Damaged Passport

 

Sealed Envelope - Passport Acceptance Facility Visit

• You must visit a Passport Acceptance Facility (such as a main branch post office or Clerk of Court’s office) to have your documents reviewed and witnessed by an authorized government employee. The employee will then review your paperwork and seal the items into a tamper-resistant envelope. (This sealed envelope is what you must ship in a larger package to PVE, and our team will hand-carry the envelope to the Passport Agency for submission.)

• Passport Acceptance Facilities are typically located at large Post Offices or courthouses. To find a facility near you, please visit the Local Agent Facility Search Page.

• Inform the agent up-front that you will use a third party expediting company to submit the passport request. The Letter of Authorization (to be provided by PVE upon digital review of your documents) gives PVE’s agents permission to act on your behalf at the Passport Agency, so presenting this document should make it clear that you will use an expeditor.

 

DS-11 Passport Application

• Complete your passport application online through the government website link provided: Government Application DS-11.

• Print 2 copies of the application (single sided only).

• Hand-written applications are not accepted. Please be sure to select the "Expedited at Agency Service ($60)" option on the fee page. 

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Proof of US Citizenship

Submit one of the following to prove U.S. citizenship:

• Your ORIGINAL US birth certificate, or a CERTIFIED copy issued by the government. The certificate must be a long-form certificate showing your parents' names and a raised or embossed seal. No photocopies, abstracts, or hospital certificates are accepted. Vitalchek.com if you require a new certified birth certificate.

• Original Naturalization Certificate.

• An expired US passport.

If your name has changed since your proof of citizenship was issued, include your original name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for name change).

 

PLEASE NOTE: minors are often requested to provide supplemental citizenship proof in addition to an expired U.S. passport. As such, PVE recommends that applicants under the age of 16 that hold a previous U.S. minor passport submit both the passport AND their original, government-issued long-form birth certificate or original naturalization certificate in the event that the passport acceptance agent requests it.

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Mutilated Passport Statement

• Fill out the Mutilated Passport Statement with an explanation of how your passport became damaged.

• The form may be typed or neatly handwritten in black ink.

• Complete and sign two copies. One signed and dated original must be included in sealed envelope.

 

Damaged Passport

If you are replacing a damaged passport, your damaged passport must be submitted. This passport will not be returned after your new passport is issued.

 

Passport Photo

• Photo must be in color with a stark white background and must have been taken within the last 6 months.

• You must have a neutral expression, face straight forward, and may not wear glasses, uniforms, hats, or other headgear.

• Digitally enhanced photos, pixelated, shadowy, and "selfie" photos are prohibited.

• Do not wear a white top. Your torso must contrast with the white photo background.

• Photos must be clearly different from photos in any previously issued passports and visas.

• Must be 2"x2" with face measuring 1" to 1 3/8" from top of head to chin.

• Provide TWO (2) copies of your photo when shipping your documents.

 

Proof of Identification

• A copy of the front and back of your valid Drivers License, State ID, Military ID, or other government-issued ID.

 

Government Fees

• Only applies if you did NOT select "Include US Gov Fee" when placing your order:

• Prepare a check or money order payable to the "US Department of State.

• The amount of the check or money order will either be $211.36 for the passport book only or $241.36 for the passport book and card.

• The government fees are in addition to the service fees.

• The form of payment must be free of any revisions or physical damage regardless of size. Starter checks (check #100 or less) or temporary checks are not accepted.

• The applicant's name and date of birth should be written in the memo section of the check or money order.

 

Travel Itinerary

• Submit proof of upcoming travel, such as a flight itinerary, or cruise booking, Travel must be within 14 calendar days.

• Business travelers may submit a letter from their employer on company letterhead explaining their travel plans.

• The proof of travel must include the applicant's name and match the dates entered on the passport application.

 

Letter of Authorization

The Letter of Authorization grants our agent permission to represent you at the US Department of State. You will receive your Letter of Authorization via email to print, complete, and sign.

 

Required Second Copies

• VERY IMPORTANT: Do not forget to include the required second copies of the DS-11 application. The DS-11 second copy will be included in the FedEx package, along with the sealed envelope from the Passport Acceptance Agent. Failure to include these will cause your order to be delayed.