If you’re dealing with a DUI or impaired driving charge and planning to travel, it’s normal to ask: does a DUI show up on your passport?
The short answer is no—a DUI does not appear on a Canadian passport.
That said, there’s more to understand about how passports work, what border officers can see, and how a criminal record can affect travel.
Let’s check out what actually happens.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH A CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER
A Canadian passport is primarily an identity document.
It contains basic personal information such as your name, date of birth, photo, and passport number.
It does not list criminal charges, convictions, or driving offences.
In other words, criminal records are not printed on or embedded in your passport.
If someone looks at your passport—visually or electronically—they will not see a DUI listed.
While a DUI doesn’t appear on your passport itself, that doesn’t mean border officials are limited to the information on the passport alone.
When you travel, border officers may access separate law enforcement or immigration databases.
In Canada, this can include systems used by the Canada Border Services Agency.
When crossing into another country, that country’s border officials may rely on their own databases and information-sharing agreements.
This is where confusion often arises: your passport doesn’t show a DUI, but your criminal history may still be visible through other systems.
Potentially, yes—depending on the situation.
Border officers do not run a background check every time someone travels.
However, they may see information related to criminal records if:
This is especially relevant for international travel, where each country sets its own entry rules.
A common concern is whether a DUI prevents you from getting or renewing a passport.
In most cases, you can get a Canadian passport even if you have a DUI or a criminal record.
A criminal conviction alone does not automatically disqualify someone from holding a passport.
However, there are limited situations where passport issues can arise, such as:
This is why it’s important to understand the difference between passport eligibility and travel eligibility—they are not the same thing.
Yes, in many situations, you can get a passport with a criminal record.
Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from applying for or renewing a Canadian passport.
The more significant concern is often where you are trying to travel, not whether you can obtain the passport itself.
This is where a DUI can have real consequences.
Some countries—most notably the United States—may consider a DUI or impaired driving offence when deciding whether to allow entry.
Even if your passport is valid and shows no criminal information, admissibility decisions are made separately at the border.
Other countries may have different rules or may not ask about impaired driving at all.
The impact depends on:
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH A CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER
Another important distinction is between being charged and being convicted.
Understanding where your matter stands legally can make a meaningful difference when planning travel.
If you’re facing a DUI charge or have a past impaired driving conviction and are planning to travel, it’s a good idea to understand the potential risks before you go.
Every situation is different, and travel outcomes can depend on details that aren’t always obvious at first glance.
Speaking with a criminal defence lawyer can help you understand how your specific circumstances may interact with passport rules, border screening, and international travel requirements.
A criminal defence lawyer can help explain how a DUI charge or conviction may affect travel, clarify the difference between passport eligibility and border admissibility, and outline possible legal options based on your situation.
Browne Criminal Defence assists individuals in Calgary and surrounding areas with impaired driving and other criminal matters, providing guidance so clients can make informed decisions—particularly when travel is a concern.
A DUI does not show up on your Canadian passport.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant when you travel.
Passports confirm who you are; border decisions are based on broader considerations.
Understanding that difference can help you avoid surprises and plan ahead with more confidence.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH A CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER
Each country sets its own entry rules, but the United States is often the biggest concern for Canadians with a DUI. A DUI or impaired driving conviction can raise admissibility issues depending on how the offence is classified under U.S. immigration law. Other countries may have different rules or may not treat a DUI as a barrier to entry. Admission decisions are always made by the destination country at the border.
No. When your passport is scanned, it displays identity and travel document information only. Your criminal record does not appear on your passport or automatically display during a scan. However, border officers may have access to separate law enforcement systems operated by agencies such as the Canada Border Services Agency, which are distinct from passport data.
In most cases, yes. A DUI conviction does not automatically prevent someone from applying for or renewing a Canadian passport. Passport eligibility and travel eligibility are different matters. Issues may arise in limited situations, such as when there are outstanding warrants, court orders, or travel restrictions connected to a criminal case.
A Canadian passport contains personal identification information such as your name, date of birth, photograph, and passport number. It does not list criminal charges, convictions, driving offences, or court history.
It depends on where you are travelling and the details of your situation. While a valid passport allows you to leave Canada, entry into another country is determined by that country’s immigration and admissibility rules. Some destinations may allow entry without issue, while others may consider a DUI or impaired driving conviction more closely.
DUI charges and convictions are recorded within Canadian criminal justice and law enforcement systems, not on your passport. Canadian authorities may access this information through internal databases when legally permitted. This information is separate from passport records and is handled according to applicable laws and policies.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this website, submitting an inquiry, or communicating with our firm through this site does not create a lawyer-client relationship. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. For advice tailored to your unique circumstances, please consult with our lawyers directly. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. This website may contain links to external resources; we do not endorse or assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.