Please note, the damaged passport will not be returned to you.
Use this procedure if:
- You are between 16-18 years of age
- Your passport's binding is coming apart
- The information page of your passport is damaged (photo is not clearly visible, barcode is damaged)
- Your passport was washed with laundry, chewed by a pet, used as a coloring book, etc.
Step 1: checklist of required documents
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship (certified birth certificate with both parents' names or original Certificate of Citizenship) plus 1 copy
- Two passport size photos 2"X 2" (facing the camera with white background, must be taken within last 2-3 months), cannot wear glasses
- One Application DS-11 (fill out online or download paper version below). This form can only be signed in front of the clerk at the post office
- One Letter of Authorization- (download below) once you sign it, we have to submit it to the passport agency within 5 business days. Must be signed by the applicant, not by parents.
- Statement from the applicant explaining how the passport was damaged
- Personal check or Money Order for $170.00 made out to "US Department of State" if applying for a passport book only OR $200.00 if applying for passport book & card (add'l service fee for passport card will apply)
- Copy of applicant's driver's license or student ID (front & back)
- Copy of parent's ID (front & back) who will go to the post office with the teen (for applicants who are 16 or 17 old)
- Round trip Itinerary showing international travel within 14 days or proof of departure letter (see sample below). Questions about itinerary, please call 312-922-8860
Step 3: e-mail documents for review-do not skip this step!
INFO@AVSCHICAGO.COM
US Passport Agency is very specific about new passport procedure. If the paperwork is not properly put together, you might need to repeat multiple steps. Our experienced passport specialists will review and check your scanned documents to confirm that your application is ready to be filed, and will alert you if there is information that needs to be corrected or if there is any missing paperwork. There is no additional fee for this service.
Step 4: visit your local post office
- Find the nearest post office that can assist you here
- The applicant and one of the parents must the present. If the applicant has turned 18 already, parent doe snot need to accompany them to the post office.
- Tell the post office clerk that you want to do a "hand-carry procedure"
- Present all documents from the checklist to the post office clerk
- Sign the application form DS-11 in front of the clerk, so they can witness parent's signature(s)
- Post office clerk will put all documents into one envelope, seal it, put official post office stamps on it, and give it back to you
- If you have multiple applications, please ask post office clerk to seal each application in a separate envelope
- Make sure to ask the post office clerk to address the envelope to "Passport Agency" and put your name and date of birth on it
- The post office will charge you $35.00 for this process
- Make sure that ALL paperwork including itinerary & Letter of Authorization are included inside sealed envelope. Papers attached to the outside will no longer be accepted.
- WE MUST RECEIVE YOUR SEALED ENVELOPE WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER IT'S SEALED. If it takes longer for the sealed envelope to reach our office, the Passport Agency might ask to re-seal the envelope.
Step 6: send documents for processing to our office
Include the following documents in your package:
- Sealed Envelope (do not open it for any reason after it's been sealed)
- One additional letter of authorization (see download section above)
- AVS Order form (see download section above)
AMERICAN VISA SERVICE
53 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 1226
CHICAGO IL 60604
Tel: 312-922-8860