How to Replace a Lost Passport Quickly
Quick! You just realized your passport is lost, missing, or stolen, and you know you need to act fast. Whether you’re out of the country, leave in the next few weeks, or plan to “stay-cation” for the next year, you can report a stolen passport and learn how to replace a lost passport quickly and easily.
3 Easy Ways to Report a Lost Passport
To prevent identity theft, you must report a lost passport or stolen passport immediately. Reports are typically submitted before passport replacement requests. You can report your lost or stolen passport in one of three ways:
Online: Submit a Form DS-64 online
- Report your lost passport or stolen passport immediately to the U.S. Department of State.
- Visit the Online Passport Application. Hover the”Report Lost or Stolen” tab and click “submit.”
- Complete the applicant information and submit.
Phone: Call the U.S. Department of State at 1.877.487.2778.
*Mail: Complete and print the Form DS-64. You must print on single-sided pages, as the U.S. Department of State does not accept double-sided submissions. Mail the form with a copy of your government issued ID (i.e., drivers license) to the following address:
U.S. Department of State
CA/PPT/S/L/LE
44132 Mercure Cir
P.O. Box 1227
Sterling, VA 20166-1227
*Do not report a lost or stolen passport via mail if you plan to apply for another passport.
For quickest processing times, submit your report online and make sure to fill out the questions completely.
Quickly Replace Lost Passport or Stolen Passport
If you lost your passport or believe your passport got stolen, you must apply in person using Form DS-11. Take these steps to replace your passport quickly. You must also provide the following documentation to the best of your ability:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship (i.e., certified birth certificate)
- Identification (i.e., drivers license)
- Recent Color Photograph
- Associated passport fees
- A police report, if necessary
If you are currently outside your home country…
- Visit your nearest U.S. embassy.
- Ask to speak with the Consular Section to report your missing or stolen passport.
- Fill out Form DS-11 and provide necessary documentation.
- Provide your trip details (i.e., airlines tickets).
- Submit police report, if necessary.
If you’re traveling internationally within the next two to six weeks…
- Locate the nearest Passport Acceptance Facility.
- Schedule an appointment. You may apply online or call 1.877.487.2778.
- Visit during your allotted time.
- Fill out Form DS-11 and provide necessary documentation.**
- Pay additional $60 fee for expedient services.
**If traveling in less than 2-3 weeks, you must also provide proof of travel.
If you’re not traveling anytime soon…
- Locate the nearest Passport Acceptance Facility.
- Schedule an appointment. You may apply online or call 1.877.487.2778.
- Visit during your allotted time.
- Fill out Form DS-11 and provide necessary documentation.
If this is a Life-or-Death Emergency
If you need to travel internationally within 72 hours, please call to schedule an appointment for emergency passport services. You must provide documented proof of the emergency, such as a mortuary statement, along with the necessary documentation. If within the U.S., please call 1.877.487.2778. If after business hours, please call 202.647.4000. If outside the U.S., please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy.
Common Questions to Replace a Lost Passport
How long to replace a lost passport?
The routine processing time takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks. An expedited process can take 2-3 weeks, costs $60 extra, and is only available to those within the U.S. If within the U.S, you can also purchase 1-2 day shipping, which varies in price by recipient location.
What does it cost to replace a lost passport?
Passports, whether first-time applicants, renewals, or emergency replacements come with at least two fees: the application fee and the execution fee. The former gets paid to the U.S. Department of state, and the latter gets paid to the acceptance facility. These fees can cost anywhere from $30 to $140 each. Optional fees regarding expedient shipping and/or requested file searching can cost $15 to $150 extra. Please refer to this chart for a complete breakdown of passport fees.
Can I pay my passport fees with a personal check while outside the United States?
Most countries will only accept payment in the form of cash (local currency or USD) or credit card. If you’re not sure about payment methods, you can ask the local U.S. Embassy what they will accept.
What if I can’t pay the necessary passport fees?
If you’re outside the U.S. and unable to pay your passport fees, you may provide the names of those who could financially assist you. Here are some general guidelines on providing temporary, emergency financial assistance to overseas U.S. citizens.
Can I apply for a replacement passport on a weekend or holiday?
Most U.S. embassies are closed on weekends and holidays and are unable to issue replacement passports until the next business day. If you have emergency circumstances, feel free to call the after-hours duty officer at your nearest U.S. embassy for assistance.
If I report my passport and find it later, can I use it?
Once your passport gets reported as lost or stolen, it becomes invalid and can no longer be used for international travel. You must apply for a new passport.
For more questions about how to report or replace a lost passport, please visit the U.S. Department of State website or call 1.877.487.2778. You may also email NPIC@state.gov and expect a response within 24 hours.
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