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 American passport you will need to find an agency where you can get a replacement.

Invalid Passports

If you have a damaged passport you will need to tell the proper authorities so you can begin the process of getting a replacement passport. This is also to ensure the agency in question that you do not have the intention of trying to use the damaged passport. They classify damage as anything on the passport that would raise suspicion as to its validity. It is important that you keep your passport damage free by keeping it in a secure location when not in use. If you have a damaged passport and you think it might be a problem, take it to a passport agency and see what they say about it. You may need to get a replacement passport.

Normal Damage

Passports by nature will experience normal wear and tear. So such normal damage, such as a bent United States passport 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

If you have the means, you should consider hiring a passport services company online. They will be able to guarantee that you get your damaged passport replaced in time for your vacation. This option costs the most amount of money, but it is also the safest way to secure a passport before you have to leave.

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