Accidentally Damaged Your Passport? Here’s What You Should Do

Whether it’s a playful puppy’s nibble, a torn cover by mistake, or an unfortunate encounter with spilled wine, there are countless ways a passport can sustain damage. And it always seems to occur just before your flight! Sadly, even minor damage can render your passport unusable or unprocessable by the country you wish to enter, leading to potential entry denial. Here’s everything you need to know about damaged passports and the replacement process—before you head to the airport.

What qualifies as a damaged passport?

As per the U.S. Department of State, typical 'wear and tear'—such as a gentle crease in the spine from being in your pocket or visa pages that have slightly fanned out from frequent use—should not impede your travels.

The following types of damage are deemed unacceptable for passports:

• Any noticeable tears or holes in the visa pages or the cover.
• Water damage, including edges that curl significantly due to humidity.
• Any unofficial markings or stickers on any pages. Avoid letting kids use your passport as a makeshift coloring book, and steer clear of adding novelty tourist “passport stamps” to your official document.
• A loose or missing cover or binding for the passport.
• Any harm to the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip.

Avoid attempting to repair a damaged passport on your own—once it’s physically altered, it is deemed invalid according to federal law.

Steps to replace a damaged passport

If you’re still in the United States, replacing a damaged passport follows a process similar to applying for a completely new one. However, you’ll need to apply for a new book in person. Visit your nearest passport processing facility—this could be a post office, public library, or city hall—and complete the passport application, specifically Form DS-11. Be sure to follow all standard procedures: bring a copy of your government ID, a passport photo taken within the last six months, and have some cash or a check ready, as passports cost $130 for adults, plus a $35 processing fee. (Note that credit or debit cards are not accepted for passport payments at this time.) If you need it sooner, expedited passport services are available for an extra $60 per application. Processing times can vary; the State Department estimates about six to eight weeks for routine requests and two to three weeks for expedited service.

If you’re overseas and find your passport is damaged, you can apply for a new one at the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The procedure is quite similar to the domestic process, requiring you to appear in person at the Embassy or Consulate. To minimize wait times, you can usually schedule an appointment online. The good news is that processing times at Embassies and Consulates are generally quite fast.

Advice for protecting your passport from damage

The most effective way to ensure your passport remains undamaged is to prevent any issues from arising in the first place. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are the top tips to keep your passport in excellent condition:

• Keep your passport in a dry, secure spot within your carry-on or personal item (preferably in a designated place so you always know where it is).
• Ensure that your passport is out of reach of pets and children. (We love them, but can we really trust them with one of our most vital documents?)
• Consider investing in a passport cover. They’re not only fashionable but also offer protection against damage.
• If you're heading to the beach, consider getting a waterproof dry bag. Water and passports do not mix—need we say more?