Getting a Replacement Passport When You've Lost Yours Before Travel

How fast you can get a replacement depends on where you apply and how much you pay

If you've lost your passport and have a trip coming up, you have three paths: the State Department's expedited service (4 to 6 weeks), their emergency service (same day to 2 business days, in person only), or a passport agency appointment if you're in a major city. The fastest option costs the most and requires you to show up in person with specific documents. None of these are automatic — you'll need to prove citizenship, identity, and that your passport was actually lost.

The State Department does not replace lost passports by mail. You must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility, a regional passport agency, or an acceptance agent location. If your trip is more than 4 weeks away, expedited service through the mail is your cheapest option. If it's sooner, you need an in-person appointment at a passport agency or an emergency same-day service at certain locations.

Key Takeaways

• Emergency same-day passport service is available only at passport agencies in major cities and requires an appointment made by phone or in person the day you apply.
• You must bring an original birth certificate or naturalization papers, a government-issued photo ID, and a new passport photo — a lost passport cannot serve as proof of citizenship.
• Expedited mail service takes 4 to 6 weeks and costs more than routine service but less than emergency service, and you can use it if your trip is at least 6 weeks away.
• Passport agencies prioritize appointments by travel date, so book as soon as you know you've lost your passport, even if your trip is weeks away.
• If you lost your passport abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate instead of the State Department — they can issue a temporary travel document in days.

What documents you need to bring to replace a lost passport

You cannot use your lost passport as proof of citizenship. Instead, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. "Original" means the document issued by the vital records office, not a photocopy. If you don't have your birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office before your appointment, but this adds time — most states mail them within 1 to 2 weeks.

You also need a government-issued photo ID with your current name and signature — a driver's license, state ID, or military ID all work. Bring the ID itself, not a copy. You'll also need a new passport photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last 6 months. Passport photo booths are in most CVS and Walgreens locations and cost around $15 to $20. Do not use a photo from your lost passport.

Bring the form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) if you're applying in person at a passport agency, or DS-82 if you're using expedited mail service. You can fill these out before you go or fill them out at the agency. Bring a check or money order for the fees — most passport agencies do not accept credit cards, though some acceptance facilities do. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your location takes.

Same-day and next-day passport service at passport agencies

The State Department runs passport agencies in 17 cities: Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., and a few others. These agencies can issue a passport the same day or next business day if you have an appointment and meet their requirements. You must call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to book an appointment — you cannot book online. Have your travel date and flight information ready when you call.

Same-day service is available only if you're traveling within 72 hours. Next-day service is available if you're traveling within 1 to 2 weeks. The agency will tell you which one applies to your situation. You must arrive at your appointment with all required documents and the correct fee. If anything is missing or incomplete, they will not issue your passport that day.

Passport agencies are extremely busy, especially in spring and summer. If you call and there are no same-day appointments available, ask about acceptance facilities in your area — some can process expedited applications faster than the mail route, though not as fast as an agency.

Expedited service through the mail if you have 4 to 6 weeks

If your trip is at least 6 weeks away, you can mail your application to a regional passport processing center using expedited service. Fill out form DS-11 or DS-82, include your birth certificate, photo ID, new passport photo, and payment, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Expedited service takes 4 to 6 weeks, not including mailing time. Add 1 to 2 weeks for your application to reach the processing center and another 1 to 2 weeks for your new passport to reach you.

Expedited service costs more than routine service — the fee structure changes annually, so check the State Department website for current prices. You pay both the passport fee and an expediting fee. Some people use overnight mail to shorten the round-trip time, but this adds cost and is not necessary if you have 6 weeks or more.

Do not use expedited service if your trip is fewer than 6 weeks away. The processing center cannot may provide delivery in time, and you will have no recourse if your passport arrives after you've left.

What to do if you lost your passport while traveling abroad

If you lost your passport outside the United States, go to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, not to a local police station or government office. The embassy can issue a temporary travel document (a Statement of Identity or Emergency Travel Document) that lets you return to the United States. This usually takes 1 to 3 business days. You'll need your birth certificate if you have it with you, or the embassy can contact the State Department to verify your citizenship without it.

The temporary document is valid only for return travel to the United States. Once you're home, you must apply for a replacement passport through the normal process. The embassy will give you instructions and forms before you leave. Keep the temporary document safe — it's your only proof of citizenship until your new passport arrives.

If you don't have your birth certificate with you, tell the embassy immediately. They can still help you, but it may take longer because they'll need to request records from the State Department. Start this process as soon as you realize your passport is lost, even if your flight home is days away.

Fees and payment methods for replacement passports

The State Department charges a replacement fee for a lost passport, plus separate fees for expediting or same-day service. The total cost varies depending on which service you choose. Passport agencies and acceptance facilities accept checks, money orders, and sometimes credit or debit cards — call ahead to confirm what your location takes. Do not send cash by mail.

If you're applying by mail, include a check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State. Write your Social Security number on the back of the check. If the check bounces or the amount is wrong, the processing center will return your entire application, which delays your passport further.

Some acceptance facilities charge an additional acceptance fee on top of the State Department fees. This fee goes to the facility, not to the State Department. Ask about this when you call to confirm hours and location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a same-day passport if I don't live near a passport agency?

No. Same-day service is only available at the 17 passport agencies in major cities. If you don't live near one, your fastest option is expedited service by mail (4 to 6 weeks) or an appointment at a regional acceptance facility, which may process expedited applications faster than mail but slower than an agency.

What if I don't have my birth certificate and my trip is in two weeks?

Order an expedited birth certificate from your state's vital records office immediately — most states can mail one within 3 to 5 business days if you pay for expedited processing. Once you have it, book a same-day or next-day appointment at a passport agency. This is tight but possible if you act today.

Do I need a police report to prove my passport was lost?

No. The State Department does not require a police report. You simply declare that your passport was lost and provide proof of citizenship and identity. If you want a police report for insurance purposes, you can file one separately, but it's not needed for the passport replacement.

Can someone else pick up my passport if I can't make the appointment?

No. You must appear in person for same-day or next-day service. For expedited mail service, you don't need to appear in person, but you must sign the application yourself.

What if my new passport arrives after I've already left for my trip?

You cannot travel internationally without a valid passport. If your passport doesn't arrive in time, you must postpone your trip. This is why same-day or next-day service at a passport agency is worth the cost and effort if your trip is within 2 weeks.