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Passports and Covered Sex Offenders Under International Megan's Law
Covered sex offenders may apply for a U.S. passport if they meet the conditions of International Megan's Law. This U.S. federal law applies to anyone who is required to register under the sex offender registration program of any jurisdiction for a sex offense against a child.
What to know about passports for sex offenders
When applying for a passport, you are required to self-identify as a covered sex offender.
The Angel Watch Center (AWC) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security certifies a person as a covered sex offender.
We will print an identifier in your passport book. The identifier is a statement which reads: “The bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor and is a covered sex offender pursuant to 22 USC 212b(c)(1).”
The law allows us to revoke passports issued to covered sex offenders that do not have the identifier.
- We cannot issue passport cards to covered sex offenders.
- This law aims to prevent child exploitation and human trafficking by ensuring that sex offenders traveling internationally are properly identified and monitored.
Getting a passport with an identifier
Visit the adult passport application and renewal pages for additional information and support with your passport.
Contact information
If you believe you are a covered sex offender and got a passport book without the identifier, dial 877-487-2778.
If you believe you received an identifier in your passport by mistake, email dhsintermeganslaw@ice.dhs.gov and include a completed Certification of Identity form.