Learn How to Get a Passport with a Felony Conviction
For the Most Part a convicted felon can still get a passport. Trust me I know, I was a convicted felon that was arrested for drug charges and a slew of other things. I acquired my passport with the convictions and have traveled the world. Getting your USA Passport is not that Hard.
In 2021 I was fortunate enough to have My criminal record expunged so I am no longer a Convicted felon but I have had My passport since 2012.
Learn How to get a USA Passport in this link Below
How to Get a passport step by step
Felonies that Can stop you from Getting a passport
Below is the Law about How some Felony drug Convictions can Stop you from Getting a passport. What it basically says in my opinion is that as long as you have not be caught smuggling drugs etc into the USA or another country you should be eligible to get your passport.
If you have felony drug convictions and you are still on parole or probation you will not be able to apply for your passport. If you are currently incarcerated you also will not be able to apply for your passport.
22 U.S. Code § 2714 – Denial of passports to certain convicted drug traffickers
(a) Ineligibility for passport
(b) Drug law offenses
(1) Felonies
Subsection (a) applies with respect to any individual convicted of a Federal drug offense, or a State drug offense, if the offense is a felony.
(2) Certain misdemeanors
Subsection (a) also applies with respect to an individual convicted of a Federal drug offense, or a State drug offense, if the offense is [1] misdemeanor, but only if the Secretary of State determines that subsection (a) should apply with respect to that individual on account of that offense. This paragraph does not apply to an individual’s first conviction for a misdemeanor which involves only possession of a controlled substance.
(c) Period of ineligibility
Subsection (a) applies during the period that the individual
(1) is imprisoned, or is legally required to be imprisoned, as the result of the conviction for the offense described in subsection (b); or
(2) is on parole or other supervised release after having been imprisoned as the result of that conviction.
(d) Emergency and humanitarian exceptions
Not with standing subsection (a), the Secretary of State may issue a passport, in emergency circumstances or for humanitarian reasons, to an individual with respect to whom that subsection applies.
(e)Definitions
As used in this section
(1) the term “controlled substance” has the same meaning as is provided in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802);
(2) the term “Federal drug offense” means a violation of—
Other Things that can stop you from getting your passport
- Child support that you owe more than $2500 USD
- If you owe back taxes
If you Have any comments regarding getting your Passport and being a felon please let me know in the comment section Below. I was a felon and had a passport. Since then I have had my Felony Record expunged. Still getting a passport as a felon is extremely possible.
Learn More about Passport Legal Matters
Common Questions about Felons and Passports
There are a lot of questions regarding getting a passport as a felon. Don’t give up, Stay out of trouble and in the right direction, and maybe one day the law will change and you will be able to get your felonies expunged.
Can I get a passport with a Felony?
Yes, you can get a passport even with a felony. I know firsthand how important traveling is. Being a felon should not someone from being able to live their best life. You can get your passport with a felony the same way everyone else does. As long as none of the things listed at the beginning of this article is preventing you.
How can I get a passport with a Felony?
The process is really simple. You can go down to your local passport agency or you can usually go to the largest post office in your city. You can go to Walgreens or CVS and have them take passport photos for you. Take all the necessary documentation to the office and mail it off. Steps to getting your passport.
Can a convicted felon get a passport?
Yes, A convicted felon can get a passport. Speaking from experience I can tell you it’s definitely possible. There are some exceptions such as smuggling and other reasons listed above. How can a convicted felon get a passport? You will need to fill out a passport application form and submit a passport photo along with a money order. Where can a convicted felon get a passport? The best way is to apply at the larger post office in your area or go to your local passport agency. You can find out how can a convicted felon get a passport here at this link. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html
How long before a Felon can get a passport?
I was able to get my passport immediately after being released from prison because I was not on parole or probation. There may be other circumstances that may prevent someone from getting theirs such as parole or probation. It’s possible that you are able to get your passport while being on parole and probation. You may want to inquire about it with the officer.
Can you get a passport with an expunged felony?
If you have had your Criminal Record expunged then you should not have any problems getting a passport with an expunged felony. Normally what an expungement means is that your record is basically like the situation never happen. If you don’t fall under any other categories that would prevent you from receiving a passport then I see no reason why not. Where can you get a passport with an expunged felony? You can apply through the mail or go to your local passport office.
Can a felon on parole get a passport?
I do not see why you would not be able to get a passport while being on parole. Now actually leaving the country might be a different matter. You may want to talk with your parole officer or Probation Supervisor to see if it’s even possible to travel. So if you want to know how can a felon on parole get a passport it’s best to check with the parole officer first. Where can a felon on parole get a passport? You can now apply for a passport online or go into your local passport office.
Can a drug felon get a passport?
So unless the person was caught smuggling in drugs from another country you should be fine with getting a passport. When can a drug felon get a passport? The best time may be to apply when your sentence is complete so don’t have any travel restrictions.
Can A Felon Get a Passport to Go on a Cruise?
Most Cruise ships don’t require you to have a passport unless you plan on getting off the ship in a country besides the USA or one of its territories. Some Cruise ships even have locations where you can get off the ship without having it while basically in another country. They may own a private beach. You might want to check with different cruises to see where this is an option. If you are traveling to Jamaica on a cruise, you may use something like your driver’s Licence says the USA State Department.
What Places Can felons go without a Passport?
You can basically go to a few different exotic places off of the USA mainland such as Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S Virgin Islands, and Alaska. It’s possible that you can go to Guam also since it’s a US Territory but they say it is on a case-by-case basis, so I will say that a may be needed to enter Guam.
What Countries Don’t Allow Felons to Enter?
Now the Tricky part. You are a felon and finally got your passport. Today I will list the Countries that don’t allow USA Felons to visit.
Countries where Felons are NOT Permitted
- Argentina
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- Cuba
- India
- Iran
- Israel
- Japan
- Kenya
- Macau
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States
Countries that don’t allow felons but some may let you in and ban you if they find out.
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Nepal
- Peru
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
I was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail & wire fraud in 2011 and served 7 years. I have 1 year left on my probation and I make monthly restitution payments. I will still have a large outstanding balance on my restitution when my probation ends. Can I get a passport when my probation ends?
Hey Thanks for stopping by. I’m no expert but from everything I’ve read is that they mostly worry about Large Tax sums owed and Child support. I would reach out to the passport office to make sure. If you are paying your restitution as agreed then I don’t know why not.