What Can Prevent You From Obtaining a Passport?

Obtaining a passport is the first step in being allowed to travel to a foreign country. However, there are several reasons a person may be prevented from obtaining a passport. Making sure all legal affairs are in order and all requested information is included and authentic with your passport application will help ensure your passport application is not denied.

Arrest Warrant

If a person has a federal or state warrant out for her arrest, she can be prevented from obtaining a passport. This is intended to prevent the person from fleeing the country and avoiding arrest.

Court Order

A person can be denied a passport if he is involved in legal proceedings and the judge issues a court order preventing him from obtaining a passport or from leaving the country.

Parole or Probation

A person can be restricted to a state or court jurisdiction as a condition of parole or probation. In this case, her passport application may be denied until the parole or probation period has ended.

Incomplete Application

Photos and certain official documents are required as part of a passport application. Submitting an incomplete passport application can prevent you from obtaining a passport.

Child Support Arrears

A person who owes court-ordered child support he hasn't yet paid can be prevented from obtaining a passport. This applies only to past-due (arreared) child support and not future payments.

Fraudulent Information

Submitting fraudulent information, such as a fake birth certificate, can cause a passport application to be denied and prevent a person from obtaining a passport.

Resources

• U.S. Department of State, Passports