My passport was lost / stolen. How do I replace my US passport?

Replacing a lost passport isn’t hugely different from getting a new one. However, it’s also no less than a disaster to lose a US passport minutes before or during a trip. The likelihood is that you may not have used it for an extended period, resulting in a misplacement, or it may have fallen into the wrong hands, leading to it being stolen. 

So if that’s your case, your thoughts may not find an escape from the questions like “what happens if you lose your passport”, “how to replace a lost passport or get a duplicate one”, “how to expedite lost passport” and so on.  

In case of a stolen or lost US passport, the additional step that is must to take first is to “report lost passport.” Though there are multiple methodologies for doing this, each one will put you in a position to bear extra cost, slower passport procedure, and mental fatigue if these all circumstances weren’t something you had anticipated. 

If you’re searching for how to replace a passport quickly, PassportsandVisas enables you to expedite lost passport while guaranteeing you splendid ease and convenience throughout the process. With just one click on the button below, you can have our assistance at your disposal.

Get Your US Passport in 3 Days
Passports and Visas.com will help you expedited your US passport. It's easy, painless and fast.
Get Your Passport Today!

How to Replace a Lost Passport

The process for replacing a lost or stolen passport is the same. However, there are some crucial steps you should take when replacing a lost passport.

  • Report a lost passport
  • Complete the application forms including DS-11 
  • Arrange the Supporting documents
  • Visit the Nearest acceptance facility

Before delving into the details of these points, it's important to consider a few key things for applying for a lost passport. First and foremost, be absolutely certain that you “Really” have a stolen or lost US passport case.

Once you report, your passport becomes invalidated and can’t be re-validated for travel purposes. Besides, following limitations will be applied;

  • You are required to submit the passport to the U.S. Department of State if you recover it after reporting it to be lost or stolen. 
  • You should give the correct information on DS-64 form as this will be saved in Consular Lost/stolen system

Report A lost Passport:

You can report a lost passport in two ways; Fillout all the necessary documents, including DS-64 and send these to the U.S. Department of State with the address given below

U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 200360

Alternatively, if you're extremely concerned about your sensitive document and want to report a lost passport instantly, you can contact the National Passport Information Center by calling their toll-free number, 1-877-487-2778

Complete the Application Forms:

Generally, when applying for passport renewal through mail, you’re required to submit your expired or undamaged passport as a basic requirement for getting a new one. 

However, in the case of a lost US passport, it’ll be most unlikely that the applicants will have access to these important documents. Consequently, applicants MUST apply in-person to replace a lost passport with a new one. 

Replacing a lost passport doesn't have to be a difficult process, if all the guidelines are taken appropriately. The first step is you need to fill out the DS-11 form. 

You can complete the fillable DS-11 form either online and offline. But be very cautious of the Ink color as only Black ink is acceptable and avoid writing mistakes as it can lead to a rejection. Know all the details about DS11.

Arrange All The Supporting Documents:

The list of supporting documents are required include;

  • DS-64 form 
  • One recent Passport size photo. (If you don’t know which is the right platform to get passport compliant photo, here is the list from where you can get your passport photos)
  • Photocopy of the Identification document
  • Proof of identity
  • Evidence of US Citizenship

Your evidence of a US citizen like a driving license must be original. These documents are returnable once the process is complete. 

Visit the Acceptance Agency:

Once you have gathered the documents specified above, you'll bring them to a Passport Acceptance Facility to have them authenticated and placed inside a sealed envelope by a Passport Acceptance Officer. Please make sure your name, Date of Birth, Departure Date, and Date of In-Person Appearance are written on the outside of the envelope. Your extra DS-11, extra Letter of Authorization, extra Proof of Departure, and New Passport Confirmation Form should NOT be sealed in this envelope.

Frequently Asked Question

What Do I Do If I Lost My Passport?

Overall, a lost or stolen passport poses a significant risk to your personal identity. It can land into the wrong hands for criminal activities, which can welcome several serious troubles for you. Hence, if you face unfortunate circumstances of losing a passport within or outside of the country, before or during the trip, you must report your passport as stolen or lost to the concerned authorities.

How To Get a New Passport If Lost?

There are some certain steps mentioned above. You can apply for a lost passport at your nearest Regional passport agency, local acceptance facility, or through A Reliable Private Expeditor service like Ours. In the case of abroad, you can contact the Consulate office or Embassy. The authorities will assess your case and may issue you an emergency passport which’ll be effective for one-time use only.

How Long to Replace Lost Passport?

