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It depends on where you are going, how you are traveling, and who is traveling.

• REAL ID: Yes. A REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID card (indicated by a star in the top corner) is valid for domestic flights. 
• Birth Certificate:
  • For adults (18+): No. TSA does not accept a birth certificate as a standalone ID to pass security. 
  • For minors (Under 18): Yes. TSA does not require minors to show photo ID for domestic flights. However, airlines often request a birth certificate for lap infants (under 2 years old) to verify their age. 

• REAL ID: No. REAL IDs are only valid for domestic air travel and entering secure federal buildings. They are not valid for international flights. 

• Birth Certificate: No. Adults and children must have a valid U.S. Passport (or passport card/visa depending on the destination) to travel internationally by air. 

• Closed-Loop Cruises: If you are a U.S. citizen taking a cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port (traveling to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean), you can generally use an official, state-issued birth certificate combined with a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or REAL ID) instead of a passport. Some destinations still requre a passport for entry regardless of closed loop status.

• Land Travel (Drive across Canada/Mexico borders): Standard REAL IDs are generally not accepted for land border crossings unless your state specifically issues an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) (available in states like NY, MI, MN, VT, WA). Otherwise, a U.S. passport or passport card is required.

Yes, in most cases, you can get a U.S. passport even if you have a criminal record. 

A U.S. passport is primarily proof of citizenship and identity, not a statement of good character. Having a prior arrest or conviction—even a felony—does not automatically disqualify you. However, the U.S. Department of State will deny a passport application under specific legal conditions. 

You will likely be denied a U.S. passport if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Active Supervision / Court Orders: You are currently on probation, parole, or supervised release, and court conditions prohibit you from leaving the county, state, or country. 
• Outstanding Warrants: You have an active federal, state, or local felony arrest warrant or subpoena. 
• Specific Drug Trafficking Felonies: Under 22 U.S.C. § 2714, you were convicted of a federal or state felony drug offense involving international drug trafficking or crossing an international border during the crime. 
• Crimes Against the Nation: Convictions involving treason or acts against national security. 
• Unpaid Obligations: You owe more than $2,500 in back child support or have certain severe, delinquent federal tax debts. 

Even if you successfully receive a U.S. passport, holding one does not guarantee entry into other foreign countries. 

• Countries set their own immigration laws regarding travelers with criminal records. 
• For example, Canada, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand have strict border policies and frequently deny entry to individuals with felony convictions or certain misdemeanor offenses (such as a DUI) unless special waivers are obtained in advance. 

1. Complete Your Sentence First: Ensure all probation, parole, court fines, and restitution orders are fully completed and officially documented before applying. 
2. Be Honest: Always answer questions on Form DS-11 truthfully. Lying on a federal passport application is a federal crime. 
3. Check Destination Rules: Research the specific entry requirements of the countries you plan to visit before booking non-refundable travel. 

Canada has strict immigration laws regarding foreign nationals with criminal records. Under Canadian law, if you have been convicted of a crime outside Canada that equates to an offense in Canada, you may be considered criminally inadmissible and denied entry at the border. 

Canada border officers evaluate foreign offenses based on their equivalent penalty under the Canadian Criminal Code, not how the crime was classified in your home country:

• DUIs / DWIs: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol—even a single misdemeanor or traffic-level DUI with no injuries—is classified as Serious Criminality in Canada.
• Theft / Shoplifting / Fraud 
• Assault or Violent Offenses 
• Drug Possession / Trafficking 
• Reckless / Dangerous Driving 
• 
  

If you have a criminal record, you generally have three primary pathways to enter Canada legally:

This is an official application to Canadian Immigration (IRCC) to permanently clear your record for entry into Canada. 

• Eligibility: At least 5 years must have passed since you completed your entire sentence (including probation, community service, license suspension, and payment of all court fines). 

• Outcome: Once approved, your record no longer bars you from entering Canada. 

If you are ineligible for Criminal Rehabilitation (or need to travel urgently before your 5 years have passed), you can apply for a TRP. 

• Eligibility: You must prove a compelling reason to visit Canada (e.g., family emergency, mandatory business travel, specialized work) that outweighs any potential risk to Canadian society. 

• Outcome: Temporary permission to enter Canada for a specific duration (from 1 day up to 3 years). It does not permanently fix your inadmissibility. 

• Eligibility: Applies only if 10 years have passed since sentence completion for a single non-serious crime. 

• Important Exception: DUIs committed after December 2018 are classified as "serious criminality" and cannot be deemed rehabilitated by the passage of time. You must apply for individual Criminal Rehabilitation regardless of how many years have passed. 

SituationCan You Enter?Required ActionActive Sentence / Probation / Unpaid Fines

NoMust finish full sentence before applying for relief.

Sentence ended less than 5 years ago

No (Unless approved)Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/admissibility-enforcement/temporary-resident-permit.html

Sentence ended 5+ years agoNo (Unless approved)Apply for Criminal Rehabilitation.

Juvenile Record (Under 18)Usually Yes

Most offenses committed under age 18 are exempt under Canadian youth laws.