American Passport Replacement - How to Replace a Passport Fast

There are several US passport replacement services available to citizens of the United States. The one you choose depend on the situation of your most recent passport. The requirements to replace a passport will depend on which service you need and how quickly you need to get your travel document replaced. Read further for an explanation of the different services. If you have urgent travel needs, you can apply online to expedite the process in order to replace passport fast.

Expired passports or ones that are soon to expire as well as limited-validity, emergency passports can be replaced by submitting form DS-82, the same one that is used to apply for a passport renewal.

Lost Passport Replacement

One of the most common reasons travelers need to replace a passport is because theirs has been lost. This occurs a lot with those who travel infrequently. Years can lapse between international trips. The passport is put away in a "safe" place but, when needed, the owner cannot seem to remember where it was placed. Many passports are lost during moves. The travel document is packed away in box, shipped off to the new location and never seen again. Frequent fliers also lose passports but, more often than not, this occurs while they are traveling.

Whatever the reason, lost passport replacement basically requires you to apply as if for the first time. Not only do you have personally appear and submit all the document again, you also need to report the lost document. For complete details, click the link to learn how to replace lost passport.

Stolen Passport Replacement

Replacing a stolen passport is similar to getting a lost passport replaced. You have to visit an application acceptance facility, regional agency, U.S. embassy or consulate general where you will submit form DS-11 along with all supporting documentation. Before doing this, you should file an official police report and take it with you to submit the application.

If you are in the United States and have immenent plans to travel abroad, you can get an expediter to replace stolen passport fast. Otherwise, click the link for complete instructions on how to replace a stolen passport.

Damaged Passport Replacement

U.S. passports that are damaged or in poor condition should be replaced, even if there is validity remaining in them. One of the most common ways that a passport is damaged is when it is accidentally washed along with the clothes. A damaged passport is one that has been altered, damaged, or mutilated to the extent that the ability to read it is impaired. This is relative and open to opinion as to what constitutes readability. However, the final decision rests with the agent that examines your passport at a port of entry. If you have any doubt as to whether your damaged passport would be accepted or not, it is better to replace it and avoid any problems. For more information, visit the damaged passport page.

Applying for a lost, stolen or damaged passport replacement takes four to six weeks. You can get it done faster by requesting expedited service. If you have a flight booked within two weeks, you can visit the nearest regional passport agency or authorize a professional expediter to submit your application for fast passport replacement.

Passport Replacement FAQ

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More Q&A about Replacing a Passport

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