What happens if you lose your passport?
If you lose your passport whether traveling abroad or in the U.S., report the loss as soon as possible and apply for a replacement. Your passport is no longer valid once you report it lost or stolen, and if abroad, you need a new one to return to the U.S. You'll want to minimize travel disruptions and act quickly to help prevent any possible identity theft or unauthorized use.
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What to do if you lose your passport abroad
Report your missing passport
The U.S. State Department advises contacting the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate office and asking for the consular section. Make an appointment with them to report your lost passport and to submit the necessary documents to start the process of getting a replacement.
Filing a report with the local police is optional, but it may help your passport replacement process.
Gather your documentation
You'll need to submit two forms to replace a lost or stolen passport: DS-64 and DS-11. DS-64 is your official report of the missing passport, and DS-11 is how you request a new passport. Before your appointment at the embassy or consulate, fill out the forms but don't sign them — you need to do that in person. Then gather all the required supporting documents as noted on the forms:
- Proof of identification
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- A photo that meets passport requirements
- Travel itinerary
- Police report, if filed and available
- Parental evidence for applicants under 16
Each form has more details about the accepted documents for applying for a passport and reporting a missing one. For example, an expired U.S. passport can serve as both proof of citizenship and identity — see more about how passports work. If you weren't born in the U.S., Form DS-11 provides a detailed list of documents you'll need to verify your citizenship claim.
Submit your forms and payment
Attend your appointment at the consular section to sign your forms, submit your documents, and provide payment.
Ask how long it will take to get your replacement passport. If you need it quickly, you may be eligible for an emergency "limited-validity" passport, which you'll surrender in exchange for a full-validity passport once you return home.
What to do if you lose your passport in the U.S.
If you lose or believe your passport was stolen, report it immediately. You can skip the embassy or consulate and report your missing passport by completing form DS-64 online via the State Department's site. You then need to apply for a new passport by submitting form DS-11 in person, just like if you were applying for a passport for the first time.
If you lose your passport in the U.S.:
Whether you're traveling internationally or domestically, the U.S. State Department recommends you make two photocopies of your passport before you travel. Leave one at home with someone you trust and take the other copy with you, keeping it separate from your actual passport.
How long does it take to replace a lost passport?
How long it takes depends on where you are and how quickly you need the replacement — it can be as soon as the next business day or as long as a couple of months.
International: The embassy or consulate will work toward getting your replacement or limited-validity passport as soon as possible — sometimes within the next business day if needed. See the State Department's FAQs for more information.
Domestic: You can get your passport replacement in 14 days or less by applying at a passport agency or center, but only if your travel itinerary meets the requirements. If you won't be traveling for at least 6 weeks, you can't apply at a passport acceptance facility and can expect to get your new passport in the current processing times (usually a couple months or 3–5 weeks with expedited fees.)
How much does it cost to replace a lost passport?
The cost to replace a lost passport while abroad depends on the country you're in — check the country's U.S. embassy or consulate's website to find out. There may be fee exceptions if you're experiencing certain extraordinary circumstances, or you may be able to designate individuals at home who can cover the costs.
If you're replacing your passport in the U.S., you can generally expect the State Department passport fees to be the same as if you were applying for the first time since you'll be using form DS-11, the form required for a new passport application.
How travel insurance may help
If waiting for your passport replacement creates a delay that interrupts your travel plans or creates related losses, such as your baggage, travel insurance may help (as long as you purchase a policy before your trip and your particular circumstances are covered). If your travel gets disrupted due to losing a passport, you may want to contact your travel insurer to see if they can assist in any way.
Can your identity be stolen if you lose your passport?
Yes, someone can steal your identity by using your lost passport. If there's a chance that your missing passport could end up in the wrong hands, take a few steps to help prevent identity theft and limit the damage:
- File a fraud alert: File a fraud alert with one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
- File a police report: Filing a police report with local authorities will help identify a fraudster if your passport turns up.
- File a report with the FTC: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission through IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC offers help with personalized plans to recover from identity theft.
Protect yourself from identity theft through Progressive
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