What to Do When Your Passport Goes Missing

Report the loss to the State Department immediately

A lost passport needs to be reported to the U.S. State Department as soon as you notice it is gone. Call the State Department's emergency line at 1-877-487-2778 if you need to travel within the next few days. For non-urgent reports, you can file a statement in person at a passport acceptance facility or by mail.

When you report the loss, you are telling the government that this passport is no longer valid and should not be used by anyone else. This step protects you from identity theft and prevents someone from traveling on your document. The State Department will flag the passport number in their system, and border agents will reject it if anyone tries to use it.

You do not need to wait until you have filed a police report to contact the State Department, though having a report number speeds up the process. If your passport was stolen rather than simply lost, file a police report and bring the report number with you when you apply for a replacement.

Key Takeaways

• Report your lost passport to the State Department by phone, mail, or in person within a few days of discovering it is missing.
• You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a new passport photo to get a replacement.
• A replacement passport costs $130 for a standard adult passport book and takes 6 to 8 weeks by mail or 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing.
• If you need to travel before your replacement arrives, you can request an emergency passport at a passport agency, though availability varies by location.
• File a police report if your passport was stolen, as this protects you from fraud and may be required by your insurance or employer.

Gather documents for your replacement passport

You will need three things to replace a lost passport: proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, and a new passport photo. Proof of citizenship can be an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. A photocopy is not acceptable for citizenship proof.

Your government-issued photo ID can be a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have one of these, bring a combination of documents like a Social Security card, voter registration card, and school or work ID. The State Department has a full list of acceptable documents on their website.

The passport photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and meet specific requirements: full face, neutral expression, taken against a white or off-white background, and no glasses or filters. You can get a photo taken at most drugstores, post offices, or professional photographers for $10 to $20. Do not use a photo from your phone or a selfie.

Choose between standard and expedited processing

Standard passport processing takes 6 to 8 weeks and costs $130 for an adult passport book. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs $130 plus a $60 expediting fee. The choice depends on when you need to travel and whether you can wait.

If you need your passport in less than two weeks, expedited processing by mail will not work. Instead, you must go to a passport agency in person and request an emergency passport. Passport agencies are located in major cities, and you can find the nearest one on the State Department website. Walk-in appointments are not always available, so call ahead or check online for current hours.

Expedited processing is worth the extra cost if you have a trip planned in the next month or two. Standard processing is the cheaper option if you have time and are not traveling soon. Either way, submit your application as soon as you have gathered your documents.

Apply in person or by mail

You can apply for a replacement passport by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. Passport acceptance facilities include post offices, libraries, and some government offices. You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

To apply by mail, fill out Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) or Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application) depending on your situation. Since your passport is lost, you will use Form DS-11. Mail your completed form, documents, new photo, and payment to the address listed on the form. Include a letter explaining that your passport was lost and stating the date you reported it to the State Department.

Applying in person is faster because the acceptance facility can verify your documents on the spot and send your application directly to the processing center. If you choose to apply by mail, keep copies of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Request an emergency passport if you are traveling soon

An emergency passport is a temporary travel document valid for one year that allows you to leave the United States immediately. You can request one at a passport agency if you have a flight or other travel within the next two weeks and cannot wait for standard or expedited processing.

To get an emergency passport, go to a passport agency in person with your documents, new photo, and proof of travel (a flight confirmation, cruise ticket, or hotel reservation). Bring a letter explaining why you need emergency travel. The agency will review your case and issue the emergency passport the same day if you meet the requirements.

An emergency passport costs $130 plus a $35 execution fee. It is not a full passport and cannot be used for all types of travel — some countries do not accept emergency passports, so check with your destination before relying on one. Once your full replacement passport arrives, the emergency passport becomes invalid.

File a police report if your passport was stolen

If someone stole your passport rather than you simply losing it, file a police report with your local police department. Bring any information you have about when and where the theft occurred. The police will give you a report number, which you should keep with your other documents.

Include the police report number when you apply for your replacement passport. This tells the State Department that the loss was not your fault and helps protect you if the stolen passport is used fraudulently. Some employers and travel insurance policies require a police report for stolen documents, so having one on file is worth the time.

You can file a police report online in some jurisdictions or by visiting your local police station in person. If your passport was stolen during international travel, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to report it and get guidance on replacement.

Prevent future loss with document storage and copies

Once you receive your replacement passport, consider how you will protect it. Many travelers keep their passport in a hotel safe or locked bag while traveling and carry only a photocopy. This reduces the risk of loss or theft during your trip.

At home, store your passport in a secure location like a safe, locked drawer, or safe deposit box. Keep a photocopy in a separate location — at home or with a trusted family member. If your passport is lost again, you will already have a copy of the key information, which speeds up the replacement process.

Some people photograph their passport's main page and store the image in a secure cloud service or email it to themselves. This is not a substitute for a physical copy, but it can help you remember your passport number and other details if you need to report a loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a lost passport?

A replacement adult passport book costs $130. Expedited processing adds $60, and an emergency passport adds $35 to the base fee. Passport photos cost $10 to $20 depending on where you get them taken. If you need certified copies of your birth certificate, those cost $10 to $25 per copy depending on your state.

Can I travel without a passport while waiting for my replacement?

You cannot travel internationally without a valid passport. Within the United States, you can travel by air with a state-issued driver's license or ID card. If you need to leave the country before your replacement arrives, request an emergency passport at a passport agency.

What if I lost my passport overseas?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. They can issue an emergency passport or a temporary travel document to get you home. You will need your documents and a new photo, which the embassy can sometimes help you obtain. Once you return to the United States, apply for a full replacement passport through the normal process.

Do I need to report a lost passport to my credit card company or bank?

Not unless your passport was stolen along with other personal information. If only your passport is lost, there is no financial risk. If your wallet or bag was stolen, contact your bank and credit card companies to monitor for fraud.

How long does it take to get a replacement passport?

Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. An emergency passport issued at a passport agency is available the same day. Times can vary depending on how busy the processing center is, so submit your application as soon as possible.