Replace Your Lost or Stolen Passport in 3 Days Fast Recovery. No Hassle. Guaranteed.

What to Do Immediately After Losing Your Passport

Acting quickly is crucial when your passport is lost or stolen. Follow these immediate steps:

If You’re Abroad: Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. They can issue an emergency limited-validity passport if you have urgent travel needs, then help you apply for a full-validity replacement passport once you return home.

File a Police Report (If Stolen): If your passport was stolen (not just lost), file a police report. While not required by the State Department, it provides documentation of theft and may be helpful for identity protection purposes.

Monitor for Identity Theft: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports if your passport was stolen along with other identification documents. Passport information can potentially be used for identity theft.

The Replacement Process Explained

Replacing a lost or stolen passport follows a similar process to applying for a first-time passport, with a few key differences:

• Cannot Renew by Mail: Even if your lost passport was valid, you cannot use Form DS-82 (renewal by mail). You must apply in person using Form DS-11.
• Must Report the Loss: Complete Form DS-64 online or in person before applying for the replacement.
• New Passport Number: Your replacement passport will have a different number than your lost one. The old number is permanently invalidated.
• Previous Passport Photos: If you have photos or photocopies of your lost passport, bring them. They’re not required but can help verify your identity.
• Apply at Acceptance Facility: Visit a passport acceptance facility (like a post office) or use an expedited service like PassportsAndVisas.com.

Required Documents for Replacement

To replace your lost or stolen passport, you’ll need to provide:

Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: Current driver’s license, military ID, or government employee ID. If your ID was also lost/stolen, you can provide alternative identification like utility bills, lease agreements, or employer ID.

Passport Photo: One recent color photo (2″ x 2″) taken within the last 6 months. Use our Perfect Passport Photos tool for guaranteed compliance.

Completed Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport (do not sign until in front of the acceptance agent).

Completed Form DS-64: Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport (can be completed online in advance).

Payment: Replacement fee ($130 for book) plus execution fee ($35), plus expedited fees if desired.

How Long Does Replacement Take?

Replacement passport processing times are the same as regular passport processing:

• Routine Service: 13-15 weeks plus mailing time
• Expedited Service: 7-9 weeks plus mailing time (add $60)
• Urgent Travel (14 Days or Less): Appointment at regional passport agency required

How to Prevent Passport Loss or Theft

Take these precautions to protect your passport:

• Make Copies: Photocopy the information page and store it separately. Keep digital copies in secure cloud storage.
• Use a Passport Holder: Keep your passport in a secure travel wallet or hotel safe when not in use.
• Don’t Carry Unnecessarily: Only carry your passport when required. Leave it secured at your accommodation otherwise.
• Be Aware of Pickpockets: Tourist areas are common targets. Keep your passport in an inside pocket or money belt.
• Record Your Passport Number: Write down your passport number and keep it separately from your passport.
• Don’t Leave in Cars: Never leave your passport in a parked vehicle where it can be stolen.

What If You Find Your Passport After Reporting It Lost?

Once you report a passport as lost or stolen using Form DS-64, it is permanently invalidated in the State Department’s database. Even if you find it later, you cannot use it for travel.

Why It Can’t Be Reactivated: The invalidation is permanent for security reasons. If passports could be reactivated, it would create opportunities for fraud and abuse.

What to Do With Found Passports: If you find your passport after reporting it lost, you should destroy it by cutting it up and write “VOID” across the pages. You cannot submit it for renewal—it has no value.

Multiple Passport Option: If you frequently travel and are concerned about loss, consider applying for a second valid passport. This allows you to have a backup while one is being used for visa applications.