DUI charges can cause severe consequences in California, including DUI School probation and fines. Moreover, DUI convictions may impact housing, jobs, licenses, security certificates, college applications, and child support. Have you ever wondered if felony DUI convictions can affect your US passport? Can someone have their passport issued with a DUI on their record? Let’s find out in this article.

There may be various reasons for denying a United States passport. Most convicted felons won’t have a problem getting their passport. Passports simply identify individual citizens from specific countries. All Americans have the legal right to request a passport, and most people will have little difficulty obtaining one. However, the rules of owning a passport with a felony DUI can be modified in some cases.

A Felony DUI when Crossing Borders

Although those convicted of DUIs can acquire passports in the United States, they may face additional restrictions when going to other countries, like Canada. For example, Canada has the right to refuse entrance to any foreign tourist with a criminal record, including felonies and misdemeanors. Mexico will also prohibit admission to anyone convicted of a crime, and anyone attempting to enter either nation by ship will not be permitted to disembark on foreign soil. As a result, even if a US passport is valid, a person convicted of any crime will be denied entry to Canada.

In exceptional cases, if a US citizen with a criminal record needs to cross over to Canada, they would need to apply for a Temporary Residential Permit or criminal rehabilitation.

Can My Passport be Revoked after a Felony DUI Conviction?

Your passport will not be automatically revoked if caught or convicted of DUI. However, if you’re released on your recognizance (without bail) following a DUI charge or are on probation, you may temporarily be barred from leaving the country.

What Can Stop me from Getting a Passport in California?

Every citizen of the United States is eligible to apply for and get a passport. Save for a few federal caveats, unless the person is a US enemy or has preached sedition and treason against the country.

In that case, the US federal law can prohibit citizens from obtaining a passport in the following scenarios:

• The individual is a convicted drug trafficker who committed the offense in another country under US federal law 22 USC 2714.
• The offender is either under federal arrest or has been served with a felony-related subpoena.
• A court order, probation, or parole prohibits the offender from obtaining a passport; 
• A court order, probation, or parole prohibits the individual from obtaining a passport; 
• The person owes money on loans he or she took out while incarcerated abroad.
• For convicts convicted of possessing or distributing a controlled substance, the person is serving time in prison or supervised release program. This is a violation of either federal or state law.

In addition, Federal agencies have the authority and discretion to prohibit an individual from obtaining a passport if:

• The individual owes money on a federal loan that permitted them to return to the United States.

• The individual has been formally deemed incompetent.

• The individual is a minor who does not have the consent of a legal guardian.

• The individual owes more than $5,000 in back child support.

In general, the US gives its citizens every right to own a passport unless they fall into any of the above categories. As you can see, the bigger issue, even if you do have a valid passport, is finding a country that will allow you to cross their borders with US felony convictions.

Criminal Defense Heroes PC, has a team experts of attorneys who can help you overcome your felony DUI. call us today at +323-529-3660 and find out if your DUI conviction can be expunged