Damaged Passports
Damaged US passports must be replaced in order to travel. If you have a washed passport or water damaged passport or your passport is torn, ripped, or falling apart, you will need to replace the passport prior to travel. Damaged passports or even totally mutilated passports can be replaced quickly by following our Damaged Passport Replacement instructions.Washed Passport
Passports that appear to be damaged can cause long delays at border crossings because once the passport is damaged, it is difficult to for the immigration agent to verify if the holder of the damaged passport is who they say they are. In cases where there the passport damages affects the front cover causing a separation with the information page containing the passport picture, the agent may suspect that the original picture has been removed and replaced. The biggest fear with damaged passports is that they have been altered.
Mutilated US Passports
The US State Dept does not want damaged passports out in the open due to the fact that they may be thrown out. The government wants damaged US passports replaced properly by turning in the damaged passport with a new passport application and receiving a replacement passport. In this way, the US State Department may properly dispose of the damaged passport.
When the replacement passport is issued, a notation will be written on the amendment page of the replacement passport indicating that the replacement passport is a replacement for a damaged passport.
Related Passport Information Pages
Passport Name Change, Passport Application, Second Passport, Replace Lost Passport, Get Passport in a Hurry, Renew Passport FastSample Requirements For Replace Damaged Passport
Below is a sample set of requirements for obtaining the Replace Damaged Passport Service. These requirements are only a SAMPLE. To get the EXACT requirements for your passport needs, please go to our TripBuilder page and enter in your specific information that is your exact situation.
US Replace Damaged Passport Requirements
Prerequisites for Replace Damaged Passport
(if the below criteria are not met, please select a different passport service above)
- Applicant is a US citizen over 16 years old AND;
- Applicant has damaged US passport in his or her possession
1.1 Process Overview
An Acceptance Agent is a government employee who will verify the identity of the applicant.
Acceptance Agents are available at most Post Offices and Court Houses.
Applicant must indicate that he/she is using a hand carry service to process their new passport application. Acceptance Agent will have the applicant sign the new passport application, seal documents in an envelope and return the sealed envelope to the applicant.
Sealed envelope with new passport application is delivered to ItsEasy for processing.
1.2 Damaged Passport
Applicant must submit damaged passport. Damaged passport will not be returned.
1.3 Proof of Citizenship
To replace a lost or stolen passport, applicant must bring an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, naturalization papers or old passport.
Birth certificates must show applicant and parent(s) full names - "short form" birth certificates may not be acceptable.
1.4 Proof of Identification
Applicant must have a driver's license or state-issued identification issued more than six months ago to apply for a new passport. Official government or military picture identification is acceptable.
1.5 Passport Photos
Applicant must submit two (2) identical, color, passport style photographs. These may be obtained at many post offices, Kinkos, Mailboxes Etc or similar locations.
1.6 Proof of Travel
Applicant must submit a computer-generated itinerary from a travel agency or online booking tool (such as an e-confirmation) showing departure from the U.S.
Print two copies. Provide one copy to the Acceptance Agent to be included in the sealed envelope and one copy must be included with documents delivered to ItsEasy.
If traveling on business and no itinerary is available, a letter on company letterhead indicating dates and purpose of travel MAY suffice. If applicant does not possess proper itinerary, please contact us for options.
1.7 Letter of Authorization
Applicant must submit an original "Letter of Authorization" which allows ItsEasy to submit the application to the US State Dept. The link below will provide two copies, one to go inside the sealed envelope and one to go outside the sealed envelope in the package to ItsEasy.
The first section of the letter contains three checkboxes, we request you to check off the first two check boxes only in order to ensure the fastest service.
1.8 Government Fees
The US State Dept charges $170 for expedited passports and $25 for verification of new passport applications by the Acceptance Agent.
Both fees must be paid to the Acceptance Agent onsite. The new passport fee of $170 may be paid by check, cash, money order. If paying by check, starter checks are not acceptable. Indicate the applicants name and DOB in the memo line. The Acceptance Agent fee of $25 may be paid by any payment method.
1.9 Passport Application (DS-11)
Applicant must submit one completed passport application form (DS-11) by following the link below. The US State Dept website "wizard" will walk you through the application. Handwritten applications will not be accepted for expedited services.
After completing passport application online, print by pressing "Create Form" button. Print two (2) completed passport applications. One copy will be included in the sealed envelope by the Acceptance Agent and the second copy (which does not need to be signed) must be included with documents delivered to ItsEasy.
DO NOT SIGN the completed application until instructed to do so by Acceptance Agent.
Note: While completing the application, the wizard will prompt you to select fees, shipping and processing options. Select any options to complete form. No payments will be made and options selected will have no affect on the actual service delivered by ItsEasy. The guide is simply to assist the general public in calculating fees for traditional mail-in applications.
1.10 Damaged Passport Explanation Letter
Applicant must include a letter addressed to "The US State Department" explaining how the passport was damaged. Be as descriptive as possible. Applicant must sign and date the letter.
1.11 Review Your Documents
Applicant will place the sealed envelope from the Acceptance agent and additional documents listed below in a shipping envelope (if the sealed envelope is too large for the shipping envelope, fold it neatly in half)
1) Envelope sealed by Acceptance Agent containing items above.
Note: Most standard processing passport applications are submitted through the post office. The post office encourages applicants to pay for confirmed shipping which adds between $15 and $25. Since you are using an expediting service, DO NOT PAY THE ADDITIONAL POSTAGE FEES. This will cause delay and possible rejection of your expedited passport application.
2) On the outside of the sealed envelope, applicant must write the following:
Last Name, First Name
Date of Birth
Departure Date
Contact Phone Number
* If there is more than one application in the envelope (for multiple applicants), write out each applicants name and date of birth.
3) Copy of travel itinerary
4) Completed (signed) copy of Letter of Authorization (marked "EXTRA COPY")
5) Completed (unsigned) copy of passport application
1.12 Select Passport Service
Concierge Service
Concierge Service is our premium white-glove service, providing a dedicated Concierge Team to
manage the entire application process including document preparation and review,
optional 1-1 phone appointments with a Concierge Specialist, upgraded shipping,
priority submission, and more - all beginning within 4 business hours of your request.
It's a complicated world out there. Let us simplify it for you. (Additional premium fees apply)
If you have an EMERGENCY situation, you may utilize our EMERGENCY CONCIERGE SERVICE which puts you to the front of the line instantly! EMERGENCY CONCIERGE is our "drop everything" service for when you need that immediate team attention.
If you have an EMERGENCY situation, you may utilize our EMERGENCY CONCIERGE SERVICE which puts you to the front of the line instantly! EMERGENCY CONCIERGE is our "drop everything" service for when you need that immediate team attention.
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Founded in 1976, ItsEasy Passport & Visa Services is a US Government
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2 million passport and visa applications.
We specialize in securing expedited US passports and business and tourist visas for US citizens or non-US citizens legally residing in the US. For emergency passport or visa services, please contact our office 24 hours a day at 1-866-ITS-EASY.
Document Pre-Check Service
During the order process you may be offered Document Pre-Check service. While not required, this option provides you the ability to scan and securely upload your application and supporting documents through ItsEasy's secure portal for review prior to submitting. Having documents reviewed in advance can greatly reduce delays and additional shipping charges. Serviced within 4 business hours. Additional fee per traveler of $45 for first service, $25 for each additional service.
