Your Damaged U.S. Passport: Steps to Replacement

Last updated 3 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

A damaged passport can disrupt travel plans. Whether it’s water damage from an accidental spill, a tear from rough handling, or unofficial marks made by a curious child, understanding what constitutes damage and how to replace your passport is crucial.

This guide provides comprehensive steps for U.S. citizens to navigate the process of replacing a damaged passport, ensuring you can travel securely and without interruption. The information is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of State.

What Counts as a “Damaged” Passport?

Knowing whether your passport’s condition requires replacement is the first step. The U.S. Department of State distinguishes between official damage and normal wear and tear.

Official Definition of Damage

Your passport is considered damaged and must be replaced if it exhibits any of the following issues:

• Water damage: Stains, warping, or other effects from liquid exposure
• Significant tear: Rips in the cover or on essential pages, including the personal data page or visa pages
• Unofficial markings: Any writing, scribbles, or markings on the data page (the page with your photo and information) that were not made by an official entity
• Missing visa pages: Pages that have been torn out
• Hole punch: Any holes punched into the passport
• Damage to the cover or binding: A loose cover or compromised binding
• Damage to the RFID chip: Issues with the electronic chip embedded in the passport cover

If your passport has any of these types of damage, you cannot simply renew it; you must apply for a new one.

What is Just “Normal Wear and Tear”?

Not all signs of use mean your passport is damaged. The State Department considers the following to be normal “wear and tear” that generally does not require replacement:

• The bend of a passport after being carried in a pocket
• Fanning of the visa pages from regular opening and closing
• Minor scuffs or slightly folded pages from typical handling are usually acceptable

Why It Matters: The Risks of Traveling with a Damaged Passport

Attempting international travel with a passport that could be considered damaged carries significant risks and potential consequences. A damaged passport is technically invalid.

Importantly, do not attempt to repair a damaged passport yourself; any physical alteration, even with good intentions, invalidates the document according to federal law.

The primary risks include:

Denied Boarding by Airlines: While the State Department defines damage, airlines ultimately decide who boards an international flight. Because airlines can face significant fines for transporting passengers with invalid travel documents, they often exercise caution and may deny boarding even for damage that seems minor.

Denied Entry by Foreign Countries: Even if an airline allows you to board, immigration officials in your destination country have the final say. They can deny entry if they deem your passport damaged or invalid.

Issues Returning to the U.S.: While a U.S. citizen cannot ultimately be denied entry back into the United States, traveling with a damaged passport can cause significant problems. Airlines may prevent you from boarding your flight home.

If you do reach a U.S. port of entry, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may detain you while they verify your identity and citizenship, causing delays. The fundamental right of entry doesn’t negate the requirement for proper documentation or the potential for scrutiny and delay if that documentation is compromised.

Given these potential hurdles, the safest course of action is to replace a passport if you have any doubts about its condition.

Replacing Your Damaged Passport from Within the United States

If you are in the U.S. and need to replace a damaged passport, the process is different from a standard renewal.

The Correct Process: Apply In Person with Form DS-11

You cannot renew a damaged passport by mail using Form DS-82, the standard renewal form. Instead, you must apply in person using Form DS-11, “Application for a U.S. Passport”. This process is the same as applying for a first-time passport, even if your damaged passport hasn’t expired yet.

Step 1: Complete Form DS-11 Accurately

• Fill Out the Form: The easiest way is to use the online Form Filler tool. This tool helps prevent errors. Alternatively, you can download a PDF version of Form DS-11 from the State Department website and fill it out by hand using black ink.
• Provide Required Information: Ensure all fields are completed accurately, including your full name, date and place of birth, Social Security number (SSN), contact information, and travel plans (if any).
• Social Security Number Requirements: Providing your SSN is mandatory under federal law (26 U.S.C. 6039E, 22 U.S.C 2714a(f)) if you have been issued one. The SSN is used to verify your identity and cross-reference information with other federal agencies like the Department of the Treasury.
• No SSN?: Failure to provide your SSN can lead to application delays, denial, and a potential $500 penalty enforced by the IRS. If you have never been issued an SSN, you must submit a signed and dated statement declaring this under penalty of perjury.
• Print Correctly: Print the completed form on standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper, single-sided only. Double-sided forms will not be accepted.
• Do Not Sign: Crucially, do not sign the application form until you are instructed to do so by the passport acceptance agent during your in-person appointment.

