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Can You Get a Passport With a DUI in 2026? Yes — Here’s the Catch

A DUI almost never blocks a U.S. passport — but probation terms can, and Canada can refuse you entry. What actually matters in 2026, and what to check before you apply.

A DUI almost never blocks a U.S. passport — but probation terms can, and Canada can refuse you entry. What actually matters in 2026, and what to check before you apply.

A DUI almost never blocks a U.S. passport — but probation terms can, and Canada can refuse you entry. What actually matters in 2026, and what to check before you apply.

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A bunch of keys sitting on top of a wooden table, on an article about getting a passport with a DUI

Here's the short answer: a DUI does not disqualify you from a U.S. passport — not a first offense, not a misdemeanor, and in almost every case not even a felony DUI. Passport eligibility is set by a short list of federal rules, and drunk driving isn't on it.

But there are two real catches, and one of them surprises almost everyone.

What actually blocks a passport

The State Department doesn't run a general criminal check when you apply. It screens for a specific set of federal flags:

  • An outstanding federal felony warrant (or certain state warrants and extradition requests).

  • Child-support arrears of $2,500 or more — the one true automatic block. (The $2,500 rule, explained.)

  • Seriously delinquent federal tax debt certified by the IRS.

  • Certain drug convictions — federal or state — while you're still imprisoned, on parole, or on probation for them, mainly where the offense crossed international lines.

  • A court order forbidding you to leave the country, or conditions of release that say so.

Notice what's not there: a DUI conviction, by itself, past or recent.

Catch #1: probation

If you're still on probation for the DUI, your probation terms may prohibit leaving the state or the country — and while that usually doesn't stop the passport from being issued, using it could violate your probation. That's a probation problem, not a passport problem, and it has its own playbook: see getting a passport while on probation.

Catch #2: the passport gets you out — not in

This is the one that catches people at the border. A U.S. passport controls your ability to leave and return to the U.S. Whether another country lets you in is entirely up to them — and Canada is famously strict about DUIs. Canadian law treats impaired driving as serious criminality, which can make you inadmissible for years after the conviction. Travelers with a valid passport get turned around at the Canadian border over a single old DUI more often than you'd think.

If Canada is in your plans, look into a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or criminal rehabilitation (available after enough time has passed) before you book. Mexico, the EU, and most other destinations generally don't screen for misdemeanor DUIs.

So what should you do?

  1. Off probation, no warrants, no arrears? Apply normally — your DUI is a non-issue.

  2. Still on probation? Read your conditions and talk to your probation officer first.

  3. Planning Canada? Sort your admissibility before you travel, not at the border.

Curious what else can (and can't) stop an application? Start with what can stop you from getting a passport, or the specifics for a felony record and misdemeanors.

When you're clear to apply, we make it fast

Eligibility sorted? We handle the rest — application prep, compliant photos, and expedited processing. Book an appointment or get in touch and we'll get your passport moving.

Get My Passports is a private company that provides passport and visa application assistance and courier coordination where available. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Government authorities make all passport decisions. This article is general information, not legal advice — confirm your situation with your court, probation officer, or state agency.

Questions about your passport or visa?

Talk to a real specialist in Chicago.

Call us and we’ll walk you through your options — renewals, new passports, and visas for any destination.

Call (708) 360-7277Book an appointment

Real people in Chicago · Mon–Fri 8:30–5

Questions about your passport or visa?

Talk to a real specialist in Chicago.

Call us and we’ll walk you through your options — renewals, new passports, and visas for any destination.

Call (708) 360-7277Book an appointment

Real people in Chicago · Mon–Fri 8:30–5

At a glance

Google rating5★ · 250+ reviews
HeadquarteredDowntown Chicago
CoverageAll 50 states

Preguntas Frecuentes

Does a DUI show up when I apply for a passport?

Can I travel to Canada with a DUI?

Does a felony DUI change anything?

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The entire process took under a week and the Get My Passports team did an excellent job of keeping me updated on the status at every stage.

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SU Pen

I used Get My Passports to get our China Visa. They were very professional, and answered all our questions in a timely manner. The whole process took less than a month. I would definitely use their services again in the future

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Smooth process, no problems, good communications, speedy return.

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Shelby was great! She walked me through the process for the Visa I needed. I was kept informed when my passport was received. Everything came back to me within two weeks.

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Thank you for the quick reply and outstanding handle of my China Visa. A very quick processing time and great handling in two weeks.