It depends which platform you’re applying at for your lost passport. The regional passport agency is one platform which can award you a same-day passport if you fulfill all the requirements for replacing a lost passport. 

Additionally, local acceptance facilities can also assist  you with this process but take around 7-11 weeks, typically. To expedite lost passport application, you can pay an additional fee and processing time will be reduced to 3-5 weeks. 

Or lastly, third party or private expediting services also help you in how to replace a lost passport without going into US passport offices.

What is the Fastest Way to Replace a Lost Passport

If speed is your top-most priority, the regional passport agency is one platform that can provide this service if all the requirements for replacing a lost passport have been met. 

If speed, comfort, and convenience is what you're looking for, do consult an expert and trustworthy private expediting service. The good news is, Passportsandvisas have all the ingredients to become your SAVIOR in such challenging times.

What Happens If You Lose Your Passport in Another Country?

If you lose your passport abroad, you must contact the nearest consulate or embassy. You may get an emergency passport with “One-time Validity” to get back to your home. It’s also advisable to report in the police station to get a copy of the lost passport report. 

You can apply for a replacement adult passport by using a DS-11 and the subsequent requirements of that passport application.

You can obtain a new passport if any of the following apply:

  • Passport Applicant is a US Citizen over 18 years old AND;
  • Applicant has never had a US Passport issued before OR;
  • Applicant was under 16 years old when the most recent passport was issued OR
  • Applicant has not had a US Passport issued in the last 15 years.

The general overview of the process is as follows:

  1. You'll gather a variety of documents (DS11 passport application, Proof of Citizenship, Proof of Identity, Passport Photos, Passport Fees, Drivers License or other government approved ID, Statement on Lost Passport)
  2. You'll present yourself to a local passport acceptance agent like a US Postal Office or Clerk of the Court.
  3. You'll obtain your passport in the mail in 6-8 weeks. Alternatively, you can apply through us and obtain your passport in as fast as 24 hours.

You can apply for a replacement adult passport by using a DS-11 and the subsequent requirements of that passport application.

You can obtain a new passport if any of the following apply:

  • Passport Applicant is a US Citizen over 18 years old AND;
  • Applicant has never had a US Passport issuesd before OR;
  • Applicant was under 16 years old when the most recent passport was issued OR
  • Applicant has not had a US Passport issued in the last 15 years.

The general overview of the process is as follows:

  1. You'll gather a variety of documents (DS11 passport application, Proof of Citizenship, Proof of Identity, Passport Photos, Passport Fees, Drivers License or other government approved ID, Statement on Lost Passport)
  2. You'll present yourself to a local passport acceptance agent like a US Postal Office or Clerk of the Court.
  3. You'll obtain your passport in the mail in 6-8 weeks. Alternatively, you can apply through us and obtain your passport in as fast as 24 hours.

 

Standard LostStolen Passport Detailed Requirements

 

1Required Documents

  • image description Completed Passport Application (DS-11)
    Completed Passport Application (DS-11)

    Complete and print the DS-11 application online at https://pptform.state.gov/. and make a COPY to send to us.

    1. Click SUBMIT under Apply Online. The Passport Application System will then ask you a series of questions regarding your passport application.

    2. Fill in where appropriate. Please select the following options under Passport Product and Fees (You will NOT be asked to pay any of these fees electronically; you will simply be advised of what you should expect your fees to be):

    • Passport Options: Passport Book, 52 page recommended ($80-110)
    • Processing Methods: Expedited at Agency Service ($60)
    • Delivery Methods: Standard Delivery (FREE)

    3. Click next for printing instructions. Click "Create Form" at the bottom/end. Create Form will launch Adobe Acrobat Reader with your DS-11 application pre-filled.

    4. NOTE: The application MUST be completely filled out online and printed.

    5. NOTE: Please verify the application will have two barcodes, one on the left side and one on the bottom right side.

    6. REQUIRED: Make a COPY of the DS-11. The copy will need to be attached to the outside of your sealed application envelope (Step 2).

    7. NOTE: Please do not sign the DS-11 until you are instructed to during STEP 2 (Authorization).

  • image description New Passport Confirmation Form
    New Passport Confirmation Form

    Please print and complete one New Passport Confirmation Form to be included in your package shipping to Passports and Visas. This form should be attached to the OUTSIDE of your sealed envelope of application materials following STEP 2 (Authorization).

  • image description Completed Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport (DS-64)
    Completed Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport (DS-64)

    A completed DS-64 will be generated and printed automatically with the DS-11 form in the step above.  Sign the DS-64 application form.

