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Can you obtain a passoport if you have an old felony conviction?

by Judy
(LaMarque TX, U.S.)

Question: My husband has a felony conviction from about 20 years ago that was resolved about 10 or 11 years ago. We are planning to go to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for my son's wedding. Will he be able to obtain a passport?


Answer: I assume that by "resolved" you mean that the felony was expunged from your husband's record.

There should be no problem with getting a passport although we cannot guarantee this. You will find complete instructions and a link to download the application form by clicking the link below.

Apply for New Passport

Some countries such as Canada do not allow foreigners who have a criminal record (even a misdemeanor) to enter without special permission. I found nothing that indicates that Mexico has such a requirement.

Comments for Can you obtain a passoport if you have an old felony conviction?

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Felony Theft, 1960 (57 years ago)
by: Anonymous

Question: My father has a felony grand theft auto from 1960 -- 57 years ago. He still thinks he can't get a passport. Is this true? We're going on a cruise next year and this will (hopefully) be his first vacation EVER. Can he get one?

Answer: It is not impossible to obtain a passport with a felony. While there are offenses that disqualify a person from getting a passport like drug trafficking and owing over $2500 in child support, not all offenses do.

Your father can apply for a passport. Should there be an issue, passport services will contact him with advice on how he can proceed.

Having said that, if you are going on a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends in the same U.S. city), he may not need a passport. He just needs to carry an ID and evidence of U.S. citizenship like his birth certificate. Still, the need for a passport will depend on the requirements of the cruise line and the countries you will be debarking in.

We recommend contacting the cruise line you plan on traveling with for requirements.
23-year-old felony & military dishonorable discharge
by: Dave from Knoxville

Question: My dishonorable discharge was over 30 years ago and a felony drug charge 23 years ago. I am wanting to get a passport. Is it possible?

Answer: It may be a challenge but it is not impossible. Please contact Passport Services to discuss your options. The number to call is 1-877-487-2778.
23-year-old felony
by: Anonymous

Question: I had a felony drug charge 23 years ago. I am wanting to get a passport port. Is it possible.

Answer: While it can be challenging to obtain a passport with a record of drug felony, it is not entirely impossible. Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
I have done all of my time now
by: Anonymous

Question: Can you get a passport if you were convicted of a sexual abuse crime? I have done all of my time; it's over with now.

Answer: Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.
Felony warrant in Nevada
by: Anonymous

Question: I have some charges pending, in Nevada, I did have a passport when the felony warrant was issued and traveled in and out of the U.S. several times upon my return to the U.S each time, I was stopped and was released on my way, as it was non extradite. The passport has now expired, and I wish to renew, is this possible? The warrant is for grand larceny & burglary (because I took an item to a pawn shop, not actual breaking and entering or stealing) Would I be able to renew the old passport as there weren't any travel restrictions?

Answer: Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.
DRUG CASE
by: Anonymous

Question: I had a drug case 10 years ago and finished everything. Am I able to get a passport?

Answer: While it may be difficult to obtain a passport with a felony conviction, it is not impossible. There are offenses like international drug trafficking that automatically disqualifies one from getting a passport but the decision of issuance ultimately depends on Passport Services.

Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.
Unconvicted gun case from 2007
by: Unknown

Question: I got in trouble back in 2007. I have never been convicted, am not on probation. Will this stop me from getting my passport? This is almost 10 years ago with no contact from the court or any one else regarding the case. Please advise.

Answer: If there was no conviction, you should have no trouble obtaining a passport. We recommend you call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative and clarify the matter.
Question
by: Anonymous

Question: My Husband has an old Child Support felony that is more than 10 years old, since then we have gained custody of said child and he is now 21 years old. Can this felony prevent him from getting a passport?

Answer: If the child support issue has been resolved, there should be no reason for your husband to be denied a passport.
Felony state to state travel
by: Anonymous K

Question: I'm thinking of joining the reserves and would like for my boyfriend to move with me but he has a felony record. There are possession changes, fleeing charges, and one other charge. Would he still be able to move to a different state with me?

