{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-if-i-have-a-criminal-record-from-a-long-time-ago-will-that-stop-me-from-getting-an-sb","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/questions/what-if-i-have-a-criminal-record-from-a-long-time-ago-will-that-stop-me-from-getting-an-sb","question":"What if I have a criminal record from a long time ago? Will that stop me from getting an SBA loan?","topic":"Criminal History","audience":"new","bot_mode":"buyer","short_answer":"It depends on the nature and recency of the offense. Certain types of criminal records, especially recent felonies, can disqualify you, but older, minor offenses may not automatically prevent approval.","rule":"Applicants must disclose all criminal history on SBA Form 1919. The SBA reviews this information. Generally, a felony conviction within the last five years (or during parole/probation) or being subject to a felony indictment, criminal information, or other means by which formal criminal charges are brought, will make an applicant ineligible. Older, minor offenses are typically evaluated on a case-by-case basis.","example":"An applicant with a misdemeanor conviction for petty theft from 20 years ago, with no other incidents since, would likely not be disqualified. However, an applicant with a felony fraud conviction from three years ago would be ineligible.","what_lenders_check":"Lenders must verify the applicant's criminal history through background checks. Any undisclosed or disqualifying criminal history can result in loan denial or withdrawal of the SBA guaranty. They ensure compliance with SBA character requirements.","required_facts":["Disclose all history","SBA reviews","Recent felonies disqualify","Case-by-case for minor","SBA Form 1919"],"source_families":["SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs","SBA Form 1919 - Borrower Information Form","Criminal Justice Reviews for SBA Business Loan Programs - Final Rule"],"official_sources":[{"title":"SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs","url":"https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2025-05/SOP%2050%2010%208%20Technical%20Updates%20effective%206.1.2025.docx"},{"title":"SBA Form 1919 - Borrower Information Form","url":"https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/2025.02.27%20Form%201919%20-%20Updates%20%28FINAL%29_03-12-2025%20%281%29.pdf"},{"title":"Criminal Justice Reviews for SBA Business Loan Programs - Final Rule","url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/30/2024-09009/criminal-justice-reviews-for-the-sba-business-loan-programs-disaster-loan-programs-and-surety-bond"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What if I have a prior felony conviction on my record?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-if-i-have-a-prior-felony-conviction-on-my-record"}],"related_terms":[{"term":"Criminal Record","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/criminal-record"},{"term":"Will/trust","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/will-trust"},{"term":"Private club that restricts membership","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/private-club-that-restricts-membership"},{"term":"Long-term lease","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/long-term-lease"},{"term":"Holder of Record","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/holder-of-record"},{"term":"Servicer of record","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/servicer-of-record"}],"related_tools":[{"name":"SBA 7(a) payment & fee calculator","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/calculator"},{"name":"Find an active SBA 7(a) lender","url":"https://dealroom.so/lenders"}],"data_freshness":{"last_reviewed":"2026-06-13","sba_rule_sources_checked_through":"2026-06-13"},"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so SBA 7(a) Q&A","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-if-i-have-a-criminal-record-from-a-long-time-ago-will-that-stop-me-from-getting-an-sb","source_type":"DealRoom Q&A"},"caveats":["Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against official sources before relying on it for a live deal.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice and not an approval decision."]}