Criminal History and a U.S. Passport

**Pal62** · 09-02-2007, 08:58 AM

My current American passport was issued in 1999 and will expire in a few years. I had some criminal convictions many years ago when I was young and stupid, about 15, but no felonies, no drugs no violence. Is there new law now that has your criminal history attached to ones passport some how? I live in overseas and I am worried when I renew my passport. I am a U S citizen.

**aaron** · 09-02-2007, 09:02 AM

What, exactly, are you worried about?

**Pal62** · 09-03-2007, 01:22 AM

I am woried about being denied a passort or being denied access to any particular country

**aaron** · 09-03-2007, 07:48 AM

You don't lose your U.S. citizenship becasue of a criminal conviction. The extent to which it will affect your ability to other countries depends upon the immigration laws and policies of those countries, as well as whether they would have access to your conviction information - check with the countries you are considering entering.

**MaxVolume** · 04-18-2010, 05:36 AM

Quoting aaron

You don't lose your U.S. citizenship becasue of a criminal conviction. The extent to which it will affect your ability to other countries depends upon the immigration laws and policies of those countries, as well as whether they would have access to your conviction information - check with the countries you are considering entering.

My understand was a complete background check was done on each applicant and if there were certain criminal activities, even arrests but no convictions, well, then you could be denied a US Passport even if you are a citizen.

I wonder about my friend .. he has a local court notice for a Show Cause Hearing from an ex-wife's application for a criminal complaint ... but, certainly no warrant .. would he have a problem in applying for a US Passport?

**cyjeff** · 04-18-2010, 06:01 AM

Quoting MaxVolume

My understand was a complete background check was done on each applicant and if there were certain criminal activities, even arrests but no convictions, well, then you could be denied a US Passport even if you are a citizen.

I wonder about my friend .. he has a local court notice for a Show Cause Hearing from an ex-wife's application for a criminal complaint ... but, certainly no warrant .. would he have a problem in applying for a US Passport?

Why in the hell would you dig up a 3 year old post to hijack it?

Yes, I know you really want to go on vacation with your friend, but let's try to be civil, huh?