How to Report a Lost or Stolen Passport

• by Tracy C.

Introduction

• Not only is losing your passport frustrating, it could strand you far from home. Luckily, to report your lost or stolen passport and replace it as quickly as possible, you'll just need to fill out a couple of forms. Frequent travelers may wish to download the proper forms before a trip and keep them on hand in order to speed up the replacement process if it becomes necessary. Read below to learn the two simple steps to replacing a lost or stolen passport, and you'll be on your way.

Step 1: Report It

You won't usually get this lucky. (Creative commons photo by Daniel Lobo)

• You'll need to report your lost or stolen passport as soon as possible.

1. Fill out the DS-64 form provided by the U.S. State Department.
2. Fill out as much information from your lost or stolen passport as possible.
3. Answer all the questions on the form in as much detail as possible. Questions range from asking for personal information such as name, address, and where your passport was issued to asking for what you know about the potential theft and if your passport has been lost in the past.
4. Ideally, you will have made an extra copy of your passport to carry with you, and you'll have left another with a friend at home (as advised in How to Get a Passport). Then, you will have a copy for reference when completing your form.
5. Mail your form to the State Department:

• • • U.S. Department of State
    • Passport Services
    • Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section
    • 1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 500
    • Washington, DC 20036

If You are Overseas

• If you are still outside the country when your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to go to your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

1. Be prepared for additional fees or to leave and have new passport photos taken.
2. Different embassies will process new passports in varying amounts of time, and most embassies are not open on the weekends. Be prepared to wait if you cannot afford what can be exorbitant fees for rush service.
3. Registering with the State Department before your trip can help speed along the replacement passport process.

Step 2: Replace It

• If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a new one in person.

1. Fill out the replacement form, DS-11.
2. You may bring your DS-64 form (which you filled out to indicate a lost or stolen passport) with your DS-11 form.
3. When filling in information about your previous passport, do the best you can. Approximate date of issuance if need be, and if you don't know your former passport number, leave it blank.
4. You will need to know what name you used for your last passport.
5. Do check the box that indicates your prior passport was lost or stolen.
6. If your passport expired during the time it was lost or stolen (or beforehand), write "Expired" next to the "Other" box.
7. Find your nearest passport acceptance facility and make sure you have all the necessary documentation for a new passport, including proof of citizenship and identity. See Mahalo's guide, How to Get a Passport, to be sure you have all that you'll need.
8. Also review the guidelines for applying for a new passport from the U.S. State Department.

Resources for How to Report a Lost or Stolen Passport

• U.S. Department of State: Lost or Stolen Passports
• U.S. Department of State: Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
• U.S. Department of State: Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport
• U.S. Department of State: How to Apply in Person for a Passport
• U.S. Department of State: Travel Registration
• New York Post: "A Little Help: Trouble Abroad? The Embassy Can Assist - For a Fee" (January 8, 2008)

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