Losing your U.S. passport ranks high among travel nightmares, whether it disappears at the airport, gets stolen from your hotel, or vanishes at home. The replacement process follows clear, structured steps managed by the U.S. Department of State. This guide delivers the most up-to-date, actionable information to help you report the loss, gather documents, submit your application, and receive your new passport efficiently.
What to Do Immediately After Losing Your Passport
Act quickly to protect yourself from identity theft. Report the loss or theft right away. The State Department will cancel the passport, making it invalid for travel even if you later find it.
Reporting Options:
- Online (Recommended and Fastest): Use the State Department’s Online Form Filler at pptform.state.gov. Cancellation typically occurs within one business day, with a confirmation email sent to you.
- By Mail: Fill out Form DS-64 online, print, sign it, and mail it along with a photocopy of your photo ID (front and back) to the address provided. This method takes longer, so pair it with online reporting for speed.
- During Application: Report the loss while submitting your new passport application using Form DS-11. Include details about the incident and a police report copy if stolen.
Tip: File a police report for theft cases. It supports your application and provides documentation for potential insurance claims.
Required Forms for Lost Passport Replacement
You cannot renew a lost passport. Instead, treat it as a new application.
- Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. This officially reports the incident.
- Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. Complete this but do not sign until instructed at your in-person appointment.
Download both forms free from travel.state.gov. Use the online form filler for accuracy.
Complete Document Checklist
Prepare these items to avoid delays or rejection:
- Completed Form DS-64 (signed).
- Completed Form DS-11 (unsigned until appointment).
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original or certified copy of birth certificate, naturalization certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or prior U.S. passport (if you have a photocopy).
- Proof of Identity: Valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
- One 2×2 inch color passport photo (taken within six months, white background, following strict guidelines).
- Police report (recommended for stolen passports).
- Photocopy of your current ID (front and back on one sheet).
For children under 16, both parents generally must appear with proof of parentage. Special consent forms apply if one parent is absent.
Where and How to Apply In Person
Lost passport replacements require an in-person appearance at a passport acceptance facility or agency.
Passport Acceptance Facilities:
These include many post offices, libraries, and county clerks. Use the State Department’s locator to find one. They forward your application for standard processing.
Passport Agencies and Centers:
Schedule here for urgent needs (travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergencies). Appointments are available via passportappointment.travel.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778. Bring proof of travel, such as flight itineraries.
Fees for Lost Passport Replacement (2026)
Fees match first-time applications since you use Form DS-11:
| Product | Application Fee | Acceptance Fee | Expedite Fee | Total (with Expedite) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Book (Adult 16+) | $130 | $35 | $60 | $225 |
| Passport Card (Adult) | $30 | $35 | $60 | $125 |
| Book + Card (Adult) | $160 | $35 | $60 | $255 |
| Passport Book (Under 16) | $100 | $35 | $60 | $195 |
| Passport Card (Under 16) | $15 | $35 | $60 | $110 |
Pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State and the acceptance fee separately to the facility. Confirm accepted payment methods (checks, money orders, or cards at some locations) when booking.
Processing Times in 2026
Times vary based on service level and mailing:
- Routine: 4-6 weeks for processing after receipt, plus up to 2 weeks for mailing and delivery.
- Expedited (additional $60): 2-3 weeks.
- Urgent at Passport Agency: Same day to a few business days with proof of imminent travel.
Applications can take up to 2 weeks to reach the processing center by mail. Track status online once submitted.
Handling Urgent Travel Needs
For international trips within 14 days (or visas needed within 28 days):
- Gather all documents plus travel proof.
- Book an appointment at a passport agency online or by phone.
- Attend with everything prepared.
- In extreme cases, contact the agency for walk-in options.
Expedited service is strongly advised for trips within a few months.
If You Lost Your Passport Abroad
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. Report locally to police if stolen, then apply in person.
- Submit DS-11, DS-64, citizenship proof, ID, photos, and travel itinerary.
- Emergency limited-validity passports are often available for urgent return travel.
- Full-validity replacement can follow upon return to the U.S.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Process
- Make photocopies or digital scans of your passport before traveling and store them securely.
- Check travel.state.gov for current processing times, as they can vary with demand.
- Bring extra photos in case of issues.
- Consider passport protection or travel insurance that covers replacement costs.
- For complex situations (natural disasters, lost in mail), special forms like DS-86 or fee waivers may apply.
Third-party expediting services can assist with logistics for an extra fee, especially during busy periods, but they work alongside official processes.
This step-by-step approach covers the full lost passport replacement journey in the USA. Verify all details on official government websites, as procedures can update. Stay organized, act promptly, and you will have your new passport ready for future travels.
