We accidentally washed my passport. Do we need to get a new one?
by Mike
(Evergreen, Colorado)
Question: We accidentally washed my passport. The photo is still good but the blue cover looks worn. Do we need to get a new one?
Answer: Significantly damaged passports are no longer valid for travel nor can they be used to apply for a renewal. If your passport has been significantly damaged, especially the book cover or the page displaying your personal data and photo, you will need to apply for a new passport.
Looking "worn" may not constitute significant damage. The Department of State declares that "water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), a hole punch and other injuries may constitute 'damage' requiring use of Form DS-11."
If you need to apply for a new passport, you must appear before a passport agent and submit the following documents:
* Application Form DS-11
* Evidence of Citizenship
* Proof of Identity
* Photocopy of Identification Document
* One Passport Photo
You can complete the form before arriving at the acceptance facility but remember not to sign it until the agent asks you to do so.
For complete instructions and to download the application, click the link below.
Apply for New Passport
Click the link below to locate a nearby acceptance facility.
Colorado Passport Offices
If you need to replace your passport quickly, click the link below.
Get Passport Fast
Return to Passport Replacement FAQ.
Click for fast expedited courier service
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it? Read them in order or click the question you most want answered.
Expedited service takes from 5 to 7 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.
Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.
If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:
Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. ET, call 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793) Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000.
For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.
If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. ET.
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