Step 2: Gather All Required Supporting Documents

You will need several documents to submit along with your unsigned Form DS-11:

The Damaged Passport: You must submit the actual damaged passport book and/or card with your application. The State Department will review the damage and typically retain the damaged passport. Because its integrity is compromised, the damaged passport cannot serve as your proof of U.S. citizenship or identity for this application.

Signed Statement Explaining Damage: You must provide a separate written statement that is signed and dated, clearly explaining how the passport became damaged or mutilated. This statement provides context for the damage and creates a formal record of the circumstances.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Original + Photocopy): Since the damaged passport cannot serve as proof, you must provide separate evidence of citizenship. Submit one of the following original or certified documents:

• U.S. birth certificate meeting specific requirements (issued by city/county/state, lists full names, filed within one year of birth, has registrar signature and seal)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) or Certification of Birth (DS-1350 or FS-545)
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• A previous, undamaged U.S. passport (if available and fully valid or recently expired)

You must provide the original or a certified copy. Digital or mobile birth certificates are not accepted. You must also submit a clear black and white photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) on single-sided, 8.5 x 11 inch white paper.

Proof of Identity (Original + Photocopy): You must present one primary identification document. Examples include:

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or card (if you have one separate from the damaged one)
• Valid in-state driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo. (If using an out-of-state ID, you may need to present additional identification)
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal) with photo
• U.S. military ID or military dependent ID with photo
• Current (valid) foreign passport

The ID must be a physical document; digital IDs (like mobile driver’s licenses) are not accepted. You must also submit a clear black and white photocopy of the front and back on single-sided, 8.5 x 11 inch white paper.

One Passport Photo: Provide one color photograph that meets all official requirements:

• Size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
• Recent: Taken within the last 6 months
• Background: Plain white or off-white
• Pose: Full face view, directly facing camera, neutral expression or natural smile, both eyes open
• No Glasses: Eyeglasses are not permitted unless you submit a signed doctor’s statement explaining a medical necessity
• No Hats/Head Coverings: Unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons (requires signed statement). Full face must be visible
• No Uniforms: Or clothing resembling uniforms
• Quality: High resolution, clear, printed on matte or glossy photo paper, undamaged
• No Digital Alterations: Do not use filters, software, or AI to alter your appearance

Do not staple or attach the photo to your application form; the acceptance agent will do this. For detailed guidelines and examples, visit the official Passport Photo page.

Step 3: Find a Passport Acceptance Facility

Since you must apply in person using Form DS-11, you need to locate an official Passport Acceptance Facility. These are designated locations authorized to accept passport applications on behalf of the State Department.

Common examples include U.S. Post Offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and other local government buildings.

Acceptance facilities are different from Passport Agencies or Centers, which are regional State Department offices that handle urgent processing and require appointments for imminent travel.

To find a facility near you, use the official Passport Acceptance Facility Search Tool. You can search by zip code, city, or state, and filter for locations that offer photo services or handicap access.

Important: Most acceptance facilities require appointments. Check the facility’s requirements and schedule an appointment in advance.

Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees In Person

Attend your appointment at the acceptance facility with all your completed documents:

• Unsigned Form DS-11
• The damaged passport
• Your signed statement explaining the damage
• Original proof of U.S. citizenship + photocopy
• Original proof of identity + photocopy
• One passport photo

During the appointment, the acceptance agent will:

• Verify your identity against your documents
• Witness you signing the Form DS-11
• Review your documents for completeness
• Collect your application package
• Accept your payment for the required fees

You must pay two separate fees when submitting Form DS-11:

Application Fee: This fee goes to the U.S. Department of State to cover the cost of processing and producing the passport. Payment is typically made by check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Some facilities may accept other forms of payment, but check beforehand. (See Section V for current amounts).

