Lost Passport: What to Do (Step-by-Step) If Your Passport Is Lost or Stolen

Losing your passport can be a total nightmare and you are going to panic. If your valid U.S. passport is lost or stolen, you should report it immediately and then apply in person for a new passport. Once you report a valid passport lost/stolen, it’s canceled and generally can’t be used again, even if you find it later. This guide covers exactly what to do if your passport is lost in the U.S., abroad, stolen, or found again after you report it.

Lost Passport: What to do First

Before you cancel anyting, give it a thorough check

• Check every pocket and bag compartment.
• Look in hotel room safe, bedside drawers, bathroom shelf, and inside laundry bags.
• Ask the front desk or lost & found.
• If you’re at an airport: ask your airline, the airport lost & found, and TSA/airport security desk.
  

A lost passport can become an identity theft problem. Here are some damage controls you can do to prevent this.

• If your bank cards were stolen too, cancel them as well.
• If your driver’s license was also taken, consider placing a fraud alert.
• Keep track of what you had lost (passport card, Global Entry card, visas, etc).

Lost Passport: Report Your Passport Lost or Stolen

For a valid U.S. passport, the U.S. Department of State says to report it lost or stolen immediately.

You can report a lost/stolen passport using one of three methods:

• Online
• By mail
• In person when applying for a new passport
  

Reminder: Do not report an expired passport as lost or stolen.

• If you report online, the State Department notes your passport can be canceled quickly (and for reports made abroad online, cancellation occurs within 1 business day with a confirmation email).
• Once you report a valid passport lost/stolen, you can’t use it for international travel again, even if you've found it later on.

What form is used?
The standard form is DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport)

Source: U.S. passport help guide official (DS-64)

Losing Your Passport Domestically (In the U.S.)

You cannot renew a lost passport, to replace it, you typically must apply in person for a new passport. The State Department’s forms guidance is explicit that to replace a lost/stolen passport and get a new one, you must apply in person (DS-11), along with the DS-64.

What you will need to bring in person:

• DS-64 (lost/stolen statement)
• DS-11 (new passport application; done in person)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or other documents that can proove your identity)
• Valid photo ID (state ID/driver’s license)
• A passport photo
• Payment for fees (varies by service type)

If you have upcoming trips, look up expedited options and bring proof of imminent travel. Many acceptance facilities and passport agencies have different processes.

Losing Your Passport Abroad (Internationally)

Source: U.S. Embassy in Mexico official website

If you’re overseas, the process changes: you need the help of the U.S. embassy or consulate. The State Department’s “Lost or Stolen Passport Abroad” guidance says to report your passport lost/stolen and contact the nearest embassy/consulate, including after duty hour officers for emergencies.

Steps to follow while abroad:

• Report it lost/stolen (DS-64 reporting) to cancel the passport.
• Contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate for an appointment or emergency instructions.
• Gather what you can for the replacement process:
• • Proof of citizenship (photo/scan helps but having the original copy is the best)
  • Photo ID (local ID, driver’s license, etc.)
  • Passport photo (many cities have photo shops; embassies often provide guidance)
  • Travel itinerary (especially if you must travel immediately)

Emergency passports

If you must travel, the State Department may issue an emergency passport which is valid for one year or less. Under limited circumstances it can replace a lost/stolen passport.
However, some countries may not accept an emergency passport, so travelers should check entry/exit rules before traveling.

Passport Stolen

If your passport was stolen (not just misplaced), by filing a local police report can be helpful. Some U.S. embassies/consulates explicitly advise reporting the theft to the local police department and obtain a report。

A police report can help with:

• Insurance claims
• Cedit or bank disputes
• Showing other proof if other IDs were also stolen

Finding Your Passport After Reporting It Lost

Once a valid passport is reported lost/stolen, it is invalidated meaning it cannot be used for international travel even if you've found it. So if your passport eventually turns up, keep it for record but you will not be able to use it.

Losing Passport Card

Many U.S. travelers carry both a passport book and passport card while traveling. The DS-64 form reporting process covers a lost or stolen passport book or card.

Lost Passport: Precautions to Take

• Carry a photocopy or a photo of your passport ID page (you can scan the id page on your phone)
• Use a hotel safe or locked bag, keep your passport somwhere safe.
• Keep your passport and wallet separate if possible.
• If you’ll need to use your passport often, put it somewhere on you that you know is incredibly safe.
• If you did put your passport in the hotel safe, make sure to give it a check before leaving the hotel.