Learn About Replacing a Lost Passport

Understanding What a Lost Passport Means

A passport is an official travel document issued by the U.S. State Department that proves your citizenship and identity. According to the State Department, approximately 50,000 to 100,000 passports are reported lost or stolen each year in the United States alone. When your passport goes missing, you cannot legally travel internationally, and replacing it requires going through a specific process with the federal government.

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A lost passport differs from an expired one. An expired passport simply means the document has reached the end of its validity period—typically 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. A lost passport means the physical document no longer exists and may potentially be used by someone else if not properly reported. This distinction matters because the replacement process and fees differ depending on whether your passport is lost or merely expired.

When a passport is lost, the State Department recommends reporting it to law enforcement and to the State Department itself. This report creates a record that helps prevent someone else from using your lost passport for fraudulent purposes. The loss also triggers the need for a new passport application, which involves submitting documents and paying replacement fees.

Understanding the seriousness of a lost passport helps you take the right steps. You cannot simply request a duplicate or reissue of your lost passport—you must obtain a completely new one. This new passport will have a different number and will be treated as an entirely new document in the government's system.

Takeaway: Recognize that losing a passport requires more than just ordering a replacement; it involves reporting the loss and applying for a new document entirely.

Reporting Your Lost Passport

The first step after discovering your passport is lost involves reporting it to appropriate authorities. You should report the loss to two entities: local law enforcement and the U.S. State Department. Reporting to local police creates an official record that may help if someone attempts to use your lost passport fraudulently. Many police departments allow you to file a report online, by phone, or in person.

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To report your lost passport to the State Department, you have several options. You can call the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs at 1-877-487-2778. This line operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also report the loss when you submit your application for a replacement passport in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency. If your passport was lost overseas, you should report it to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

When reporting your lost passport, have the following information ready if possible: your passport number, the date and place of issuance, the date and approximate location of the loss, and any relevant details about the circumstances. If you cannot remember your passport number, you can provide your full legal name, date of birth, and the state where you were born. The State Department can look up your passport number in their system.

Reporting your lost passport serves an important protective function. Once reported, your passport number is entered into a system that flags it as invalid if someone attempts to use it for travel or identification purposes. This protection takes effect relatively quickly, though it is not instantaneous. The report also creates documentation that you reported the loss, which can protect you if fraudulent activity occurs using your lost passport.

Some people worry about identity theft following a lost passport. While a passport alone contains less sensitive information than a driver's license or Social Security card, reporting the loss promptly reduces the window of opportunity for potential misuse. Consider monitoring your credit and checking your credit report periodically after the loss if your passport was lost along with other documents.

Takeaway: Report your lost passport to local law enforcement and the State Department promptly to prevent unauthorized use and create an official record of the loss.

Gathering Required Documents for Replacement

Applying for a replacement passport requires submitting specific documents that prove your identity, citizenship, and that you are the original passport holder. The exact documents needed depend on whether you submit your application in person or by mail, and on your individual circumstances. Understanding what you need to gather beforehand makes the process smoother.

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All passport replacement applicants must provide proof of citizenship. For U.S. citizens born in the United States, this typically means submitting your original birth certificate or a certified copy. If you were born outside the U.S., you may need to show documentation of how you gained U.S. citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. The document must be an original or certified copy—photocopies are not accepted.

You must also provide a valid form of government-issued photo identification. Examples include a driver's license, state identification card, military ID, or previous passport. If your driver's license is also lost, you may need to obtain one before submitting your passport application, or you may bring alternative forms of identification such as a school ID or employee ID along with a birth certificate or other supporting document.

A passport photo is required unless you are using a passport acceptance facility that offers photo services. If you provide your own photo, it must meet specific State Department requirements: it must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, show your face clearly with a neutral expression, have a white or off-white background, and be either color or black-and-white. Professional photographers and many pharmacies offer passport photo services, typically charging between $10 and $20.

You will need to complete the appropriate application form. For a lost passport, most adults use Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) if submitting in person, or Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application) if you meet certain criteria for renewal. The forms are available free on the State Department website at travel.state.gov. You can print them at home and fill them out before your appointment, which saves time.

Payment is required at the time of application. For a replacement adult passport, the current fee is $130 for the passport itself plus $35 for the execution fee (the fee charged for processing your application), totaling $165. The fee for a replacement minor's passport is $100 plus $35, totaling $135. Acceptable payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, checks, or money orders—accepted payment methods may vary by facility, so check before you go.

Takeaway: Gather your birth certificate, government-issued photo ID, passport photo, completed application form, and payment before visiting a passport facility to avoid delays.

Choosing Where and How to Submit Your Application

You have options for where to submit your lost passport replacement application, and your choice affects how long the process takes and what you need to bring. The State Department operates thousands of passport acceptance facilities across the United States, including post offices, libraries, town halls, and dedicated passport agencies. Finding your nearest facility takes just a few minutes using the State Department's facility locator on travel.state.gov.

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Submitting your application in person at a passport acceptance facility is the most common approach for lost passport replacement. When you appear in person, you must bring all required documents, your completed application form, your payment, and identification. The staff will verify your documents, take a new passport photo if you haven't brought one, and process your application. In-person applications typically receive a processing time of 6 to 8 weeks, though some agencies may offer faster processing for an additional fee.

Many passport acceptance facilities now use appointment systems rather than first-come, first-served processing. You can schedule an appointment online, by phone, or in person at many locations. Scheduling an appointment reduces wait times and ensures staff will be available to process your application when you arrive. Some facilities offer walk-in appointments on a limited basis, while others require scheduling several weeks in advance during peak travel seasons.

The State Department offers expedited processing for an additional $60 fee, which reduces processing time to 2 to 3 weeks. This option may be worthwhile if you have upcoming travel plans or time-sensitive needs. Expedited processing is available when you submit your application in person or by mail, but note that even expedited processing takes weeks, not days.

For those needing a passport even more quickly, the State Department operates several passport agencies in major cities that offer rush services. If you visit a passport agency in person, you can sometimes obtain a passport in 1 to 2 weeks. Passport agencies are located in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, and Washington D.C., among others. Appointments are required at passport agencies and must be scheduled online or by phone.