Many people assume that passports cease being valid when they expire. But many other factors can affect its validity. For example, a passport with no blank pages is considered invalid for international travel. So, where does a water-damaged passport fall in all this? Let’s find out:
Are Passports Waterproof?
It would be great if passports were waterproof. But they are not, as they comprise paper pages. And when these get in touch with water, they absorb the water, become soggy, and the writings fade. Thus, if you have ever considered putting your passport in a washing machine to clean it, don’t do it.
Is a Water-Damaged Passport Valid?
If your passport got wet, can you still use it for travel? Per immigration laws, a passport is only valid if it is in good condition, has enough blank pages, and has not expired. However, they do leave room for normal wear and tear. Unfortunately, this does not cover visible water damage. And as such, a water-damaged passport is not valid for travel or official use.
What to do with a Water-Damaged Passport
A water-damaged passport is not eligible for passport renewal. As such, the only way to deal with a water-damaged passport is to replace it. Here are the documents you need to do this:
- The water-damaged passport,
- A signed statement explaining how the passport suffered water damage,
- A complete form DS-11,
- Proof of U.S. citizenship,
- Proof of identification, and
- Two passport photos.
Minors must apply in person with their parents like they would when getting a new passport. If one parent cannot make it, they should submit a notarized letter of consent for the new passport.
A replacement is much like a new passport; you will need to present these documents in person at a local acceptance agent. Once they have verified the documents and you have signed form DS-11, TVP can handle the submission and expediting processes. We offer a flexible processing timeline ranging from a few days to weeks and can get you a replacement within this time.
