If your passport is significantly damaged, it is automatically invalidated and can't be used for international travel. You will need to apply for a damaged passport replacement as soon as possible.
With over two decades of assisting travelers with their passport needs, we understand the nuances and complexities involved in this process.
This guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need, whether you're dealing with a water-damaged passport, a torn one, or any other form of damage that will make your passport unusable.
The definition of what actually qualifies as a "significantly damaged passport" is fuzzy. Even the Federal Regulations that are used to assess a damaged passport do not offer a lot of help on this subject.
In the section on passport invalidity, the regulation states, "A United States passport is invalid as soon as:
The passport has been materially changed in physical appearance or composition, or contains a damaged, defective or otherwise nonfunctioning chip, or includes unauthorized changes, obliterations, entries or photographs, or has observable wear or tear that renders it unfit for use as a travel document, and the Department either takes possession of the passport or sends a written notice to the bearer.
The most confusing part of the definition of a damaged passport is the term "observable wear and tear". In our over 20 years of speaking with readers, passport experts, and passport officials, we have received pretty consistent answers to the question, "How observable does damage have to be in order for a passport to be rendered invalid?"
What if the gold on the emblem has been rubbed off? Not a big deal.
While each of these examples may fall under the category of "normal wear and tear," it will still be a subjective call made every time you try to use your passport. If you aren't comfortable with that, consider replacement soon.
Replacing a damaged passport can be a straightforward process if you know the right steps to follow. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can complete the process and get your new, undamaged passport.
Current passport application processing times range from 6 to 8 weeks . These times are subject to change depending upon how many people are applying and the current workload of the U.S. Department of State.
Expedited passport processing is currently taking 2 to 3 weeks .
Regional passport agencies can process same-day passport applications for citizens of the United States who have urgent travel plans.
There are two ways to get this done:
In our years of experience in passport services, we've gathered common questions about damaged passport replacement.
Below are some specific questions and their answers, with links for additional information where relevant.
Answer: A passport is considered damaged if it has significant physical defects like water damage, torn pages, or unauthorized markings. Minor wear and tear usually don't qualify.
Answer: Traveling with a noticeably damaged passport is risky and it might not be accepted by authorities. Replace it before you travel if it's damaged.
Answer: Expedited services are available for an additional fee. Currently a replacement can be processed in 2 to 3 weeks .
Answer: Provide a written statement describing the damage, especially if it's internal (like an issue with a faulty RFID chip).
Answer: Usually, the damaged passport is retained and not returned. If a passport is returned, it will have corner cut or a hole punched in it to indicate its invalidity.
Answer: Standard new passport fees apply. There are no additional fees for damage, but expedited processing and/or speedier delivery options cost extra.
Answer: Visa pages cannot be transferred between passports. Contact the relevant embassies for visa transfers.
Answer: Online applications are not an option for replacing damaged passports. Apply in person or by mail.
Due to the subjective nature of damaged passport rules, we always encourage American citizens to replace their damaged travel document if they have any doubt at all about its usability.
Yes, you will have to pay the fees to get a new passport, but it will almost always be significantly less than the cost of having to reschedule or cancel an international trip at the last minute.
If your passport has been damaged and you want to apply for a replacement, you can do this by following the same steps that are required in order to obtain a new passport. The only additional step is you have to submit the damaged passport along with the application form and supporting documents.
If you are in a hurry to get your replacement passport, we strongly encourage you to get help from a professional passport expediting service. The best passport expediters can get your passport replacement in your hands, wherever you may be, sometimes as quickly as the same day.
Be aware, you might not get your damaged passport back. For security reasons, damaged passports may be retained or destroyed by the U.S. Department of State.
Pro Tip: Passport with only normal wear and tear can be renewed by mail.
1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry?
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?
You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.
