Lost or Stolen Passport? Immediate Steps and Replacements Explained

Losing a passport is stressful — especially if youre abroad. Quick, calm action minimizes risk and speeds up replacement. This guide covers immediate steps, reporting procedures, replacement options, and tips to avoid identity theft.

"When a passport goes missing, the speed and sequence of your actions determine how quickly you can recover and travel again."

Step 1: Report the loss

Report immediately to the U.S. Department of State by filing Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport). This alerts the government that your passport should be considered invalid for travel. If you are abroad, report to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate as they can issue an emergency travel document for immediate return.

Step 2: File a police report if abroad

If your passport was stolen, file a police report at the local police station. A police report is often required to obtain an emergency passport or to make insurance claims.

Step 3: Apply for a replacement passport

In most cases, youll need to apply using Form DS-11 as a replacement for a lost or stolen passport. You must provide proof of citizenship (a certified birth certificate or other acceptable evidence), proof of identity, passport photos, and the DS-64 form filed earlier. If you are abroad, the consulate can issue a limited-validity emergency passport that will let you travel home or onward.

Emergency passports overseas

U.S. embassies and consulates can issue emergency passports (limited validity) quickly—often within 24-48 hours—if you have proof of identity and travel plans. These emergency documents allow you to return to the United States or continue to your destination but usually must be reissued as a full-validity passport later.

Protect yourself from identity theft

Because passports contain sensitive identity information, follow these steps:

• Monitor financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.
• Place fraud alerts with major credit bureaus if you suspect identity theft.
• Secure any other identification documents that might have been lost with the passport.

Costs and expected timelines

Replacement fees may be similar to first-time passport fees, plus an execution fee. Expedited fees apply if you require a faster turnaround. If abroad, consular fees for emergency passports vary by post and may require payment in local currency. Standard replacement processing times vary; always ask consular staff for estimates tailored to your situation.

Preventive measures to avoid future loss

• Make high-resolution scanned copies of your passport and store them securely (encrypted cloud or password-protected device).
• Travel with a photocopy rather than the original when allowed for certain local uses.
• Use hotel safes or locked luggage when not carrying your passport.
• Consider a passport card for certain short border trips where appropriate.

Summary checklist

1. File DS-64 immediately to report loss/theft.
2. Contact U.S. Embassy or Consulate if abroad.
3. File a police report if stolen.
4. Apply for replacement with DS-11 and necessary supporting documents.
5. Monitor financial accounts and credit.

Being prepared and knowing the proper agencies to contact can transform a potentially trip-ending event into a manageable interruption. Keep copies of important documents and a plan for quick reporting to minimize both travel disruption and identity risk.