I wonder how much of the OP's post is true? I have had my passport since my teenage years and it has always been a 10 year passport. Why would a 10 year old have an expired passport for 3 years?

I would also put the blame on the OP as he should have renewed it before it expired as you can always process the renewal application and mail it in with current pictures. You never know when you may have to travel internationally without much notice or if you need to send it out for necessary visa stamps prior to travel.

I haven't had the need to use my passport since 2013, but I renewed it in 2015 just in case.