20
02
Passports are documents that allow travel to and from foreign countries. Without this important document international travel is prohibited. However, even if you have a passport in your possession, you must make sure it is clearly legible and in good condition. Just like you can’t pay for items with damaged money, you also can’t pass a damaged American passport off as a legitimate travel document. In this case it is importance to seek a replacement passport.
Damage
If you suspect your passport has enough damage on it to be considered invalid, you can take it to a passport agency and see what they say. If they tell you that you are going to have to get a replacement passport you should begin the process immediately. Even if you think the minor damage on your current passport is not that serious you should not risk getting it rejected at customs. They can classify any kind of damage they see on a passport to make it invalid. This is why it is so important that if you have damaged United States passport to quickly begin the process of renewal.
Normal Damage
Passports by nature will experience normal wear and tear. So such normal damage, such as a bent pass port or the fanning of passport pages, will not be considered considerable damage. Anything beyond the scope of normal wear and tear will more than likely result in the need for a new passport as opposed to just getting a passport replacement or renewal.
Replacement
Once you have reported that you have a damaged passport to the proper authorities you will be able to begin the process of getting a replacement. The process is actually very similar to that of getting your original passport. You will have to turn in your damaged passport before you will be allowed to collect your replacement. This is in order to prevent passport fraud.
Passport Services
In some cases a person may need to leave the country very quickly. However, if they discover that their passport is damaged to the point of needing a new one, they may be in trouble. Fortunately, there are passport services available to these people so that they can get their renewed passports expedited. They will have to pay additional fees, of course, but they will get their passport in time for their trip. Before this happens the person will have to show evidence of their travel plans, though.
Online Services
Depending on the passport services needed, it may be better to go with a private agency. It may cost a bit more, but will overall be worth it as you will receive your passport on time and don’t have to do deal with hassle of filing at a passport agency or consulate.