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Jun 29, 2026Verified
Saraswathy Gurunathan

Great service. Kept us updated on every status change.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Heather Mansfield

Smooth process, no problems, good communications, speedy return.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Granny

Shelby was great! She walked me through the process for the Visa I needed. I was kept informed when my passport was received. Everything came back to me within two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Twister Wilson

Thank you for the quick reply and outstanding handle of my China Visa. A very quick processing time and great handling in two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Baffour Asabere

One of the best in the best industry. Fast, communicative and friendly staff. Highly recommended!

Jun 30, 2026Verified
Lorenzo Johnson

They were the best! They kept me updated on each step. I highly recommend them!!! Thank you.

Jun 29, 2026Verified
Amy Patterson

The members of Get My Passports helped me through the trial of getting a Visa to China when I was about to give up.

Jul 15, 2026Verified
RT Jefferson

Get My Passports did what they said they would - exceptionally quick way to get your passport renewed!! Great Job!!

Jul 12, 2026Verified
Maama Bangura

Customer service is courteous. Processing a passport is much better than with other embassies I have dealt with, from filling out the application form to the delivery of our passports. I highly recommend them.

Jul 8, 2026Verified
Brittany Bell

The entire process took under a week and the Get My Passports team did an excellent job of keeping me updated on the status at every stage.

Jul 7, 2026Verified
SU Pen

I used Get My Passports to get our China Visa. They were very professional, and answered all our questions in a timely manner. The whole process took less than a month. I would definitely use their services again in the future

Jul 6, 2026Verified
Tony Valderrama

I highly recommend "Get My Passports". They are professional and excellent in keeping me informed throughout the whole process. I received my passport as promised. Actually earlier! Great Job!

Jul 6, 2026Verified

Lo que dicen los clientes después de que se ha completado

Amy Patterson

The members of Get My Passports helped me through the trial of getting a Visa to China when I was about to give up.

Jul 15, 2026Verified
RT Jefferson

Get My Passports did what they said they would - exceptionally quick way to get your passport renewed!! Great Job!!

Jul 12, 2026Verified
Maama Bangura

Customer service is courteous. Processing a passport is much better than with other embassies I have dealt with, from filling out the application form to the delivery of our passports. I highly recommend them.

Jul 8, 2026Verified
Brittany Bell

The entire process took under a week and the Get My Passports team did an excellent job of keeping me updated on the status at every stage.

Jul 7, 2026Verified
SU Pen

I used Get My Passports to get our China Visa. They were very professional, and answered all our questions in a timely manner. The whole process took less than a month. I would definitely use their services again in the future

Jul 6, 2026Verified
Tony Valderrama

I highly recommend "Get My Passports". They are professional and excellent in keeping me informed throughout the whole process. I received my passport as promised. Actually earlier! Great Job!

Jul 6, 2026Verified
Saraswathy Gurunathan

Great service. Kept us updated on every status change.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Heather Mansfield

Smooth process, no problems, good communications, speedy return.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Granny

Shelby was great! She walked me through the process for the Visa I needed. I was kept informed when my passport was received. Everything came back to me within two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Twister Wilson

Thank you for the quick reply and outstanding handle of my China Visa. A very quick processing time and great handling in two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Baffour Asabere

One of the best in the best industry. Fast, communicative and friendly staff. Highly recommended!

Jun 30, 2026Verified
Lorenzo Johnson

They were the best! They kept me updated on each step. I highly recommend them!!! Thank you.

Jun 29, 2026Verified
Saraswathy Gurunathan

Great service. Kept us updated on every status change.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Heather Mansfield

Smooth process, no problems, good communications, speedy return.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Granny

Shelby was great! She walked me through the process for the Visa I needed. I was kept informed when my passport was received. Everything came back to me within two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Twister Wilson

Thank you for the quick reply and outstanding handle of my China Visa. A very quick processing time and great handling in two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Baffour Asabere

One of the best in the best industry. Fast, communicative and friendly staff. Highly recommended!

Jun 30, 2026Verified
Lorenzo Johnson

They were the best! They kept me updated on each step. I highly recommend them!!! Thank you.

Jun 29, 2026Verified
Amy Patterson

The members of Get My Passports helped me through the trial of getting a Visa to China when I was about to give up.

Jul 15, 2026Verified
RT Jefferson

Get My Passports did what they said they would - exceptionally quick way to get your passport renewed!! Great Job!!

Jul 12, 2026Verified
Maama Bangura

Customer service is courteous. Processing a passport is much better than with other embassies I have dealt with, from filling out the application form to the delivery of our passports. I highly recommend them.

Jul 8, 2026Verified
Brittany Bell

The entire process took under a week and the Get My Passports team did an excellent job of keeping me updated on the status at every stage.

