USA Passport Application Online: What To Do With An Old US Passport

USA Passport Application Online: It might appear like an outdated passport wouldn’t carry any practical use, but it does. Here’s what to consider with an old passport and reasons you should never discard it in the bin. When you’re provided a new credit or banking card, you might first think to eliminate your old one.

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After all, it’s either invalid or soon-to-expire, no longer of value, and could potentially lead to unauthorized charges if it drops into the wrong ownership. So, you grab those scissors and slice it into tiny pieces. But if you’re guessing that’s what to do with an old passport, think once more. Expired passports can prove useful, even after you’ve replaced your passport and acquired a replacement.

Use It To Get A New One

An invalid US passport might be useful as evidence of identity and nationality for situations such as acquiring a new US passport, says Pierce. But there are a few details you need to know about how to apply it for these functions and more. The main reason for keeping your old passport is to help facilitate the renewal process, especially when completing your USA passport application online, where past passport details are often required.

According to Pierce, when renewing your passport either through the mail or in person, you are required to include your most recent passport along with the necessary documents. When renewing via mail, your previous passport must have been granted within the last 15 years. For digital passport renewals, you’ll need to provide information from your last passport, which Pierce says must be ending within one year or have lapsed for fewer than five years.

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USA Passport Application Online: Use It For Proof Of Citizenship

Even long-expired passports may still serve as valid proof of citizenship, according to Pierce. If you lose your current passport, submitting an expired one can help verify your identity. This can speed things up when completing a USA passport application online, or at a US embassy abroad.

USA Passport Application Online: Use It If It Has Visas

Besides a valid passport, some nations require US travelers to receive visas, even for brief travel. These are usually stamps or decals attached to a page inside your passport. You can verify a specific country’s visa rules on the US State Department website. While certain international visas will end after 30 to 90 days, others are usable for longer.

Keep It As A Backup ID

Even if a passport has expired, it can still serve as a secondary form of ID in many non-official situations. For example, it can help verify your identity if your driver’s license is lost or damaged. Expired passports may also be accepted when checking into hotels, opening bank accounts, or during urgent transactions. In some cases, they can support your USA passport application online by serving as backup identification.

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Additionally, for parents traveling with children or minors applying for passports, expired passports belonging to a parent or guardian can support relationship proof and assist in speeding up the application process. The passport contains your full name, date of birth, photo, and other key identifiers, making it a reliable fallback option.

Preserve It For Sentimental Or Historical Reasons

Old passports tell a story, capturing memories of where you’ve been and reflecting your travel history. Many travelers keep expired passports as keepsakes, full of entry stamps, visas, and wear from global adventures. These documents can hold sentimental value over time, marking life’s journeys and vacations. Even when using the USA passport application online, people often choose to keep their old passports as a personal archive.

Some people also collect old passports to hand down to future generations. It provides a look back at how passports evolved over the years. Collectors often seek vintage travel documents for their historical value. If your passport includes stamps from now-defunct nations or unique visa formats, it could be a small yet valuable piece of history. Unless there's a strong reason to dispose of it, holding onto it adds both personal and archival significance.

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Is There Ever A Situation When You Should Destroy Your Old Passport

The US State Department suggests individuals avoid disposing of their old passports. But Pierce notes that while there’s no punishment for destroying an old passport, there’s also no actual benefit to doing so. Usually, passports can serve as evidence of US nationality, regardless of how old they’ve become, he says.

So, it’s simply wise to retain your previous ones as an emergency. And don’t forget that passports are a reminder of your past travels. It’s delightful to see the imprints and visas from all the nations you’ve been to and recall your journeys.

How To Destroy An Old Passport?

If you're considering disposing of an old passport, like one belonging to a deceased relative, there are some important things to know before simply throwing it away. Moreover, biometric passports, which have been distributed in the United States since 2007, carry chips with private details that are even harder to fully destroy.

And present a risk of identity fraud if they reach the wrong individuals. Rather than attempting to shred or torch it, the most reliable technique is to send the old passport to the US State Department passport office and ask them to terminate it.

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USA Passport Application Online: Conclusion

Old passports may appear obsolete, but they still serve important purposes long after their expiration date. Whether you need to renew your document, prove citizenship, preserve existing visas, or simply want to hold on to your travel memories, there are more than enough reasons not to discard them.

Only in rare cases, such as identity theft concerns or disposing of a deceased relative’s documents, should you consider termination, and even then, it’s best handled by the US State Department. Your passport is more than just a booklet. It’s a valuable identity tool, a travel archive, and a safety net in unexpected situations. Before discarding it, remember its extended worth and how it can assist you when completing a USA passport application online or other official processes.

Applying for a USA Passport Application is now easier than ever. With the USA Passport Application Online service, you can complete the process from the comfort of your home. The American Passport Application Online system ensures quick and secure submissions. Whether it is your first passport or a passport renewal, everything is just a few clicks away.