Damaged Passport Renewal

There are a number of things that would constitute the necessity of replacing your travel document. If you are a person who travels quite often, wear and tear is bound to occur and make your document look less than stellar. The older the document, the more reason a security agent would be to suspect that it could be forged or otherwise fraudulent so the necessary passport application forms needs to be completed. They are much more easily altered than one that is in pristine condition.

There are no specific guidelines as to when a passport should be renewed. It is left entirely up to the owner to use their own discretion. Be aware that you could be detained if your document is not legible for any reason. This could be due to a matter as simple as torn pages. Keep your document protected at all times from water damage or any type of moisture that may render it unreadable by an agent.

If replacement becomes inevitable, you need to prepare just as you did when you first applied. Even in cases of renewal, items cannot be mailed and you must appear at whatever agency is able to handle your request. You can pick up the necessary applications there or print them off your computer. If you have access to a computer, it is a good idea to put in all the required information before printing the forms. This guarantees legible entries that are clear and easy to read. All signatures are only applied when you are appearing in front of the administering agent.

Other necessary forms that will accompany your application are certified birth certificates that prove US citizenship. If you were born anywhere other then the United States, you will need proof of naturalization or a certificate that proves citizenship. Other forms can be used and considered acceptable as well. All forms need to be accompanied by a photocopy of each document. Go to a government website to ensure that these photocopies meet the government's standards.

A full frontal view photo is another requirement. If you are unable to take one of your own, there are any number of photographers that can perform the task for a nominal fee. These photos also have to be sized no larger than two by two inches as they need to fit within your new passport. It is not a bad idea to bring more than one photo with you to be assured that you have one that falls within the standards set.

Pay close attention to all the requirements set by the government. Security issues, having become as strict as they are, have in turn made applying more difficult. You do not want to go through all this work only to be rejected over some trivial item that you forget about. Be sure and bring sufficient funds with you to pay the standard charges for your new passport.

When it becomes necessary to renew damaged American passport, do not wait until the last minute. The arrival of the new document will take about six weeks after completing the proper new passport form and if you are hoping to travel during that time period your plans could be subject to change. That is why it is advisable to replace a passport before it becomes so worn it is no longer an acceptable means of your US citizenship. It does seem like a bit of a hassle especially when you already have a document issued to you but try and keep in mind the rules that are now set down are the means by which your safety is secured.