Jul 7, 2026Verified
SU Pen

I used Get My Passports to get our China Visa. They were very professional, and answered all our questions in a timely manner. The whole process took less than a month. I would definitely use their services again in the future

Jul 6, 2026Verified
Tony Valderrama

I highly recommend "Get My Passports". They are professional and excellent in keeping me informed throughout the whole process. I received my passport as promised. Actually earlier! Great Job!

Jul 6, 2026Verified

Lo que dicen los clientes después de que se ha completado

Amy Patterson

The members of Get My Passports helped me through the trial of getting a Visa to China when I was about to give up.

Jul 15, 2026Verified
RT Jefferson

Get My Passports did what they said they would - exceptionally quick way to get your passport renewed!! Great Job!!

Jul 12, 2026Verified
Maama Bangura

Customer service is courteous. Processing a passport is much better than with other embassies I have dealt with, from filling out the application form to the delivery of our passports. I highly recommend them.

Jul 8, 2026Verified
Brittany Bell

The entire process took under a week and the Get My Passports team did an excellent job of keeping me updated on the status at every stage.

Jul 7, 2026Verified
SU Pen

I used Get My Passports to get our China Visa. They were very professional, and answered all our questions in a timely manner. The whole process took less than a month. I would definitely use their services again in the future

Jul 6, 2026Verified
Tony Valderrama

I highly recommend "Get My Passports". They are professional and excellent in keeping me informed throughout the whole process. I received my passport as promised. Actually earlier! Great Job!

Jul 6, 2026Verified
Saraswathy Gurunathan

Great service. Kept us updated on every status change.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Heather Mansfield

Smooth process, no problems, good communications, speedy return.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Granny

Shelby was great! She walked me through the process for the Visa I needed. I was kept informed when my passport was received. Everything came back to me within two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Twister Wilson

Thank you for the quick reply and outstanding handle of my China Visa. A very quick processing time and great handling in two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Baffour Asabere

One of the best in the best industry. Fast, communicative and friendly staff. Highly recommended!

Jun 30, 2026Verified
Lorenzo Johnson

They were the best! They kept me updated on each step. I highly recommend them!!! Thank you.

Jun 29, 2026Verified
Saraswathy Gurunathan

Great service. Kept us updated on every status change.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Heather Mansfield

Smooth process, no problems, good communications, speedy return.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Granny

Shelby was great! She walked me through the process for the Visa I needed. I was kept informed when my passport was received. Everything came back to me within two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Twister Wilson

Thank you for the quick reply and outstanding handle of my China Visa. A very quick processing time and great handling in two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Baffour Asabere

One of the best in the best industry. Fast, communicative and friendly staff. Highly recommended!

Jun 30, 2026Verified
Lorenzo Johnson

They were the best! They kept me updated on each step. I highly recommend them!!! Thank you.

Jun 29, 2026Verified
Amy Patterson

The members of Get My Passports helped me through the trial of getting a Visa to China when I was about to give up.

Jul 15, 2026Verified
RT Jefferson

Get My Passports did what they said they would - exceptionally quick way to get your passport renewed!! Great Job!!

Jul 12, 2026Verified
Maama Bangura

Customer service is courteous. Processing a passport is much better than with other embassies I have dealt with, from filling out the application form to the delivery of our passports. I highly recommend them.

Jul 8, 2026Verified
Brittany Bell

The entire process took under a week and the Get My Passports team did an excellent job of keeping me updated on the status at every stage.

Jul 7, 2026Verified
SU Pen

I used Get My Passports to get our China Visa. They were very professional, and answered all our questions in a timely manner. The whole process took less than a month. I would definitely use their services again in the future

Jul 6, 2026Verified
Tony Valderrama

I highly recommend "Get My Passports". They are professional and excellent in keeping me informed throughout the whole process. I received my passport as promised. Actually earlier! Great Job!

Jul 6, 2026Verified

Lo que dicen los clientes después de que se ha completado

Amy Patterson

The members of Get My Passports helped me through the trial of getting a Visa to China when I was about to give up.

Jul 15, 2026Verified
RT Jefferson

Get My Passports did what they said they would - exceptionally quick way to get your passport renewed!! Great Job!!

Jul 12, 2026Verified
Maama Bangura

Customer service is courteous. Processing a passport is much better than with other embassies I have dealt with, from filling out the application form to the delivery of our passports. I highly recommend them.

Jul 8, 2026Verified
Brittany Bell

The entire process took under a week and the Get My Passports team did an excellent job of keeping me updated on the status at every stage.

Jul 7, 2026Verified
SU Pen

I used Get My Passports to get our China Visa. They were very professional, and answered all our questions in a timely manner. The whole process took less than a month. I would definitely use their services again in the future

Jul 6, 2026Verified
Tony Valderrama

I highly recommend "Get My Passports". They are professional and excellent in keeping me informed throughout the whole process. I received my passport as promised. Actually earlier! Great Job!