Execution (Acceptance) Fee: This $35 fee is paid directly to the acceptance facility itself. This fee compensates the local facility for their service in accepting the application, verifying identity, and securely forwarding the documents. Payment methods for this fee vary by location (check, money order, potentially cash or credit cards – confirm with the facility).

Replacing Your Damaged Passport While Outside the United States

If your U.S. passport is damaged while you are abroad, the replacement process involves contacting U.S. diplomatic missions.

Primary Step: Contact the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Your first and most crucial step is to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are located. They handle passport services for U.S. citizens abroad.

You can find contact information and location details for all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide on the official site: https://www.usembassy.gov/.

Very Important: Procedures for passport applications, including replacing damaged ones, can vary significantly from one embassy or consulate to another. Always check the specific website of the embassy or consulate you plan to visit for their detailed instructions regarding appointments, required documents, fees, and processing times.

General Process (Expect Variations)

While specific steps may differ, the general process for replacing a damaged passport at a U.S. embassy or consulate typically involves:

In-Person Application: You will usually need to apply in person, often requiring a pre-scheduled appointment. While some routine services might be available by mail in limited locations, replacing a damaged passport generally necessitates a personal appearance.

Form DS-11: You will likely need to complete and submit Form DS-11, “Application for a U.S. Passport”. Use the online Form Filler or download the PDF, but do not sign it until instructed by consular staff.

Required Documents: Similar to applying domestically, you’ll need:

• The damaged passport (the embassy may keep it)
• A signed statement explaining how the passport was damaged
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (e.g., a copy of the damaged passport’s data page if legible, a U.S. birth certificate if you have access to it)
• Proof of Identity (e.g., driver’s license, other government-issued photo ID)
• One passport photo meeting U.S. requirements

Fees: Passport application fees must be paid directly to the embassy or consulate. Accepted payment methods vary by location and may include U.S. dollars, local currency, or credit cards. Check the specific embassy/consulate website for details.

Emergency Passports Abroad

If your passport is damaged shortly before or during international travel and you have an urgent need to travel, U.S. embassies and consulates can often issue an emergency, limited-validity passport.

Speed: These can sometimes be issued very quickly, potentially the same day or within 24-72 hours, depending on the circumstances and the specific post.

Validity: Emergency passports are typically valid for a short duration, often one year or less, primarily to allow you to return to the United States or continue essential travel.

Replacement Needed: You will usually need to apply for a full-validity replacement passport upon returning to the U.S. using Form DS-5504 (if eligible based on the limited passport’s issuance conditions) or Form DS-11.

Acceptance Issues: Be aware that some countries may not accept limited-validity emergency passports for entry or transit. It’s essential to check the entry requirements for any country you plan to visit or transit through with an emergency passport.

These passports facilitate immediate travel needs but lack the full validity and potentially some security features of a standard passport, hence the need for replacement and potential acceptance limitations.

Understanding the Costs and Waiting Times

Replacing a damaged passport involves specific fees and processing times. It’s important to factor these into your planning. Passport fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is ultimately denied.

Passport Fees (As of March 2025)

The following fees apply when submitting Form DS-11 to replace a damaged passport:

Processing Times

Processing times are estimates and can change based on application volume, particularly during peak travel seasons (late winter through summer). The times quoted start after your application is received at a passport agency or center.

Crucially, mailing times are not included in processing times. You must factor in additional time for your application to travel to the processing center (up to 2 weeks) and for your new passport to be mailed back to you (up to 2 weeks). This means the total “door-to-door” turnaround time is considerably longer than the processing window alone.

Always check the current official processing times on the State Department website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html.

Expedited Service Options

If you need your passport faster than the routine timeframe, several options are available:

Expedited Processing: For an additional $60 fee, you can request expedited service when you apply in person at an acceptance facility. This reduces the processing time to approximately 2-3 weeks (plus mailing times). If you have already submitted your application via routine service, you may be able to upgrade to expedited service by calling the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778.

1-2 Day Delivery: For an additional $21.36 fee (paid with your application fee), you can have your completed passport book shipped back to you via 1-2 day delivery after processing is finished. This service only speeds up the final return mailing step; it does not expedite the application processing itself. This option is not available for passport cards, which are always sent via First Class Mail.

