How to Replace a Damaged Passport

Preparing Your Application

Fill out an application to get a new passport. You can fill out your form either online or on paper. Fill out the form completely and to the best of your knowledge. Lying on the form can result in a fine or imprisonment. In the United States, this is the same application used to apply for a first-time passport or to replace one that is lost or stolen. You will use Form D11. You can access the form here: https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/ds-11-new-passport-application.html. You'll need to print it out and deliver it in person. If you don't have a printer, you can go to a local library or a print shop, such as Kinkos, to print your form. When filling out a paper form, always use black ink and write legibly.

Prepare a signed statement explaining the damage to your passport. Write out an explanation of how your passport has been damaged, such as having water damage, missing pages, or being ripped. Be as detailed as possible. Bring it with you when you apply for your replacement. Sign and date it in front of the agent. You will write out your statement in a separate document. For example, you might type it into a word processor and print it out. You want to be as detailed as possible, so describe the damage and how it happened.

Gather your supporting documents. Before you are issued a passport, you’ll need to prove you’re a citizen. You will need to provide an original or certified document, not a photocopy. You can get original stamped documents from the issuing agency. In some cases, the documents will be verified by a notary public, such as when the issuing agency doesn’t stamp them. You can submit either 1 primary piece of evidence or 2 or more secondary pieces. Primary pieces of citizenship evidence include: Undamaged passport for the issuing country (can be expired) Birth certificate from the issuing country Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth Certification of Naturalization Certification of Citizenship Secondary pieces of citizenship evidence include: Delayed birth certificate (issued more than 1 year after your birth) Letter of No Record issued by a governmental agency Birth affidavit Early public or private documents (from your first 5 years if possible) -- baptism certificate, birth documentation from a hospital, census record, school records, family records, doctor’s records of post-natal care.

Take a passport photo. You will also need to submit a passport photo, which you can get from a photographer who advertises for passport photos. If you’d rather take it yourself, you can do so in front of a white background, such as a white wall. When taking your photo, do not wear a hat, glasses, sunglasses, or other items that can obscure your identity. If you are wearing glasses or a head covering in the photo, you will be required to submit documentation from a doctor or religious figure stating that they are medically required or part of your beliefs.

Bring your ID. You will need to show your ID when you apply. This could be your driver’s license, state-issued ID, or other government issued identification.

Submitting Your Application

Take your application to a passport office if you are not in a rush. A person will review your application details, make sure it is complete, check your documentation, and have you swear an oath. Since you are replacing your damaged passport, then you will also take the old passport as part of your documentation. Your replacement passport will likely take 6-9 weeks to arrive if you submit your request by mail. If you live in the United States, you can find your passport office here: https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/passport-office.html. You will need to pay a fee, which is currently $140 for the book and card.

Visit a regional passport agency if you need to travel soon. A regional agency may be able to process your application within 2 weeks if you plan on traveling soon. You will still need to bring your application, damaged passport, and supporting documents and be prepared to swear an oath. You may have to prove that you are traveling. Many applicants will have a long drive and wait in long lines to use a regional agency. You can prove that you are traveling by bringing your plane ticket or proof of reservations abroad. If you are in the United States, you can find the regional agency closest to you by visiting here: https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/us-passport-agency.html. You will need to pay a fee to attain your new passport, which is currently $140. Additionally, you may owe a fee for expedited service depending on how long you're willing to wait, which costs $60.

Expedite the process if you need it right away. You can get your passport in under 48 hours under certain conditions, but you will need to find an approved location to expedite your application and pay a fee. You must also submit your damaged passport. The Department of State has a list of approved expediters who will rush your application for you. You also do not have to go to the regional agency at all if you choose to go this route. Some people will have their passports in 1 day if they pick it up in person. You usually do not have to prove that you are traveling when you pay an expediter, but they may expect you to show plane tickets or reservations if you want 1 day service. If you wait to receive the passport by mail, it will still take 2-3 weeks to arrive. You can find a list of expeditors here: https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/passport-expediting-service.html. Fees for expediting services range, but you can expect to pay around $89 to get your passport in 5-7 days and up to around $225 to get your passport in 1 day. Check with different providers to compare rates. You will also need to pay the passport replacement fee of $140.