There Are A Variety Of Options For Pass Port Replacement
February 23, 2010 by adam · Leave a Comment
People may need to replace a passport for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons people need to replace a passport are that the passport has been lost, it has been stolen, damaged, or the passport has expired. The method of passport replacement is unique to the specific reason for American passport replacement.
Losing a passport is a nightmare for a variety of reasons. When this happens, the passport holder must immediately contact the State Department and let them know what has happened. Once they have done that, they can get the ball rolling on getting a new one.
Once the document has been officially reported, it is time to head to the local passport office and get the forms to get a new passport. The process for a lost passport is similar to getting a new one, but there is an additional form to be filled out. When all of the paperwork has been filed and the correct documents handed in and approved, the new passport should arrive in less than eight weeks.
If someone is on a trip out of the country and they lose their passport, a whole new set of rules apply. They must immediately go to an embassy or consulate office and let them know what happened. These offices are very experienced in this and will expedite a passport replacement so the traveler can continue with their plans.
To replace an expired passport simply fill out the relevant passport renewal paperwork and mail the paperwork, old passport, and copies of relevant identification to the passport-processing agency. The State Department recommends that all packages be sent by a traceable delivery service in a sturdy weatherproof envelope.
Getting a new passport because of damage pretty much requires all of the same steps as an expired passport. Just remember to include the old passport with all the documents as the government requires that the old passport be turned in for the new one. This is to prevent an expired passport from falling into the wrong hands and someone using that to obtain a new passport.
Should the passport get damaged when the person is on their trip, it should still be okay to use to get back into the country as long as the passport number is visible. It would still be a good idea to stop by the embassy and make sure that it will be accepted. When returning home, get the forms and mail them off to have the damaged passport replaced.
It is always smart to check the actual State Department website for the current laws. Things can change without notice and what people are seeing on the Internet from an unofficial site may be outdated when they are reading it. Using the State Department site for replacement information ensures that you are up to date on the latest information and will not run into any problems in trying to get your new passport.
