New U.S. Passport Rules for Child Sex Offenders (2026 Guide)

Under International Megan’s Law, certain registered child sex offenders are required to carry a U.S. passport containing a unique identifier. The U.S. government may revoke passports issued without the required identifier and can deny the issuance of passport cards for covered offenders. These rules apply only to individuals classified as “covered sex offenders” under federal law.

What Is International Megan’s Law?

International Megan’s Law is a federal law designed to help notify foreign governments when certain registered child sex offenders travel internationally. The law created additional passport restrictions and identification requirements for covered offenders.

The law applies to specific individuals convicted of sex offenses involving minors and who are required to register as sex offenders under U.S. law.

Who Is Considered a Covered Sex Offender?

Not all registered sex offenders are affected by these passport rules.

A “covered sex offender” generally refers to a registered sex offender whose offense involved a minor. Federal agencies determine whether an individual qualifies under the law.

The determination process may involve:

• Criminal conviction records
• Sex offender registration status
• Federal database verification
• Review by the Angel Watch Center

Can a Child Sex Offender Get a U.S. Passport?

Yes, certain covered offenders may still obtain a U.S. passport. However, the passport may contain a mandatory identifier stating that the individual was convicted of a sex offense against a minor.

The law does not automatically ban all international travel, but some countries may deny entry based on their own immigration rules.

Travelers should understand that:

• Foreign countries control their own entry decisions
• A valid U.S. passport does not guarantee admission abroad
• Additional travel restrictions may apply in some cases

What Passport Restrictions Apply?

Covered sex offenders may face several passport restrictions, including:

• Mandatory passport identifier
• Passport revocation if issued without the identifier
• Denial of passport cards
• Additional international travel monitoring

These restrictions apply under federal passport regulations connected to International Megan’s Law.

What Does the Passport Identifier Say?

Covered passports may contain an endorsement similar to:

“The bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor.”

The identifier is printed inside the passport and is intended to notify foreign governments during international travel.

Can the Government Revoke a Passport?

Yes. The U.S. Department of State may revoke a passport that was issued without the required identifier if the individual is later determined to be a covered sex offender.

In some situations:

• The traveler may be instructed to surrender the passport
• A replacement passport may be issued with the identifier
• International travel could be delayed during the replacement process

Are Passport Cards Allowed?

Generally, covered offenders are not eligible for U.S. passport cards.

Federal law limits these individuals to passport books containing the required identifier.

How to Apply for a Passport Under International Megan’s Law

Applicants generally follow the standard passport process, including:

• Completing the required passport application
• Providing proof of citizenship
• Submitting identification documents
• Paying applicable passport fees
• Attending an appointment if required

Federal agencies may review the application to determine whether passport restrictions apply.

International Travel Considerations

Even if a passport is issued, travelers should understand that:

• Some countries may deny entry
• Additional questioning at borders may occur
• Foreign immigration policies vary by country
• International travel restrictions can change without notice

Travelers should review entry requirements before booking international travel.

What Happens If You Already Have a Passport?

If a covered offender already has a passport that does not contain the required identifier, the U.S. government may revoke the passport and require a replacement passport to be issued.

This process may involve:

• Notification from the Department of State
• Passport surrender instructions
• Reissuance of a corrected passport

Failure to comply could affect future international travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can registered sex offenders get a U.S. passport?

Yes. Some registered sex offenders may still qualify for a U.S. passport, although restrictions and passport identifiers may apply.

Does International Megan’s Law ban international travel?

No. The law does not automatically prohibit all international travel, but foreign countries may deny entry under their own laws.

Can a passport be revoked under International Megan’s Law?

Yes. Passports issued without the required identifier may be revoked and replaced.

What is the passport identifier?

Covered passports may contain language stating that the bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor.

Are passport cards allowed for covered offenders?

Generally, no. Covered offenders are typically limited to passport books with identifiers.

Who determines whether someone is covered under the law?

Federal agencies, including the Angel Watch Center and the Department of State, help determine whether an individual qualifies under International Megan’s Law.

Important Disclaimer

Passport laws and international travel regulations can change. Travelers should review current guidance from the U.S. Department of State and consider obtaining legal advice regarding individual circumstances and international travel eligibility.

International Megan’s Law created additional passport rules for certain registered child sex offenders traveling internationally. While the law does not automatically prohibit all international travel, covered offenders may face passport identifiers, passport revocation issues, and travel restrictions imposed by foreign governments.

Travelers affected by these rules should carefully review current passport regulations before planning international travel.