US Passport Renewal, Is Stapling Required?

4/1/2019 8:06:13 PM

Well, I just submitted my passport for renewal, paying for expedited service b/c I need it asap in order to apply for a visa to Cuba. I stapled in the 4 corners, sent it by USPS overnight delivery, and just today (10 days after confirmed delivery to the passport renewal office) I received an email stating that my photo was damaged, thus I need to send another, within 90 days.

So I’ve just spent another $40+ to get another photo taken, and send it again overnight USPS. This time it wasn’t required to staple it anywhere thank goodness. I wish they would change the form, 4 staples is just silly.

6/13/2017 4:56:30 PM

I believe that a passport facility person will attach the photograph for you. Obviously, the person in charge of proofing the form hasn’t updated the form to reflect this, and thus most people attach the photograph, with four staples, as instructed by text within the photo box. Hopefully the State Department will fix the form so that people’s time and money aren’t wasted.

6/2/2021 7:07:45 PM

The instructions for DS-82 (Renewal of US passport for eligible individuals) clearly state:

USE CAUTION WHEN STAPLING YOUR PHOTO: Use 4 staples vertically in the corners as close to the outer edge as possible. Do not bend photo.

I do not see the same statement on DS-11 (application for a new passport) but the statement is on DS-5504 (Corrections, name change within year of issuance, or passport book or card was limited to less than 2 years for a reason other than multiple losses or seriously damaged/mutilated).

There is no statement about what type of staple is acceptable.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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