What Disqualifies You From Getting a Passport?

People usually think that they will get a passport by virtue of making an application. But not every applicant gets approval. Some people end up having their applications rejected or put on hold. So, what disqualifies you from getting a passport?

What Disqualifies You from Getting a Passport?

When you apply for a new passport or renewal, the authorities look into your profile. If you are a law-abiding citizen, your passport application should be smooth if you provide the required documents. But if you are not, you could get disqualified. Let’s consider the situations that result in disqualification:

1. People convicted of a felony: Some felonies, like drug charges, can get in the way of passport approval. Usually, the passport hold remains while you are in jail and even after you start your probation. In some cases, you may not be eligible for a passport even after probation.
2. People who owe more than $2,500 in child support: If you have child support arrears, your application will not go through. However, if you enter an agreement with the child support enforcement agency, you can get a passport. It all comes down to the legal measures you take to prove good faith.
3. People with outstanding federal loans: If you owe the government money, you must pay it back before applying for a passport.
4. People with back taxes amounting to more than $50,000: Unless you enter into an agreement with the IRS, you will likely not get a passport.
5. Minors who don’t have parental consent: All minors applying for passports must show parental consent. The parents must be present during the application; if one cannot be present, notarized consent from the other parent is necessary.
6. People considered a threat to national security: If the government thinks it should keep an eye on you, getting a passport will be an uphill task.
7. People who have previously obtained passports fraudulently,
8. People who are subject to felony arrests,
9. People with court orders barring them from leaving the country, and
10. People on parole or probation.

Not having the proper documents also counts against you.

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