Possible for someone to change picture on a stolen US passport?

Question

My passport was stolen recently. I am worried that somebody could somehow change my picture on the passport to his own and use it to make big problems for me. Is this possible on a US passport issued in 2004, or was the passport security technology at that time sufficient to make it practically impossible?

Before you ask, yes, the govt knows about it and has issued me a new passport. But I am concerned about the stolen passport being used as an identification document in situations other than border crossings.

Answer 1

It's certainly more difficult to photo-sub a US passport now than it was before, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Smugglers and other evil doers prefer to try to match up the passport photo with someone who looks like the photo, when possible.  For one thing, the photos are captured electronically in the passport database and can be accessed by US government officials who are trying to verify any particular passport. So, if the photo in the passport doesn't match the electronic record, that's a problem. Also it's not easy to change photos and other information without damaging the passport itself. Then, of course there's the electronic chip embedded in the passport as well. However, if it's just being used inside the US as an identity document, that makes it simpler to get away with games. Still, by reporting the loss, you did all you could do to prevent this.

Answer 2

my passport was also issued in 2004 , i have it in front of me now,

by then the photo was integrated within the paper, so, no, the picture cannot be taken out , it will brake the seal and brake up the whole page,

there are seals of the US within the page also,

if you have reported it? do not worry , you did the right thing , you are no longer responsible;

Answer 3

It is reported as lost. It anybody uses it and present it to a border crossing or at the airport it will be confiscated.