Short version is they do not like to be washed and may be considered damaged.

I do not know if I have seen this asked, so here goes...

Gov't website and forms have conflicting answers, so I trust y'all more.

• Website indicates that I basically need to apply for a new passport via form DS11, appointments, etc.

• When I through their website and input all the information including my passport card number, it is allowing me to renew with form DS82 since the passport card is not lost/damaged. I even indicate the passbook is damaged and I want them to reissue both book and card.

Thoughts?

Additional information is that i need it back by mid-October for upcoming travel.

You in BCS? I would just make an appointment on campus for them to assist. They will walk you through everything.

Billions of people on the planet would make great sacrifices to get that Blue passport.

Please show it the respect it deserves.

On the bright side, at least you're starting the replacement process early.

Not in BCS and could not find a way to make an appointment.

I have an appointment locally Tuesday and an email in the govt. Will see who responds first.

Quick update:

The government actually responded to an email saying that they cannot answer, but to call them. They actually answered the phone.

After talking a bit in circles and since the passport was still legible, it may not be damaged. The only party to know if it was damaged would be the airline or entry country (at which point you are screwed). Since neither myself and apparently the government are experts in "damaged passports" they recommended that I RENEW.

Mailing in RENEWAL today and requesting expedited service which they indicate will be 2-3 weeks.

tamc93 said:

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Quick update:

The government actually responded to an email saying that they cannot answer, but to call them. They actually answered the phone.

After talking a bit in circles and since the passport was still legible, it may not be damaged. The only party to know if it was damaged would be the airline or entry country (at which point you are screwed). Since neither myself and apparently the government are experts in "damaged passports" they recommended that I RENEW.

Mailing in RENEWAL today and requesting expedited service which they indicate will be 2-3 weeks.

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Oh yeah - definitely do not take chances. I've seen people turned away for small things. It just depends who is at the gate that day and not something I would bet on.

It's definitely variable.

Back in July 2006, I was at a Rock Festival in Osaka, Japan on a really hot day and I was sweating like a pig.

My passport got wet in my pocket from all the sweat and it picked up a little curve to it. I did have one passport control officer hassle me about it. Then we had a discussion about what was "damaged" versus what was acceptable wear and tear. Ultimately he backed off. But for a few minutes, I was thinking we were about to have an international incident.

Similar thing happened to me. Sweated my ass off in the BKK airport, couple pages had stamps bleed. Manila airport almost did not let me in. Got a new one as soon as I got home.

concac said:

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HollywoodBQ said:

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It's definitely variable.

Back in July 2006, I was at a Rock Festival in Osaka, Japan on a really hot day and I was sweating like a pig.

My passport got wet in my pocket from all the sweat and it picked up a little curve to it. I did have one passport control officer hassle me about it. Then we had a discussion about what was "damaged" versus what was acceptable wear and tear. Ultimately he backed off. But for a few minutes, I was thinking we were about to have an international incident.

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Billions of people on the planet would make great sacrifices to get that Blue passport.

Please show it the respect it deserves.

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Exactly my point.

Not only don't run it through the washing machine. Don't even let it get sweaty.

Running around Europe, Asia and Africa, possession of that Blue passport might be what saves your bacon.

HollywoodBQ said:

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concac said:

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HollywoodBQ said:

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It's definitely variable.

Back in July 2006, I was at a Rock Festival in Osaka, Japan on a really hot day and I was sweating like a pig.

My passport got wet in my pocket from all the sweat and it picked up a little curve to it. I did have one passport control officer hassle me about it. Then we had a discussion about what was "damaged" versus what was acceptable wear and tear. Ultimately he backed off. But for a few minutes, I was thinking we were about to have an international incident.

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Billions of people on the planet would make great sacrifices to get that Blue passport.

Please show it the respect it deserves.

---

Exactly my point.

Not only don't run it through the washing machine. Don't even let it get sweaty.

Running around Europe, Asia and Africa, possession of that Blue passport might be what saves your bacon.

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Fairly certain that an embassy would still recognize it (or without it) in a time of need.

Stuff happens and at least I try to legally reenter the country.

I figured I would post the processing timeline for future reference:

Renewal Application Mailed (expedited/tracked): 8/19/24

Received Tracking Confirmation: 8/22/24

Status Update Passport Received: 8/26/24

• You requested expedited service when you applied. Expedited service can take 2-3 weeks. Our processing times begin the day we receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you submit it.

Passport Issued; 8/30/24

• The U.S. Department of State has shipped your passport book and card on 08/30/2024. We sent your passport book and card to you using USPS Express Mail. You should receive your passport on or around 09/04/2024.

Passport Received (expedited shipping): 9/3/24

Total: 15 Days

Washed mine. No problem getting on a plane to Germany. Big problem trying to get back on the plane in Munich. Had to take me to the airport office. Call american airlines. Talk to multiple people somewhere. Wife crying. Almost had her get on the plane without me (Munich isn't a bad place to get stranded by the way). Finally they let me through after an hour or so. Don't take chances.

Final Update - Total time from new application to receipt of new passport 15-days. Hate to give the government too much credit (especially after it took 9 months for global entry), but surprised to say the least.

Impressive for a renewal by mail.
Also goes to show how things vary wildly by date or time of year.