Urgent Travel (Less than 14 days): If you have documented international travel within 14 calendar days (or need a foreign visa within 28 days), you must make an appointment to apply at a Passport Agency or Center. These are regional State Department offices, not the local acceptance facilities. You will need to provide proof of your imminent travel (e.g., flight itinerary) and pay the $60 expedite fee. Appointments can be difficult to obtain, especially during busy periods. You can attempt to schedule an appointment online via the Online Passport Appointment System or by calling NPIC.

Life-or-Death Emergencies: For qualifying immediate family emergencies abroad (death, dying, life-threatening illness/injury), appointments may be available at a Passport Agency within 3 business days of travel. Strict documentation is required. Call NPIC for assistance.

Damaged vs. Other Passport Issues: Knowing the Difference

It’s important to understand why replacing a damaged passport follows a specific procedure, distinct from routine renewals or replacing a lost or stolen passport.

The table below summarizes the key differences:

Key Distinctions Explained:

Damaged Passport: The passport is physically present but its integrity is compromised. The in-person application using Form DS-11 is required so officials can inspect the damage, receive your explanation (the signed statement), and physically take possession of the invalidated document.

Routine Renewal (DS-82): This applies to passports that expired normally or are nearing expiration, are undamaged, and meet other eligibility criteria (like issuance date and applicant age). The process is simpler (often by mail or online) because the existing, intact passport serves as primary evidence, which you submit with Form DS-82.

Lost or Stolen Passport: The passport is physically missing. The in-person application using Form DS-11 is required because you cannot submit the old passport. Additionally, Form DS-64 must be submitted to formally report the loss or theft. This reporting step immediately cancels the passport number electronically in government systems to prevent fraudulent use, a crucial security measure distinct from the physical surrender of a damaged passport.

Understanding these distinctions ensures you use the correct forms and procedures, avoiding delays and complications.

Keeping Your Passport Safe: Prevention Tips

Preventing passport damage in the first place is the best strategy. Here are tips recommended by official sources and travel experts:

Proper Storage:

• At home, keep your passport in a secure, dry location like a safe or locked drawer
• While traveling, store it in a designated, safe compartment within your carry-on bag or personal item, not in checked luggage. Knowing exactly where it is helps prevent accidental loss or damage

Protective Measures:

• Consider using a sturdy passport cover to shield it from bends, spills, and tears
• If traveling near water, beaches, or in rainy conditions, use a waterproof bag or container to protect it from moisture

Avoid Common Hazards:

• Keep your passport away from liquids that can cause water damage
• Store it out of reach of children and pets, as chewing or drawing can easily damage it
• Do not place unofficial stickers or stamps inside your passport; only official visas and entry/exit stamps are permitted

Backup Documentation:

• Make clear photocopies of your passport’s identification page before you travel
• Take clear photographs of the ID page with your smartphone
• Keep these copies (physical and digital) separate from your actual passport while traveling
• Leave another copy with a trusted friend or family member at home
• Consider obtaining a U.S. Passport Card. While it cannot be used for international air travel, it is a valid proof of citizenship and identity for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and parts of the Caribbean. It’s wallet-sized, more durable than the book, and serves as a useful backup ID

Enroll in STEP:

• Register your trip with the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This allows the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in case of an emergency, provide safety alerts, and assist more effectively if your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged while abroad

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of damaging your passport and facing travel disruptions.

Official U.S. Department of State Resources

For the most current and detailed information, always refer to the official U.S. Department of State website. Here are key resources related to damaged passports:

• Main Damaged Passport Info (FAQs)
• Apply in Person (DS-11 Process)
• Form DS-11 (Application for U.S. Passport) Online Filler or PDF Forms
• Passport Fees
• Current Processing Times
• Passport Photo Requirements
• Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
• Proof of Identity Requirements
• Proof of Citizenship Requirements
• Report Lost/Stolen Passport (Includes Form DS-64 info)
• Renew Passport (Form DS-82 Info)
• Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates
• National Passport Information Center (NPIC) Contact (Includes phone numbers 1-877-487-2778 / TDD/TTY 1-888-874-7793)

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