| Passports, being what they are, can take quite a | | | | needed for the replacement passport to be |
| bit of abuse over the years of use. They are | | | | issued. The government requires that proof of |
| after all just paper and can get ripped or torn | | | | citizenship be shown when filing these application |
| along with simple wear from putting it in a pocket | | | | forms. New photos will also be necessary and be |
| or purse and the ever dreaded trip through the | | | | sure they are identical and 2" by 2". |
| wash. Should the use of one cause it to become | | | | The photos are required even if the existing one |
| damaged beyond the ability for an agent to read | | | | is still in good shape. Some people will choose to |
| it or stamp it, a new one will be necessary. A | | | | try to do their own, this is acceptable if the |
| damaged passport can be replaced in short order | | | | background is white and the pictures are less than |
| provided the holder has other forms of | | | | six months old. The professional ones, however, |
| identification to back up the application. | | | | are guaranteed to meet all government |
| A damaged passport must be replaced in person | | | | requirements and are available locally for a nominal |
| at a local passport acceptance agency or issuing | | | | charge. |
| office. These can be found by accessing the | | | | Once all documentation has been gathered and |
| Internet and conducting a brief search for those | | | | the trip has been made to the issuing office, the |
| and the proper forms that will be necessary to | | | | process moves to its next step. The application |
| effect the replacement. The government requires | | | | forms are dated and signed in front of an |
| that both a DS-11 and a DS-64 be filled out | | | | authorized agent and sealed in an envelope to be |
| properly before they will issue a replacement. The | | | | sent out. Be sure to have the fee in a proper |
| DS-11 is the application and the DS-64 is the | | | | payment form such as a check, made out to the |
| report as to how the passport became damaged. | | | | Department of State for $135.00. |
| While these forms may be printed out and filled in | | | | Since the majority of the issuing agencies are |
| before visiting the issuing office, there are two | | | | located within a postal facility, the easiest method |
| things to keep in mind. One is that they only need | | | | for shipping may be to use either Priority or |
| to be signed in front of an authorized agent and | | | | Express mail service through the Post Office. |
| secondly is that they must be dated less than | | | | Both of the services include the ability to trace |
| five days before the actual office visit. If either of | | | | the package along its entire trip. There is also the |
| these occurs before reaching the office, the | | | | option to pre-pay for a return envelope that will |
| forms will need to be completely re-done. | | | | come directly back to the holder's home address. |
| A copy of the applicant's birth certificate will be | | | | |