Passports are very sensitive documents. A passport that is distorted or illegible cannot be used for international travel. Some modern passports have electronic chips embedded inside them. These chips can be damaged quite easily if not handled with care. Damaged passports must be replaced. If a passport is needed quickly it is possible to apply for expedited damaged us passport replacement.

A passport may be considered damaged for a variety of reasons. If the picture on the passport is no longer clear, the passport may be considered damaged. If the passport number is no longer legible, it will most definitely be considered damaged. If the electronic chip (on newer passports) or certain holograms are damaged, the passport may be considered damaged. Furthermore, if any of the vital information on the passport is obstructed or obscured in any way the passport will be considered damaged.

One of the most common ways that people ruin their passports is due to water damage. Suppose someone is one river trip and they inadvertently get splashed. Perhaps they are out to dinner and a glass of wine spills on the passport that was left on the table. Water damage can be critical because it causes damage to the pages and the writing and ink that is inside the passport.

The problem comes when the document has to be used to gain entry and the carrier does not thing that these small issues will be a problem. One of the first things that the customs officers look at is the damage to the passport. This was a common practice by people that would try and use a fake or altered passport to gain entry into the country and it is why it is scrutinized so heavily.

It is not really hard to replace a passport that is damaged. All it really involves is downloading some forms off of the Internet, filling them out and then sending them out with payment and the damaged passport to get the new one. If there is the need to get it quicker than standard processing allows, there are expedited services that can be used.

Likewise, expediting a damaged passport is similar to expediting any other replacement passport. A passport may be expedited for a fee of $60 dollars. This fee is charged in addition to the normal passport replacement fee as well as two-way overnight shipping and handling fees.

The State Department estimates that standard expedited delivery will take about two to three weeks for the new passport to arrive. However, since accidents can happen at the worst times, that may not be quick enough. If the passport is needed sooner, the applicant can pay a higher fee and have it back much quicker. If it is needed in the same day, it can be done, but be prepared to pay about $300 for the processing.

Anyone taking a trip that thinks that they have a damaged passport would do well to use the expedited damaged U S passport replacement services that are available. Finding out at the border gates that the passport is unacceptable is never an enjoyable experience. Getting a U S passport replacement is far easier than applying for a new one and paying the $60 sure beats the alternative.