  • image description Proof of U.S. Citizenship
    Proof of U.S. Citizenship

    To prove your US Citizenship, you must provide ONE of the following:

    1. Original Certified Birth Certificate issued by city, county or state (We strongly recommend a Long Form Birth Certificate which lists BOTH parent's names) OR;
    2. a previous US passport OR;
    3. If you were born outside of the United States, you'll need to provide a naturalization certificate or additional requirements for Proof of Citizenship for those born outside the US.
  • image description Proof of Identity
    Proof of Identity

    You will be required to present a valid Driver's License with photo that must have been issued greater than 6 months ago.

    Make sure the acceptance agent (Step 2) makes a copy and notes on the DS-11 that you presented your ID. If the license is not available, then you will need to supply several alternate Proof Of Identity.

  • image description Passport Photographs
    Passport Photographs

    You must provide two identical, recent 2 x 2 passport style photographs in color, front view and with a plain/white background. Make sure you are not wearing eye glasses, headgear or any uniform.You can obtain passport photos at a local drug store (Walgreen's, CVS) or consult Google for "passport photos" in your area.

  • image description Letter of Authorization
    Letter of Authorization

    You'll need to print and completely fill out two copies of the Passport Processing Letter of Authorization (included via the link). This allows us to act as an agent on your behalf.

    Please NOTE:

    1. (Click here) Complete the Processing Letter of Authorization form in BLUE ink
    2. Check the two top boxes/circles authorizing us to submit your application
    3. Write the applicant's full name on the APPLICANT NAME line
    4. Write today's date on the DATE line.
    5. Write "Passports and VIsas" on the COURIER COMPANY NAME line
    6. Make sure to sign at the bottom

    NOTE- For NEW PASSPORT (DS-11) ONLY: One Letter of Authorization should be sealed in your application envelope in Step 2. One Letter of Authorization should be included on the outside of your sealed envelope in the package you are sending to Passports and Visas for processing.

    You may view a SAMPLE Letter of Authorization here.

  • image description Proof of Departure
    Proof of Departure

    You must provide a copy of ONE of the following:

    • Your foreign travel plane ticket • Your printed travel itinerary showing foreign travel
    • If this is a business trip, you may present a business letter from your employer.

    NOTE- For NEW PASSPORT (DS-11) ONLY: Please make a copy of your Proof of Departure to include outside of your sealed envelope in the package you are sending to Passports and Visas for processing.

  • image description Fees
    Fees

    Make One check payable to "US Department of State" for $170 (this is the government processing fee).

    • Be sure to include your date of birth on the check.
    • Starter checks and 3rd party checks will NOT be accepted and will cause delays.

    Our Service Fee is $99

2Acceptance Agency

Visit a Local Passport Acceptance Facility

Once you have gathered the documents specified above, you'll bring them to a Passport Acceptance Facility to have them authenticated and placed inside a sealed envelope by a Passport Acceptance Officer. This sealed envelope is your application and is what you'll send to us for expediting. Please make sure your name, Date of Birth, Departure Date, and Date of In-Person Appearance are written on the outside of the envelope. Your extra DS-11, extra Letter of Authorization, extra Proof of Departure, and New Passport Confirmation Form should NOT be sealed in this envelope.

 

1Gather US Passport Application Documentation

1. Completed Passport Application (DS-11)

Complete and print the DS-11 application online at https://pptform.state.gov/. and make a COPY to send to us.

1. Click SUBMIT under Apply Online. The Passport Application System will then ask you a series of questions regarding your passport application.

2. Fill in where appropriate. Please select the following options under Passport Product and Fees (You will NOT be asked to pay any of these fees electronically; you will simply be advised of what you should expect your fees to be):

  • Passport Options: Passport Book, 52 page recommended ($80-110)
  • Processing Methods: Expedited at Agency Service ($60)
  • Delivery Methods: Standard Delivery (FREE)

3. Click next for printing instructions. Click "Create Form" at the bottom/end. Create Form will launch Adobe Acrobat Reader with your DS-11 application pre-filled.

4. NOTE: The application MUST be completely filled out online and printed.

5. NOTE: Please verify the application will have two barcodes, one on the left side and one on the bottom right side.

6. REQUIRED: Make a COPY of the DS-11. The copy will need to be attached to the outside of your sealed application envelope (Step 2).

7. NOTE: Please do not sign the DS-11 until you are instructed to during STEP 2 (Authorization).

1. New Passport Confirmation Form

Please print and complete one New Passport Confirmation Form to be included in your package shipping to Passports and Visas. This form should be attached to the OUTSIDE of your sealed envelope of application materials following STEP 2 (Authorization).

