If you are planning an international trip and your passport's
condition is questionable, you may want to have it replaced. You do not
want to be stuck in a foreign country unable to prove your American
citizenship, and this may very well happen with a damaged passport. You
should take precautions in order to prevent any unnecessary mishaps
while traveling internationally.
In order to have your damaged
passport replaced, you have to fill out a DS-11 form. You can get this
form from the Department of State online. You can actually fill in your
information and print out the finished product. You will have five days
from the date on your application to officially submit your paperwork to
the Department of State. If you cannot do this within the five days,
that particular application will no longer be valid.
You are not
authorized to sign the DS-11 form until you are in the presence of an
official agent. You will have to sign this form at the nearest regional
passport agency or in the presence of an Acceptance Agent. If you sign
it without a certified witness your form is void and will not be
acceptable.
The DS-64 is another essential document you have to
have prepared. It is a statement for a missing, stolen or damaged
passport. You need to complete this form with precision. You are
required to report with accuracy how your passport was damaged. Be as
precise as you possibly can.
You also have to have U. S.
nationality evidence. Acceptable forms of proof include a certified
birth certificate, or documentation from the USCIS of naturalization or
citizenship. Two color photos are required, set at the State
Department's standards of 2" x 2" layout with a simple white background.
It also has to be a recent photo taken in the last few months and no
longer than six months old.
If you require replacement of your
damaged passport quickly, such as in less than two weeks, you have to
show evidence that you are traveling within this time frame as well. You
will have to provide an itinerary of travel. In addition to this
paperwork, you will be charged a number of fees, depending on your
situation. There is one fee you can depend on and that is the $135.00
State Department processing charge. You can pay your fees with a check
or money order made out to the Department of State. If you are filing in
person at a passport agency you will have the opportunity to pay with a
credit card.
If you are currently outside the US and your
passport is damaged you have to report to a US consulate or embassy in
the country you are in for help. Even if you are outside of the states
you have to provide the same documentation as if you were replacing your
passport within the US.
Other passport
documentation you will have to provide is verification of US
nationality, two standard passport photos, current ID, social security
number; and your damaged passport
has to be present so it can be taken in turn for a replacement. In
order to safeguard yourself from accidents make sure you copy all of
your paperwork that you submit.
