Mutilated passport renewal information

Question:I went to the passport agency at the post office and completed a renewal passport information form.

Sent the new application and all the requested forms and a check registered mail, return receipt requested. I have received a form letter stating that the request was mutilated. The check was cashed.

They now want a complete new application form, new birth certificate and related material, and a new check.

Is there any person I can contact to find out why I received this. If they cashed the check they Must have the rest of the information.

Answer: Passports that are signficantly damaged cannot be renewed by mail. The first page of instructions on Form DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application provides applicants with a checklist to verify if they are eligible to use the form. It reads in big bold letters: CAN I USE THIS FORM? Underneath this it reads, "Complete the checklist to determine your eligibility to use this form."

The fourth item on the list states, "My most recent U.S. passport book and/or U.S. passport card for which I am renewing has not been lost, stolen, mutilated, or damaged."

Then, in bold letters, the application states, "If you answered NO to any of the statements above, STOP - you cannot use this form."

Those who attempt to renew a mutilated passport will be asked to appear at an application acceptance facility in order to apply for a new passport. Since the application fee is non-refundable, you are also required to pay the fees for the new passport. Click the links below for information on how to complete this process.

New Passport Requirements