If you go into a store with a ripped twenty dollar bill what happens? Obviously, the store owner will not accept it. It is the exact same thing with passports. Everyone traveling outside our country must have a valid United States passport in their possession. However, like money, it must be in good and legible condition. If you have a damaged United States passport you will need to find an agency where you can get a replacement.
Damage
Just like a lost or stolen passport, a damaged passport must also be reported to the proper passport authorities. This will ensure a proper replacement. By reporting the damaged passport you are ensuring that it will not be used. Damage is regarded as any effect on the passport that may invalidate it or cause it’s legitimacy to be called into question. Passports due to their nature are highly coveted items. This is why any damage that can cause undue speculation, and perhaps even deny entry into another country or back to country of origin. This is why it’s so import to replace your damaged passport.
Normal Damage
Like any other paper document, a pass port will develop wear and tear over the course of time. Bent pages or fanning of your passport will be acceptable to customs agents so long as the rest of the passport you possess is legible. That is what they mean by considerable damage. Anything beyond normal wear and tear will be inspected, and probably deemed invalid. It is a good idea if you fall into this category to go ahead and get the application for passport renewal in the case that you will not be able to use your old passport.
Getting A 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 Companies
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.
Getting your damaged US passport replaced is not the hassle it once was. You just have to remember to follow all of the necessary steps it takes to get a new one. That is why it is so important, if you think your passport is too damaged to be used, that you start the process of replacing it. Go online and search for a reputable passport company. Then, you can be certain you will have all your passport needs met before your trip overseas.
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