Lost Your Passport? Take These Steps Immediately
Losing your passport can feel overwhelming — especially if you have upcoming international travel.
The good news: there is a clear process to follow.
Act quickly, stay organized, and you can minimize delays.
Step 1: Confirm It Is Truly Lost or Stolen
Before taking action:
• Check all bags, jackets, vehicles
• Contact your hotel (if traveling)
• Call airport lost and found
• Contact the airline
If you are certain it is lost or stolen, move to the next step immediately.
Step 2: Report the Passport as Lost
You must report your passport lost to the U.S. Department of State.
You can do this:
• Online (DS-64 form)
• By mail
• In person at a passport acceptance facility
Reporting it invalidates the passport, protecting you from identity misuse.
Step 3: Determine Your Travel Timeline
Your next action depends entirely on when you are traveling.
If You Are Traveling in More Than 3–4 Weeks
You may apply for a new passport through standard or expedited government processing.
If You Are Traveling Within 14 Days
You may qualify for an emergency passport appointment at a passport agency.
Appointments are limited and require proof of travel.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
To replace a lost passport, you typically need:
• Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport)
• Form DS-64 (Lost/Stolen Statement)
• Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
• Government photo ID
• Passport photo
• Payment for applicable fees
Missing documentation can delay processing.
Step 5: Consider Professional Expedited Assistance (If Time Is Critical)
If your departure date is close and you cannot secure a timely appointment, some travelers choose professional expedited passport services to help navigate the process.
These services assist with:
• Appointment coordination
• Document review
• Submission guidance
• Expedited processing options
If you need urgent passport replacement assistance, you can explore expedited service options here:
馃憠 Explore Emergency Passport Replacement Services
Always confirm eligibility, documentation requirements, and current processing timelines directly with the service provider before proceeding.
What If Your Passport Was Stolen Abroad?
If your passport was stolen outside the United States:
Report the theft to local police.
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately.
Follow consular instructions for emergency travel documentation.
Embassies can issue limited-validity emergency passports for urgent return travel.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Lost Passport?
Processing times change throughout the year.
Standard processing can take several weeks.
Expedited government processing is faster but still depends on appointment availability.
Private expedited services may offer additional assistance in urgent cases.
Always verify current timelines before making travel decisions.
Final Thoughts
Losing a passport is stressful — but it is manageable.
The most important factors are:
• Acting quickly
• Reporting the loss
• Understanding your travel timeline
• Gathering documents properly
Clear steps reduce panic.
Preparation prevents delay.