Many passport applicants have misdemeanors on their records. Maybe they resisted arrest or were caught drunk driving or shoplifting. Do these non-indictable offenses count against your passport application? Most importantly, can you get a passport with a misdemeanor?
Can You Get a Passport with a Misdemeanor?
A passport is an identification document that helps you enter and exit the U.S. and other countries. As such, its primary purpose is to identify you. Thus, you will realize that you will not even answer questions regarding your criminal history when filling out the forms. Instead, the focus will center on identifying who you are. So, technically, you can get a passport even with a misdemeanor.
Legal Reasons for Passport Denial
As much as a passport is yet another identification document, an application does not always result in approval. There are circumstances under which the government may deny you a passport. These include:
- If you have any ongoing legal issues: If you are facing any felony charges like drug-related charges, you will likely not get a passport,
- If you have an active warrant for a felony offense,
- If you are in the middle of an active trial: The state may consider you a flight risk if the charges against you are severe,
- If you owe more than $2,500 in child support,
- If you owe the government money, and
- If you are on active parole: While parole does not always result in passport denial, you may not get approval.
Can you get a passport with a misdemeanor? Travel Visa Pro can advise you on your chances of getting a passport. We also guide you on arrangements you can make with the government to secure a passport, e.g. if you owe child support or government taxes.
