# How to replace damaged US passport? **URL:** \ **Category:** Living in Taiwan\ **Tags:** how-to\ **Created:** [February 6, 2020, 7:51am UTC](https://tw.forumosa.com/t/how-to-replace-damaged-us-passport/188334 "2020-02-06T07:51:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Steve4nLanguage](https://forumosa-12829.kxcdn.com/user_avatar/tw.forumosa.com/steve4nlanguage/32/180867_2.png) [@Steve4nLanguage](https://tw.forumosa.com/u/Steve4nLanguage)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2020, 7:51am UTC](https://tw.forumosa.com/t/how-to-replace-damaged-us-passport/188334/1 "2020-02-06T07:51:53Z")
So, like an idiot I washed my passport in the laundry when I returned from the US recently. I blame the jet lag. The photo/info page looks fine and the other pages are warped but intact. However, the front and back covers are peeling, and I worry that the chip may not function. I assume I should replace it, but I can’t find specific information how to do that in Taiwan. When I renewed it a couple of years ago I could do it by mail. I did do a search here but nothing specific or current came up (to be honest, the search function here has never been that useful to me). I also Googled, which told me that if I lost my passport or it was stolen I need to appear in person, I’m assuming at AIT? But I couldn’t find what to do simply for a damaged passport. It seems (to me) that I should be able to do this by mail since I haven’t lost the passport, but who knows. Anyway, if anyone has any experience or can point me in the right direction I’d appreciate it. ---
**Author:** ![ranlee](https://forumosa-12829.kxcdn.com/user_avatar/tw.forumosa.com/ranlee/32/174127_2.png) [@ranlee](https://tw.forumosa.com/u/ranlee)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2020, 7:58am UTC](https://tw.forumosa.com/t/how-to-replace-damaged-us-passport/188334/2 "2020-02-06T07:58:34Z")
Sounds like it’s a passport renewal, which AIT can handle. I would give them a call first to double check whether you need to be there in person or you can do it by mail. [https://www.ait.org.tw/offices/](https://www.ait.org.tw/offices/) Taipei Main Office Phone: +886 2 2162-2000 ---
**Author:** ![tango42](https://forumosa-12829.kxcdn.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/82dd89/32.png) [@tango42](https://tw.forumosa.com/u/tango42)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2020, 7:59am UTC](https://tw.forumosa.com/t/how-to-replace-damaged-us-passport/188334/3 "2020-02-06T07:59:40Z")
Few years old but maybe some useful reference. > [@An experience getting a new passport at AIT in 2016](https://tw.forumosa.com/t/an-experience-getting-a-new-passport-at-ait-in-2016/172456): > > Note actual experiences may vary as AIT moves to a new location. A Sep 2016 experience getting a new passport at AIT, the American Institute in Taiwan. The cost was US$110/NT$3630. New passport can be mailed or can be picked up at AIT. I chose to return to AIT to pick up my new passport while retaining my current valid passport until new passport was available for pickup at AIT at which point I submitted current passport for revoke and received new one. Kept the old one. There’s a photo bo… ---
**Author:** ![rooftopclown](https://forumosa-12829.kxcdn.com/user_avatar/tw.forumosa.com/rooftopclown/32/58063_2.png) [@rooftopclown](https://tw.forumosa.com/u/rooftopclown)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2020, 8:22am UTC](https://tw.forumosa.com/t/how-to-replace-damaged-us-passport/188334/4 "2020-02-06T08:22:11Z")
> [@Steve4nLanguage](#): > > So, like an idiot I washed my passport in the laundry when I returned from the US recently. Happens to the best of us! As suggested by @ranlee go to AIT and they’ll hook you up. ---
**Author:** ![cto](https://forumosa-12829.kxcdn.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/5daacb/32.png) [@cto](https://tw.forumosa.com/u/cto)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2020, 8:41am UTC](https://tw.forumosa.com/t/how-to-replace-damaged-us-passport/188334/5 "2020-02-06T08:41:55Z")
I renewed mine a couple of years ago, all by mail. Checking their website, it says that it needs to be undamaged to do it by mail. Otherwise, a pre-scheduled appointment is required. > **[Adult Passports - 10-Year Passport | American Institute in Taiwan](https://www.ait.org.tw/u-s-citizen-services/passports/adult-passports-10-year-passport/)** > > Please renew your passport by mail if you meet all of the following requirements: Your most recent 10-year U.S. passport: Is undamaged and can be submitted with your application; Has not expired or expired less than five (5) years ago; Was issued in... ---
**Author:** ![Steve4nLanguage](https://forumosa-12829.kxcdn.com/user_avatar/tw.forumosa.com/steve4nlanguage/32/180867_2.png) [@Steve4nLanguage](https://tw.forumosa.com/u/Steve4nLanguage)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2020, 8:46am UTC](https://tw.forumosa.com/t/how-to-replace-damaged-us-passport/188334/6 "2020-02-06T08:46:03Z")
> [@rooftopclown](#): > > Happens to the best of us! At least I did it _after_ my trip 😌 ---
**Author:** ![urodacus](https://forumosa-12829.kxcdn.com/user_avatar/tw.forumosa.com/urodacus/32/69843_2.png) [@urodacus](https://tw.forumosa.com/u/urodacus)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2020, 8:52am UTC](https://tw.forumosa.com/t/how-to-replace-damaged-us-passport/188334/7 "2020-02-06T08:52:48Z")
the money message there in those instructions is " Your most recent 10-year U.S. passport: Is undamaged and can be…" you probably need to check with them as to their definition of “undamaged”. I did the same to my passport a few years ago, not a US one though. But they needed me to front up and explain. and they were most concerned that it was the original one in the original covers, and that it was still legible so they can verify its you. i had to fly to another state to get that done. If you’re in Taipei you’re lucky. ---
**Author:** ![fumarole](https://forumosa-12829.kxcdn.com/user_avatar/tw.forumosa.com/fumarole/32/64872_2.png) [@fumarole](https://tw.forumosa.com/u/fumarole)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2020, 9:00am UTC](https://tw.forumosa.com/t/how-to-replace-damaged-us-passport/188334/8 "2020-02-06T09:00:50Z")
Under State Dept FAQ [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help/faqs.html](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help/faqs.html)