If your passport becomes damaged, a slight feeling of panic may come over you, especially if you have an upcoming international trip. Well, we’re here to tell you that there is no need to worry! Accidents happen (such as water-damaged passports and when your toddler uses your passport as a coloring page), and believe it or not, we have many clients who come to us asking how to replace their damaged passports.
If you need a replacement, there are two ways to replace a damaged U.S. passport, depending on the degree of damage that’s occurred. Let’s talk about the two options you can choose from, the pros and cons of each option, and how to decide which option will be best for you.
What if Your Passport is Damaged?
If your passport is damaged, you have two main options to choose from to get it replaced.
The first option is to renew your damaged passport. This option may be suitable for you if your passport has slightly more damage than normal wear and tear but is otherwise in pretty good condition. Please note that the US Passport Agency has the final say on whether or not the damage is considered to be “minor”.
If your passport is/was valid for 10 years, you can follow the passport renewal steps below:
- Gather all of the documents required for US passport renewal based on our required document checklist. The checklist will outline everything you’ll need with detailed criteria for each document. Please note that some of these documents will need to be shipped directly to the Swift Passport Services office.
- Select your desired US passport renewal time, pay all of the associated fees, and checkout.
- Make sure that you send any required physical documents to our office using FedEx or UPS as soon as possible.
- We will work on processing your passport renewal and monitor it throughout the entire process.
- Get excited! Your completed passport renewal will be sent to you.
If the damaged passport is a child passport, you will need to follow the child passport instructions listed on the Swift website.
The second option is to apply for a completely new passport. If your passport is destroyed and unreadable, this is going to be the option for you. If you’re unsure if your passport will be eligible for a renewal and don’t want to risk losing time or going through the hassle of completing another set of paperwork, this is a good option as you will not be penalized for choosing this method.
Can I Travel With a Slightly Damaged Passport?
Unfortunately, if your passport is damaged at all, you will not be able to use it to travel. You will need to obtain a damaged passport replacement before your trip or face being turned away by customs.
How Do I Replace a Damaged U.S. Passport?
If you’re looking to replace your damaged passport, you have two options.
Renew Your Damaged Passport: If your passport has slightly more damage than normal wear and tear but is otherwise in pretty good condition, renewing your passport using our Expedited Passport Renewal Instructions and including a damage statement form (a typed and signed statement explaining how your passport became damaged) is the most popular option amongst people, and is usually the best way to go. In the damage statement, make sure to write a complete four to six-sentence explanation that explains the following – when the passport was damaged, where it was damaged, and how the damage occurred.
PROS: The process is very simple. All you have to do is gather the paperwork together, place your order, and send us (Swift) the passport and application materials – we’ll take it from there!
CONS: This process doesn’t ensure that you’ll be able to renew your passport. Once you send your damaged passport in, a real person will review the damage and determine whether or not your passport is too damaged to renew. The degree of damage is relative, and it is impossible to say for sure if they’ll deem that it’s eligible for renewal or not.
Apply For a Completely New Passport: If your passport is destroyed, not readable, and in a mutilated state, then you will have to apply for a completely new passport. If this is the case, you should follow our new or first-time passport instructions. When you choose this option, you are applying for a passport in the same manner as a first-time applicant would. This involves getting your paperwork “executed” by a passport acceptance agent at your local post office or country/city clerk before shipping Swift your documents. Make sure to include your damaged passport and another form of proof of citizenship (another old passport, original birth certificate, a certified copy of your birth certificate, or naturalization papers). You should also highly consider including a damage statement along with your other documents. Including a damage statement ensures you cover all of your bases.
PROS: If you are unsure if your passport will be eligible for a renewal and don’t want to risk losing time or going through the hassle of completing another set of paperwork, this is a good option as you will not be penalized for choosing this method.
CONS: The cost to replace your damaged passport is $25. This cost is to get your application materials executed, and it typically takes longer than option one.
How to Determine the Best Passport Replacement Solution For You
If you aren’t sure which option is best for you, you may want to ask yourself if doing it the “easy way” (renewing with a damage statement) is worth opting for, if at the end of the day, you could be told you’re going to have to start from scratch. Starting from scratch after being told you won’t be able to renew will only take longer than necessary and could make you miss your trip.
Luckily, most people with slightly damaged passports take a gamble and win (the passport is renewed without any problems). Overall, just weigh out the pros and cons of both options and decide which one will be the best for you. If you have any questions about either option or are looking to get your passport replaced, please feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to help! As always, no matter where you’re traveling to, stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy your trip!