Jul 6, 2026Verified
Saraswathy Gurunathan

Great service. Kept us updated on every status change.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Heather Mansfield

Smooth process, no problems, good communications, speedy return.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Granny

Shelby was great! She walked me through the process for the Visa I needed. I was kept informed when my passport was received. Everything came back to me within two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Twister Wilson

Thank you for the quick reply and outstanding handle of my China Visa. A very quick processing time and great handling in two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Baffour Asabere

One of the best in the best industry. Fast, communicative and friendly staff. Highly recommended!

Jun 30, 2026Verified
Lorenzo Johnson

They were the best! They kept me updated on each step. I highly recommend them!!! Thank you.

Jun 29, 2026Verified
Saraswathy Gurunathan

Great service. Kept us updated on every status change.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Heather Mansfield

Smooth process, no problems, good communications, speedy return.

Jul 2, 2026Verified
Granny

Shelby was great! She walked me through the process for the Visa I needed. I was kept informed when my passport was received. Everything came back to me within two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Twister Wilson

Thank you for the quick reply and outstanding handle of my China Visa. A very quick processing time and great handling in two weeks.

Jul 1, 2026Verified
Baffour Asabere

One of the best in the best industry. Fast, communicative and friendly staff. Highly recommended!

Jun 30, 2026Verified
Lorenzo Johnson

They were the best! They kept me updated on each step. I highly recommend them!!! Thank you.

Jun 29, 2026Verified
Amy Patterson

The members of Get My Passports helped me through the trial of getting a Visa to China when I was about to give up.

Jul 15, 2026Verified
RT Jefferson

Get My Passports did what they said they would - exceptionally quick way to get your passport renewed!! Great Job!!

Jul 12, 2026Verified
Maama Bangura

Customer service is courteous. Processing a passport is much better than with other embassies I have dealt with, from filling out the application form to the delivery of our passports. I highly recommend them.

Jul 8, 2026Verified
Brittany Bell

The entire process took under a week and the Get My Passports team did an excellent job of keeping me updated on the status at every stage.

Jul 7, 2026Verified
SU Pen

I used Get My Passports to get our China Visa. They were very professional, and answered all our questions in a timely manner. The whole process took less than a month. I would definitely use their services again in the future

Jul 6, 2026Verified
Tony Valderrama

I highly recommend "Get My Passports". They are professional and excellent in keeping me informed throughout the whole process. I received my passport as promised. Actually earlier! Great Job!

Jul 6, 2026Verified
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Horario comercial
Lunes a viernes: 8:30 AM a 5:00 PM
Sábado: 10:00 AM a 2:00 PM (solo con cita previa)
Quick Passport and Visa, LLC, conocida como Get My Passports (“Get My Passports”) no está afiliada ni respaldada por ninguna agencia gubernamental. Somos un servicio privado que ayuda con la preparación y el procesamiento acelerado de solicitudes de pasaportes y visas. Los documentos oficiales del gobierno son emitidos únicamente por las autoridades gubernamentales correspondientes. Los solicitantes pueden aplicar directamente a través de sitios web oficiales del gobierno como travel.state.gov (pasaportes de EE.UU.), indianvisaonline.gov.in (e-Visa de India), etc., si así lo prefieren. Nuestra tarifa de servicio es independiente de cualquier cargo por solicitud, presentación de documentos o fotografías del gobierno.

Copyright © Quick Passport and Visa, LLC, conocida como Get My Passports. Todos los derechos reservados.
Get My Passports logo
Horario comercial
Lunes a viernes: 8:30 AM a 5:00 PM
Sábado: 10:00 AM a 2:00 PM (solo con cita previa)
Quick Passport and Visa, LLC, conocida como Get My Passports (“Get My Passports”) no está afiliada ni respaldada por ninguna agencia gubernamental. Somos un servicio privado que ayuda con la preparación y el procesamiento acelerado de solicitudes de pasaportes y visas. Los documentos oficiales del gobierno son emitidos únicamente por las autoridades gubernamentales correspondientes. Los solicitantes pueden aplicar directamente a través de sitios web oficiales del gobierno como travel.state.gov (pasaportes de EE.UU.), indianvisaonline.gov.in (e-Visa de India), etc., si así lo prefieren. Nuestra tarifa de servicio es independiente de cualquier cargo por solicitud, presentación de documentos o fotografías del gobierno.

Copyright © Quick Passport and Visa, LLC, conocida como Get My Passports. Todos los derechos reservados.