For SBA lenders
Short answer
SBA Form 1919 requires disclosure of felony convictions within the last five years, or any felony conviction that resulted in incarceration, probation, or parole in the last five years.
SBA's character requirements on Form 1919 specifically ask about felony convictions within the preceding five years, or any felony conviction where the applicant is currently incarcerated, on probation, or parole. This look-back period helps the SBA assess an applicant's character and risk, impacting eligibility. An applicant with a disqualifying conviction within this period is generally ineligible.
A principal on a 7(a) loan application discloses a felony conviction for a non-financial crime that occurred seven years ago, with all incarceration and parole completed six years ago. The lender determines this conviction falls outside the current five-year look-back window and does not automatically disqualify the applicant based on that specific question.
SBA Form 1919 - Borrower Information Form
Criminal Justice Reviews for SBA Business Loan Programs - Final Rule
Policy Notice 5000-876441 - Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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