Can I renew passport with a little water damage?

by Kaljanea
(Homestead, Florida, USA)

Question: Should I renew my passport that it is not expired or apply for a new one? If yes, will the renewal expire in the same year the old one is supposed to or will it be extended?

-My passport book has a little water damage to the inside cover where the photo and personal information is located.

-It was issued in seven years ago.

-I changed my last name, due to marriage in 2004, but the name change is not reflected on my current passport

Answer: American citizens should only travel using government-issued ID that has their current legal name in it. Since your name was changed in 2004, you should apply for a passport name change before you travel.

Damaged passports cannot be submitted for renewals. Therefore, you must appear in person at a passport application acceptance facility in order to apply for a new passport. For more information, click the link below.

Apply for New Passport

The new passport will be valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.