1. Completed Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport (DS-64)

A completed DS-64 will be generated and printed automatically with the DS-11 form in the step above.  Sign the DS-64 application form.

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship

To prove your US Citizenship, you must provide ONE of the following:

  1. Original Certified Birth Certificate issued by city, county or state (We strongly recommend a Long Form Birth Certificate which lists BOTH parent's names) OR;
  2. a previous US passport OR;
  3. If you were born outside of the United States, you'll need to provide a naturalization certificate or additional requirements for Proof of Citizenship for those born outside the US.

1. Proof of Identity

You will be required to present a valid Driver's License with photo that must have been issued greater than 6 months ago.

Make sure the acceptance agent (Step 2) makes a copy and notes on the DS-11 that you presented your ID. If the license is not available, then you will need to supply several alternate Proof Of Identity.

1. Passport Photographs

You must provide two identical, recent 2 x 2 passport style photographs in color, front view and with a plain/white background. Make sure you are not wearing eye glasses, headgear or any uniform.You can obtain passport photos at a local drug store (Walgreen's, CVS) or consult Google for "passport photos" in your area.

1. Letter of Authorization

You'll need to print and completely fill out two copies of the Passport Processing Letter of Authorization (included via the link). This allows us to act as an agent on your behalf.

Please NOTE:

  1. (Click here) Complete the Processing Letter of Authorization form in BLUE ink
  2. Check the two top boxes/circles authorizing us to submit your application
  3. Write the applicant's full name on the APPLICANT NAME line
  4. Write today's date on the DATE line.
  5. Write "Passports and VIsas" on the COURIER COMPANY NAME line
  6. Make sure to sign at the bottom

NOTE- For NEW PASSPORT (DS-11) ONLY: One Letter of Authorization should be sealed in your application envelope in Step 2. One Letter of Authorization should be included on the outside of your sealed envelope in the package you are sending to Passports and Visas for processing.

You may view a SAMPLE Letter of Authorization here.

1. Proof of Departure

You must provide a copy of ONE of the following:

  • Your foreign travel plane ticket • Your printed travel itinerary showing foreign travel
  • If this is a business trip, you may present a business letter from your employer.

NOTE- For NEW PASSPORT (DS-11) ONLY: Please make a copy of your Proof of Departure to include outside of your sealed envelope in the package you are sending to Passports and Visas for processing.

1. Fees

Make One check payable to "US Department of State" for $170 (this is the government processing fee).

  • Be sure to include your date of birth on the check.
  • Starter checks and 3rd party checks will NOT be accepted and will cause delays.

Our Service Fee is $99

2 Application Authorized by Acceptance Agent

2. Acceptance Agent - Verify Documents

Verify that you have collected the following documents prior to visiting the acceptance agent (Post Office or Clerk of the Court)

  1. Passport Application Form
  2. Proof of Citizenship
  3. Proof of Identity
  4. Two Passport Photographs
  5. Passport Processing Authorization Letter
  6. Proof of Travel (Itinerary)
  7. $ 170 Check to US Department of State + $25 Fees for the Acceptance Agent.

2. Acceptance Agent - Authorization

Bring all of the above original documents to a Passport Acceptance Facility and notify the agent that you are using an expediting service to "hand carry" your application.

Most facilities are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.  Click here to find a convenient Passport Acceptance Facility.  The acceptance agent will take about 10 minutes to go through the following steps:

  1. To verify identity, the agent will request your proof of identity.
  2. The agent will ask you to sign your passport application (DS-11) and then sign and seal it themselves.
  3. The agent will seal all documents in an envelope and "stamp it".
  4. Please attach your New Passport Confirmation Form, your extra DS-11 copy, extra Letter of Authorization, and extra Proof of Departure to the outside of your sealed application envelope.

Make sure the agent returns the sealed envelope to you. This envelope contains your application and will be sent to us.

Do NOT open the sealed envelope, as it will render it invalid.

Please make sure your name, Date of Birth, Departure Date, and Date of In-Person Appearance are written on the outside of the envelope.

Do not seal our order confirmation or check to Passports and Visas.com in the envelope.

 

Do you need a Passport inside 8 weeks?
Passports and Visas.com will help you with your passport needs It's easy, painless and fast.
Do you need a Passport or Travel Visa for your upcoming trip?

Answer two questions and we'll show you if you need a travel visa or passport for your upcoming trip