A passport becomes invalid due to significant damage that prevents identification, such as tears, water damage (blurring ink/fading), missing pages, or alterations, especially on the photo/data page or Machine Readable Zone (MRZ); any tampering, like glue or staples, also invalidates it, requiring a new application, not a replacement, and even minor issues can lead to flight refusal.
You may apply for a new passport when damage is beyond normal “wear and tear”. For example, water damage, missing visa pages, a significant tear, etc. You MUST apply in person. An appointment is required.
it can't be identified as an Australian passport. the passport number is not readable. there are any major tears or damage to the photo page, stitching or visa pages. or the document has been tampered with or altered in any way.
Damaged passport
The laminate has lifted enough to allow the possibility of photo substitution. There's discolouration of the bio-data page. There's chemical or ink spillage on any page. There are missing or detached pages.
Your passport must be in good condition.
Passports damaged beyond normal wear and tear will not be accepted. If you're concerned about the condition of your passport, contact the Canadian Passport ProgramExternal site which may not meet accessibility guidelines and/or language preferences.
Technically, yes, but it depends on the extent of damage and varies by airline and destination. Airlines have a responsibility regarding passport condition. If they allow you to fly with an invalid document and you're denied entry on arrival, they may face fines and costs for your return journey.
What makes a passport damaged? Normal "wear and tear" such as folded pages or a small bend do not count as damage. Damage includes stains from a liquid, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), or a hole punch.
Replace your passport if there is: Water damage (including mold and stains) A significant tear. Unofficial markings on the data page.
A passport is considered 'damaged' if it has one of the following issues: Personal details are difficult or impossible to read. The laminate portion on the name page has been lifted so that it has the potential for a substitute photo to be inserted. There are signs of fading or discolouration on the passport's name ...
If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it.
To check your passport expiration date, look on the data page of your passport book or on the front of your passport card. Below your personal details, it shows the date of issue and date of expiration. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months prior to your return date.
If your dog chewed up your passport, your baby colored in it, or it went through the washing machine, get a new one! You could be denied entry and have to go home or somewhere else! Also when you are traveling to another country check out Travel.state.gov.
Following documents must be submitted along with the application:
How to Apply
On page five of your U.S. passport, there is a clear printed notice stating that only authorized immigration or consular officials are permitted to place stamps or notations on its pages. Any unofficial or decorative mark—including, of course, souvenir stamps—violates that rule and can render the document invalid.
Even relatively minor damage can trigger problems. A tear on the photo page, a warped or water-stained cover, or smudged ink on the machine-readable section may cause airlines or border officials to reject the document.
Damaged Passport: A passport where the physical appearance or composition has been changed through ordinary wear or tear, carelessness, or by accidental happenstance (e.g., having been washed, torn, burned in a fire by the applicant or a third party, or mauled by an animal).
Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing pages (torn out), a hole punch, or other injuries, especially if the damage affects the book cover or the page displaying your personal data and photo.
Apply for a new passport as soon as you can and complete a Statutory Declaration concerning a Lost, Stolen, Damaged, Destroyed or Inaccessible Canadian Passport or Travel Document form.
Damaged Passport Examples
the laminate portion on your name page has lifted so that it has the potential for a substitute photo to be inserted. there are signs of fading or discolouration on the passport's name page. your passport is stained on any of its pages (e.g.. it has ink, makeup or chemical spills)
The punching of the passport is a physical indication that it has been cancelled and is no longer valid for travel.
A stapled visa is a type of travel document where the visa of the travel document is not stamped or taped directly onto the passport, but instead is attached to the passport by staples or a separate piece of paper.
If the damage means that your passport is no longer valid (for example, if a page is missing or it has been damaged extensively), you will need to renew it before travelling. The extent of the damage determines whether it can still be used.