If you were recently arrested for DUI or in some jurisdictions, DWI, you may be wondering if a DUI conviction would stop you from getting a passport. Federal law outlines the reasons why a U.S. citizen would be denied a passport.

Generally, most U.S. citizens, even those who have been convicted of felonies will not have an issue obtaining a U.S. passport. This is because a passport does not hold any information about that person's criminal record, nor does it provide any statement of the individual's character.

Every U.S. citizen is eligible to apply for a U.S. passport, however, a passport may be denied if:

• The person was convicted of drug trafficking.
• They are under federal arrest.
• They are under a felony-related subpoena.
• The individual has been forbidden to get a passport by a court order, or as a condition of their probation or parole.
• He or she is in a supervised release program for felons convicted of certain drug crimes.
• The person owes more than $5,000 in child support.

Will the passport be accepted?

While a DUI should not preclude you from getting a passport, the bigger question is, will the country that you intend to travel to accept your passport if you are a convicted felon, even if it's for a DUI?

Canada for example, will refuse someone with a misdemeanor DUI offense, never mind a felony DUI. Mexico will refuse as well.

If a felon travels to Canada or Mexico by ship, they won't be allowed to step foot on foreign soil. So, you may be able to get a passport but you may not be able to travel to the places where you want to go.

The best way to be free of any hassle is to avoid a DUI conviction in the first place. Use our directory to find a qualified DUI attorney who can help you!