long after a felony can you get a passport is a common concern for many individuals who are seeking to restore their freedom to travel. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the process and timeline for obtaining a passport after a felony conviction.

The Direct Answer

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The short answer is that it depends on the type of felony and the jurisdiction in which you were convicted. In general, a felony conviction can prevent you from obtaining a passport for a period of time, ranging from 5 to 10 years or more. However, the exact timeline varies depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

FBI Fingerprint Check

Before applying for a passport, the U.S. Department of State requires an FBI fingerprint check to ensure that you do not have any outstanding warrants or convictions. This check is conducted through the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division.

Types of Felonies and Passport Eligibility

Not all felonies are created equal when it comes to passport eligibility. The U.S. Department of State has established specific guidelines for determining which felonies may affect your ability to obtain a passport. Here are some examples of felonies that may impact passport eligibility:

Crime of Moral Turpitude: A crime of moral turpitude is a felony that involves dishonesty, fraud, or corruption. Examples include fraud, embezzlement, and forgery. In these cases, you may be eligible for a passport after 5 years.
Drug-Related Felonies: A drug-related felony conviction may affect your passport eligibility for a longer period, typically 10 years or more.
Violent Felonies: A violent felony conviction, such as murder, assault, or kidnapping, may affect your passport eligibility for 10 years or more.

Timeline for Passport Eligibility

The following table outlines the general timeline for passport eligibility after a felony conviction:

Type of FelonyPassport Eligibility Timeline
Crime of Moral Turpitude5 years
Drug-Related Felonies10 years or more
Violent Felonies10 years or more

Additional Factors That May Affect Passport Eligibility

In addition to the type of felony, there are several other factors that may affect your passport eligibility:

Parole or Probation: If you are currently on parole or probation, you may not be eligible for a passport until you have completed your sentence or been discharged from parole or probation.
Warrants or Outstanding Charges: If you have outstanding warrants or charges, you may not be eligible for a passport until those issues are resolved.
Denial of Passport: In some cases, the U.S. Department of State may deny your passport application due to a felony conviction. If this occurs, you may be able to appeal the decision or wait until the eligibility period has passed.

What You Can Do While Waiting for Passport Eligibility

While waiting for passport eligibility, there are several steps you can take to prepare:

Check Your Conviction Record: Review your conviction record to ensure that it is accurate and complete.
Gather Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents, including proof of identity, citizenship, and fingerprint clearance.
Plan Your Travel: Research travel destinations and plan your trip to ensure that you have a valid passport when it becomes eligible.

Conclusion

Obtaining a passport after a felony conviction can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, by understanding the factors that affect passport eligibility and planning ahead, you can ensure that you are prepared for your next international trip. Remember to check your conviction record, gather required documents, and plan your travel to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

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