One of the most sensitive travel documents around is the passport. Laws about passports all over the world have changed in recent years to ensure that borders are tighten and that fraudulent materials are not being used to allow people into countries that do not belong. Anyone can find themselves with a damaged passport close to a trip and have to use expedited damaged passport replacement to make sure the trip runs smoothly.

There are quite a few reasons that a passport could be deemed damaged by the proper authorities. What we think is just a small mark could be enough to keep someone out of the country. A wine spill over the signature, a faded or ripped photo or even a torn page could raise suspicions. Even the smallest issue in the wrong area of the passport is reason for them not to accept it.

Some common things that can happen to a passport that can cause damage are things like dropping it in water. Carrying it in a back pocket when running around all day and it gets moist and creased. Something could get spilled on it and mar the writing or other details that are needed to be seen clearly. The possibilities are literally endless.

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.

Steps for replacing a damaged passport are very similar to replacing an expired passport. The applicant must fill out a passport replacement form and submit the form in the mail along with the damaged passport. The government collects damaged passports so that they cannot aid in the counterfeiting of fraudulent passports.

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 U.S. Department of State estimates that an expedited damaged passport replacement application will take two to three weeks to process. Some services offer various forms of expedited processing including one-week processing, overnight processing, or even same-day processing. Same day processing fees can sometimes approach $300.

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

Read these articles too: