If the entire passport belonging to an American citizen becomes filled up with visa entry and exit stamps to the point where it is not possible to legibly add more, they may apply for expedited passport added pages. This applies only if the passport is still valid and it is in good condition. This may be done on only two occasions.

Complete Appropriate Form

To obtain new blank sections, it is necessary to fill in a Form DS-4085. It is available over the Internet or from an acceptance facility or passport agency. If downloaded over the Internet, the form may be completed online and then printed or it may be printed and then completed by hand.

Printing and Completion

Forms should be printed one page per sheet. It must be legible and completed in black ink. If the form is not completed correctly, especially if it does not include the Social Security Number, the application will be delayed.

What To Submit

Once completed and signed, the form must be submitted to the national processing center for passports, together with the appropriate fee and the currently valid passport. There are two addresses, depending on whether your request is routine or you need to expedite it. They are nearly the same but are distinguished by their zip codes. Make sure you use the correct address.

Expedited Delivery

Routine requests are handled within four to six weeks. More urgent applications are processed in less than three weeks, sometimes within two. If the passport has to be sent to a foreign embassy to get a visa for travel to a foreign country in less than four weeks or if the holder is travelling to a foreign country within 14 days, an appointment must be made at a passport agency. If the request has already been submitted and it is required for foreign travel within less than a calendar week, the National Passport Information Center must be contacted and a Customer Service Representative consulted.

Overseas Requirements

If the holder is outside the United States at the time of application, the procedure is slightly different. In London, for example, Embassy staff members are not permitted to accept personal checks, cash or payments in excess of the exact fee. They are authorized to accept banker drafts, international money orders, credit cards and certain debit cards.

Additional Information

In the event the US Department of State does not accept an application for expedited passport added pages, the fee is non-refundable. Special instructions for ex-patriots living in England or Wales, in Northern Ireland or in Scotland must follow special instructions that are accessible from the Department of State website. Unless travel is taking place within ten days, applications should be submitted by mail.

When submitting an application for expedited United States passport added pages, it is important to place them in a waterproof, sturdy envelope. Use a traceable delivery method. If mailed within the United States, send the fee by money order or a check. This should go for all passport paperwork, from an application for a new American passport to an expedited damaged passport.

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