If your passport is damaged, you must replace it immediately as damaged passports are not valid for international travel and may cause delays at border crossings ^[6]. The replacement process requires submitting specific documents in person at a U.S. passport acceptance facility, including Form DS-11, a signed statement explaining the damage, proof of U.S. citizenship, valid identification, and a new passport photo ^[5]. Fees for replacement are $165 for adults and $135 for minors, and appointments must be scheduled in advance ^[6]. In cases where the damage occurred due to a federally declared disaster, you may qualify for fee waivers under the Disaster Recovery Reform Act ^[1].

• Key requirements: In-person appointment, Form DS-11, signed damage statement, proof of citizenship, ID, and passport photo ^[5][6]
• Fees: $165 for adults, $135 for minors (payable online) ^[6]
• Special cases: Fee waivers available for disaster-related damage (valid for 3 years post-disaster) ^[1]
• Processing: Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks; expedited options available for urgent travel ^[7]

Replacing a Damaged U.S. Passport: Process and Requirements

Step-by-Step Replacement Process

The U.S. Department of State requires damaged passports to be replaced in person at an official acceptance facility, as they are no longer considered valid travel documents ^[6]. The process begins with completing Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport), which is mandatory for all damaged passport replacements regardless of whether you’ve had a passport before ^[9] APPLICATION FOR A US PASSPORT]. You must also prepare a signed, dated statement explaining the circumstances of the damage, as this document is critical for processing your application ^[2][4].

Before your appointment, gather the following required documents:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy of birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous undamaged passport if available) ^[2]
• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, military ID, or state-issued ID) ^[6]
• Passport photo meeting strict requirements (2x2 inches, white background, no glasses/headwear unless for religious purposes) ^[5]
• Damaged passport (must be submitted with your application; it will be canceled and returned to you) ^[6]
• Payment for fees ($165 for adults, $135 for minors under 16) via check, money order, or online payment ^[6]

Appointments are mandatory and can be scheduled through the U.S. Passport Form Wizard, which helps determine the nearest acceptance facility ^[10]. Processing times vary:

• Standard service: 6-8 weeks for routine processing ^[7]
• Expedited service: 2-3 weeks for an additional $60 fee ^[7]
• Urgent travel: Appointments at regional passport agencies may be available within 14 days of travel (proof of travel required) ^[10]

Special Cases and Fee Waivers

If your passport was damaged due to a federally declared disaster, you may qualify for fee waivers under the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA). This legislation allows the U.S. Department of State to waive both the application fee (valid for 3 years post-disaster) and the file search fee (valid for 18 months post-disaster) for affected individuals ^[1]. Eligibility requires that the damage occurred during a listed disaster event, such as hurricanes, wildfires, or floods. The State Department’s disaster list specifies which events qualify and their respective waiver periods ^[1].

To apply for a waiver, follow these steps:

• Complete Form DS-11 and include a detailed statement about the disaster-related damage ^[1]
• Provide proof of residency in the affected disaster area (e.g., utility bill, driver’s license with matching address) ^[1]
• Submit documentation of the disaster’s impact on your passport (e.g., insurance claims, FEMA assistance records) if available ^[1]
• Mail or apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, indicating your request for a disaster-related fee waiver ^[1]

For non-disaster cases, third-party services like ItsEasy.com offer expedited processing for damaged passports, including 24/7 customer support and verification by Acceptance Agents. These services require additional fees but can reduce processing times to as little as 24-48 hours for urgent travel ^[7]. However, all applicants must still submit the standard documents (DS-11, damage statement, proof of citizenship, etc.) and adhere to government requirements ^[7].