Table of contents
- What is considered a damaged passport?
- Examples of damaged passports
- How to replace a damaged passport
- Minor water-damaged passport
- Faqs
What is considered a damaged passport?
Is your passport showing signs of wear and tear? Understanding what is considered as damaged passport is crucial for smooth international travel. According to the US government, the passport is considered as damaged, if it has materially changed in physical appearance or composition due to wear or tear, carelessness or accidental happenstance( washed, torn, ), contains a damaged or nonfunctioning RFID chip, including unauthorized alterations, or has observable wear and tear that makes it unfit for use, it is considered damaged. In such cases, the passport becomes invalid.
Table of contents
Examples of damaged passports
- Loose binding
- Tear to the cover pages
- Major or minor water damage
- Faded pages
- The passport cover has fallen off
- A rip or tear
- Missing pages
- Peeling plastic
- Radio frequency identification (RFID ) chip damage
If you are not sure whether your passport is too damaged or not, whether you can travel with it? then it's better to take your damaged passport to the passport agency to apply for a new one.
How to replace a damaged passport.
The regulations about what constitutes as damage that makes the passport invalid are subjective. So its recommended to to replace your passport if you have any questions about the functioning or usability of your passport.
Make sure you have all these documents to get a new passport :
- The damaged u.s passport
- A signed statement explaining the damage
- Form DS-11
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate)
- Photocopy of citizenship proof
- Current ID
- Photocopy of your ID
- 2 Passport photos
- Necessary fees (Amount to be determined)
Minor water-damaged passport
Passports that have water damage can no longer be used and have to be replaced. A replacement is like getting a new passport and when applying for a new one make sure you have all the documents we have mentioned above.
Minors must apply in person with both parents (like they did when applying for a new passport ) and if one parent cannot attend or visit the passport agency/office they should submit a notarized letter of consent for the new passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How do I know if my passport is considered damaged?
If your personal details are difficult to read
There are signs of fading or discoloration
If it water-damaged
Peeling plastic
Radio frequency identification (RFID ) chip damage
2) How much damage is acceptable on a passport?
Normal wear and tear of a U.S. passport is expected and is likely not considered "damage." For instance, normal wear includes the bend of a passport after being carried in your back pocket.
3) Is a damaged passport still valid?
Your damaged passport will be considered as valid as long as there is no change in the physical or composition of the passport, your personal details are clearly visible, the authorities can clearly identify your photo, the RFID chip is not damaged,And there is no water damaged.
4) How Long Does it Take to Replace a Damaged Passport?
In most cases, people get it in 3 to 6 weeks but it can take longer. You can also expedite the process in case you need your passport quick but this will cost extra fees.
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