Damaged U.S. passport: what counts and how to replace it

What counts as damage

Water damage, mold, stains, significant tears, unofficial markings or missing pages count as damage; normal wear such as folded pages or small bends does not. A damaged passport is replaced in person with Form DS-11, the damaged passport and a signed statement explaining the damage.³

Look at your passport page by page, including the photo page. Not sure where yours falls? Check the official source or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778⁴.

Why you apply in person

A damaged passport is on that list, even if you renewed by mail before. Acceptance facilities are often post offices, libraries or local government offices. Find one near you with the official search: iafdb.travel.state.gov⁶.

What to bring

On top of that list, bring two things that are specific to your case:

• The damaged passport itself, as it is.
• A statement that explains how the passport was damaged, signed by you.

Do not sign Form DS-11 until the acceptance agent asks you to; the agent gives you an oath and watches you sign.⁸

Not sure about the photo? Read Passport photo requirements.

Step by step

Checklist

What to bring to the acceptance facility

Print checklist

• Form DS-11, printed single-sided and not signed
• The damaged passport
• Your signed statement explaining the damage
• Original proof of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy
• Photo ID and a front-and-back photocopy
• One passport photo, not stapled
• Check or money order for the application fee, payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Separate payment for the acceptance fee

Do and don't

Do

• Bring the damaged passport as it is, even if pages came loose.
• Keep it flat and dry in an envelope until you hand it in.
• Keep copies of your statement and of everything else you hand in.

Don't

• Don't throw the damaged passport away: it goes in with your application.
• Don't use a mail renewal (Form DS-82) for a passport that is damaged.
• Don't sign Form DS-11 before the acceptance agent asks you to.

Fees

These are government fees. They are paid to the U.S. Department of State and to the acceptance facility, not to Passmere.

By mail or at an acceptance facility, pay the application fee with a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State", with the applicant's name and date of birth in the memo. The acceptance fee is paid separately to the facility. Online renewals are paid by credit or debit card.¹⁴ The application fee and the acceptance fee are not refunded, even if no passport is issued. Only the $60 expedite fee can be refunded when expedited service was not delivered on time.¹⁵

All government fees, including those for children, are in Passport fees.

How long it takes

• Routine processing: 4–6 weeks¹⁶.
• Expedited processing: 2–3 weeks¹⁷.
• Mailing can add up to 2 weeks¹⁸ each way.
• Your proof of citizenship comes back up to 4 weeks¹⁹ after the new passport.

If you travel internationally soon, you can book an appointment at a passport agency or center once you are within 14 calendar days of your trip, or 28 days if you also need a foreign visa.²⁰

To learn how to ask for that appointment, read Urgent travel: getting a passport fast.

Frequently asked questions