Replacing a damaged U.S. passport requires an in-person application process with specific documentation, regardless of whether the damage resulted from normal wear or a declared disaster. The U.S. Department of State mandates that significantly damaged passports—such as those with water damage, torn pages, or unreadable data—cannot be used for travel and must be replaced through Form DS-11, not the standard renewal Form DS-82. This process differs from routine renewals due to security concerns and the need to verify identity and citizenship anew.

Key steps include completing Form DS-11, submitting the damaged passport, providing a signed statement explaining the damage, and presenting proof of citizenship and identification. Fees vary depending on the type of passport (book or card) and processing speed, with routine service taking 6–10 weeks and expedited options available for urgent travel. Special provisions exist for disaster-affected individuals, including potential fee waivers for up to three years post-disaster.

• Required forms: Form DS-11 (not DS-82) and a signed statement detailing the damage ^[3]
• In-person submission: Applications must be made at a passport acceptance facility; mail-in options are only available for disaster-related replacements under specific conditions ^[1]
• Processing times: Routine processing takes 6–10 weeks; expedited service reduces this to 2–3 weeks for an additional fee ^[7]
• Disaster-related waivers: Fee waivers may apply for up to three years post-disaster for eligible applicants, with a list of qualifying disasters published by the State Department ^[1]

Step-by-Step Process for Replacing a Damaged Passport

Determining Eligibility and Required Documents

The first step in replacing a damaged passport is confirming that the damage qualifies for replacement. The U.S. Department of State defines significant damage as any condition that renders the passport unusable for travel, including water damage, torn or missing pages, or illegible text. Normal wear and tear, such as minor creases or faded ink, may not require replacement unless it obstructs critical information like the photo or personal details ^[2].

Applicants must gather the following documents before submitting their application:

• Form DS-11: This is the standard application form for first-time applicants and those replacing damaged passports. It cannot be submitted online; a printed, completed copy must be brought to the appointment ^[3].
• Damaged passport: The physical passport must be submitted with the application. It will be canceled and returned separately from the new passport ^[4].
• Signed statement: A written explanation of how the passport was damaged, signed and dated by the applicant. This statement is required even if the damage is obvious ^[3].
• Proof of citizenship: Original or certified copies of documents such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous undamaged passport. Photocopies are not accepted ^[3].
• Valid identification: A government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or military ID must be presented. If the primary ID is unavailable, secondary forms of identification may be required ^[3].
• Passport photo: A recent, compliant passport photo (2x2 inches, white background, no glasses or headwear unless for religious reasons). Services like PhotoAiD® offer tools to ensure the photo meets requirements ^[4].
• Payment: Fees vary by passport type—$130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card—and must be paid via check or money order (credit cards are not accepted at all facilities) ^[3].

Applicants under 16 must appear in person with both parents or legal guardians, who must also provide identification and proof of relationship (e.g., a birth certificate) ^[2]. For adults, the process is identical to applying for a first-time passport, as the damaged document invalidates the renewal pathway.

Submission and Processing

Once documents are prepared, applicants must schedule an appointment at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office, courthouse, or public library. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated, so booking in advance is critical ^[4]. During the appointment, an acceptance agent will review the application, verify the documents, and administer an oath (required for first-time applicants and replacements) ^[3].

Processing times and fees depend on the selected service:

• Routine service: Takes 6–10 weeks for delivery by mail. The total cost for an adult passport book is $130, plus a $35 execution fee paid to the acceptance facility ^[7].
• Expedited service: Reduces processing to 2–3 weeks for an additional $60 fee. Applicants must write "EXPEDITE" on the envelope and include the fee with their payment ^[4].
• Urgent travel: For trips within 14 days, applicants can schedule an emergency appointment at a regional passport agency. Proof of travel (e.g., flight itinerary) is required, and fees include the expedited fee plus potential overnight delivery costs ^[2].

After submission, applicants can track their status online via the State Department’s passport application status tool. The damaged passport will be returned by mail in a separate package from the new passport, typically within 2 weeks of the new passport’s arrival ^[4].

For those affected by federally declared disasters, additional options may apply:

• Fee waivers: Eligible applicants can have application fees waived for up to 3 years post-disaster and file search fees waived for 18 months. The disaster must be listed on the State Department’s disaster recovery page ^[1].
• Mail-in applications: If traveling internationally within 3 weeks, applicants must apply in person. Otherwise, they may mail Form DS-5504 (for limited corrections) or DS-11 with the disaster-related waiver request ^[1].