Damaged Passport

Editor's Note (UPDATED February 25, 2022) -- U.S. passports are taking up to seven weeks to process using the government's expedited service.  It is possible to get a passport in less time by scheduling an appointment with the Passport Agency by calling 877-487-2778 and appearing in person at their office.

Atlanta residents with U.S. passports that are mutilated or even show slight moisture damage should consider replacing their old passports before their next trip.

The federal government considers a damaged passport to be invalid.  Unless your passport is in relatively good shape, you may be denied entry to your destination or upon returning to the U.S. Definitions of “damaged” vary from one country to another, as different border officials and countries have different rules.  For example, in the United Kingdom, BBC News reported, “Travelers whose passports contain multiple visas and stamps – indicating ‘heavy use’ -- are more likely to have a problem.” Frequent travelers sometimes report being delayed or denied entry to a country with an older passport that previously passed inspection without question.

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