What To Do If You Accidentally Washed Your Passport

You’ve done it.

The laundry is folded, your suitcase is packed—and suddenly, you spot it: the unmistakable, soggy shape of your passport in the washer. Panic sets in. You pull it out, dripping and crumpled, and think… “Can I still use this?”

First things first: you’re not alone. Plenty of travelers have accidentally washed their passport, and while it’s a hassle, it doesn’t have to derail your trip—if you act quickly and know the right steps.

Here’s your step-by-step guide for what to do if you accidentally washed your passport—whether it’s a little damp or totally destroyed.

Step 1: You Cannot Use a Damaged Passport

Let’s clear this up: if your passport has water damage, it’s no longer valid. Even if the photo page looks okay, you won’t be able to use it to travel.

However, you can bring it with you when applying for a new passport—it helps confirm your identity and may speed up the process. But don’t count on using it at the airport.

Step 2: Don’t Try to Fix It Yourself

We get it—you're tempted to iron it. Or blow-dry it. Or maybe you’ve Googled “how to flatten a washed passport.”

Don’t. Do. It.

The U.S. Department of State considers tampering with a passport—even well-meaning DIY drying—a potential security issue. Let it air dry gently at room temperature and leave it alone.

Step 3: Replace It ASAP

Since your passport is now unusable, you’ll need to apply for a new one in person. Here’s how:

💼 Required Forms & Steps:

• Complete Form DS-11: Application for a New U.S. Passport

• Bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or previous passport, if intact)

• Provide valid photo ID (driver’s license, military ID, etc.)

• Submit a passport photo that meets current guidelines

• Include the damaged passport (even if it’s shredded)

You’ll need to apply at an authorized passport acceptance facility—usually a post office, courthouse, or passport agency. You can find your nearest location at travel.state.gov.

Step 4: Urgent Travel? You’ll Need an In-Person Appointment

If your departure is within 14 days (or you need a visa within 28 days), an expedited service by mail is not fast enough. Instead, you’ll need to make an in-person appointment at a regional passport agency.

To do this:

• Call 1-877-487-2778 for an appointment

• You must have proof of travel within 14 days

• Be prepared to show your flight or travel confirmation

Appointments fill fast—especially during peak travel seasons—so call the moment you realize your passport is damaged.

Step 5: Domestic vs. International Travel

✈️ Domestic Travel:

If you’re traveling within the U.S. or to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you don’t need a passport. A driver’s license will do s long as it's a Real ID.

🌍 International Travel:

There’s no workaround—you must have a valid, undamaged passport.

If your departure is just days away and you can’t get a passport appointment, you may need to reschedule your trip. It’s frustrating, but better than being denied boarding at the airport.

TL;DR: What To Do If You Accidentally Washed Your Passport

• Damaged passport? You can’t use it. Period.

• Don’t try to dry or fix it

• Apply for a replacement in person

• If travel is within 14 days, book an in-person appointment ASAP

• Keep your travel documents somewhere safe (and dry) from now on

TL;DR: What To Do If You Accidentally Washed Your Passport

• Damaged passport? You can’t use it. Period.

• Don’t try to dry or fix it

• Apply for a replacement in person

• If travel is within 14 days, book an in-person appointment ASAP

• Keep your travel documents somewhere safe (and dry) from now on

Need help planning your trip—or reworking one due to a passport issue? Let’s talk. We help travelers avoid disasters like this before they happen.