What Are The Steps To Do If Your Passport Is Damaged

by garrett on August 11, 2011

When one notices his passport is damaged the prudent action is to get a replacement right away. Immediate action prevents untoward delays in any future plans one might have in traveling. It is fortunate that right now, a clear procedure exists in having this document replaced with a new one. This article summarizes what steps there are to be done.

Get A New One

Even when there is reason to believe that the damage to their passport is trivial and does not affect the validity of the documents, it is still wise to have it replaced. It has already happened that a person was denied entry in a foreign land just because the inspector got suspicious of the appearance of his passport. This is a very expensive hassle and one you would like to avoid.

Form DS-11

When someone wants to have his damaged document replaced, he belongs to the same category as a first time applicant. He will be required to produce the same documents as those who are applying for the first time. These requirements are birth certificates and a filled up Form DS-11. A recent picture is also required.

Birth Certificate

Holders of passports who already got the document for a long time already have to learn that there is a new rule regarding the use of the the birth certificate. In April 2001 it was decided that the names of the applicant’s parents must not be missing. If this not the case then applications for passports cannot proceed. The applicant must correct the omission.

You May Have To Go In Person

When all the paperwork has been accomplished, the next step is to appear personally at the acceptance center. He has to bring all his personal documents so that they can be inspected. When all the rules are followed, the only thing left is to pay for the application fee. He can either pay for a regular processing or an expedited application.

Expedited Processing

As the term suggests, the expedited application proceeds at a faster pace. Although it is more expensive, it includes the payment for the express door-to-door delivery of the new set of documents. This process can be completed and usually lasts three weeks or even less. For contrast, the regular application takes about a month to a month and a half to complete. You can even get next day passports.

Processing Fee

When one week has passed after paying for the application, it becomes possible to inquire about the status of the passport processing. This is a web tracking service and is done online. When the applicant logs in, he has to give his last name, his date of birth and his Social Security Number’s last four characters.

When they have the replacement in hand, owners of passports should make a resolve to handle this document more carefully. Passports are very important documents. Aside from its obvious use as a traveling document, it is also proof of identity. Having it replaced is much cheaper compared to having your trip and tickets cancelled. So when you notice that your passport is damaged, have it replaced right away.

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