Answer: Passports are not required for travel between states and U.S. territories. However, we recommend contacting your boyfriend's probation officer to see about travel restrictions.
Felony
by: Littlejack

Question: I had a felony over 22 years ago. Was wondering if there was a chance of obtaining a passport.

Answer: Your eligibility for a U.S. passport largely depends on what type of felony was committed. Having said that, it is not impossible to obtain a passport if you had a felony in the past. Please call 1-877-487-2778 for assistance.
Drug charge
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I still get passport if I had a drug charge 5 years ago? I am no longer on probation.

Answer: Obtaining a passport with a felony conviction can be rather difficult but not impossible. The eligibility for a U.S. passport largely depends on the type of felony committed. There are certain offenses, like drug trafficking, that automatically disqualifies one from getting a passport. Please call 1-877-487-2778 for clarification on the subject.
drug charge 20 years ago
by: Anonymous

Question: My husband has been off parole for 5 years. We recently applied for a passport. I got mine. He has not received his, yet. Will he be denied a passport?

Answer: We do not have access to your husband's application form and documents and, therefore, cannot answer your question. Applications that are submitted together are processed separately and can take different times to complete. You can check the status of his application here.
Felony Charged not Sentenced Yet
by: Anonymous

Question: My boyfriend got a possession and contraband charge (small amount) (wrong place at the wrong time situation) back in November. Back at the very end of February or even the beginning of March, we applied for him and our daughter to get a passport to go to Mexico for my brother's wedding which is in October. My daughter got her passport in the mail today. His status on his still says it's processing. When applying they said to give it until the second week of April to come in. Do you think he will get his?

Answer: We do not have access to passport applications. The agent who processes the application will make the decision as to whether or not a passport can be issued. Routine service can take up to 8 weeks.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am getting off probation for drug possession with intent & identity theft here in the next 3 months. How long before I can get a passport for travel would you say. My family is going to Jamaica next year and I would love to go.

Answer: Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak with a customer service representative.
USA Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: 35 yrs ago my girlfriend had a felony. Can she get a passport for the USA only?

Answer: More than likely, she can get a passport.
Felony for worthless check
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a worthless check felony from 1988. I was never on probation or parole. I haven't had any problems since. I was given my voting rights back many years ago. I was wondering if I can get a passport.

Answer: Your passport application should not be denied because of the felony. Some countries have restrictions concerning visitors with a felony conviction. Contact the embassy or consulate general of the countries you want to visit for more information.
Felony conviction
by: Anonymous

Comment: I have multipy felony convictions from ten years ago. I've paid my debt to society. My crimes range from passing bad checks to theft.

Response: It is possible to obtain a passport if you have a felony convication on your record. There are some felonies for which a passport is denied but that does not seem to be your case. Note, the fact that you can get a passport does not imply you will be allowed entry to any foreign country. Each country has its own entry requirements and you may either be denied entry or be required to pass through additional steps to receive approval. Please contact the embassy or consulate general of the countries you want to visit for more information.
Old felony, has US passport, will we have trouble getting into Mexico?
by: Anonymous

Question: My fiancee has an old felony conviction for assault. No jail time served, no parole needed, probation has been complete for many years, the case has not been expunged from his record. He has applied and received his US passport and we are traveling to Cancun Mexico and getting married. Will he have any problems getting into Mexico or back into the US?

Answer: Please contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico for entry requirements in relation to special circumstances.
felony charge
by: Anonymous

Question I have a felony charge. It is tresspassing. I'm just wondering if I can get a passport or not with having a felony.

Answer A felony trespass charge should not affect your ability to obtain a passport.
drug conviction/child support
by: Anonymous

Questions: Can a felony drug conviction 15 years ago stop someone from obtaining a passport? My destanation would be Afghanistan and Singapore for work. Also, are there exceptions to obtaining a passport if you owe child support arrears?

Answers: In most cases, a person convicted of a felony can obtain a passport. Note, some countries do not allow convicted felons to enter or require special permission first. Contact the embassy of Afghanistan and Singapore for more information.

You will not be issued a passport if you owe $2500 or more in child support.

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