Lost Your Passport Before a Trip? Here's What to Do
Misplacing a passport before an international trip means you must act quickly to get a replacement, since airlines won't let you depart without valid documentation. Fortunately, the replacement process itself is not complicated.
By Casey Scott
Replace a stolen passport as soon as possible.
Discovering that your passport is missing shortly before an international trip means you need to arrange a replacement without delay. Without a valid passport in hand, you will not be allowed to depart the country at the airport under any circumstances. The good news is that getting a new passport after losing one is a fairly straightforward process.
Filing a Loss Report
When your passport cannot be found, the loss should be reported to the Bureau of Consular Affairs. You can reach the toll-free line at 1-877-487-2778 during weekday business hours, or you can complete and submit form DS-64 (see Resources). If you choose the form option, be sure to sign it.
Getting a New Passport
Once the loss has been reported, you will need to obtain a replacement passport. To do this, complete form DS-11 and go to an acceptance facility or passport agency in your area. Write legibly in black ink when filling out form DS-11. You will also need to bring proof of your identity and U.S. citizenship, such as a driver's license or birth certificate. Two frontal photographs measuring 2 by 2 inches are required as well. Before you head to the agency, call ahead to confirm the current passport application fees. Choosing expedited processing means paying a higher fee.
If the Old Passport Turns Up
Sometimes the original passport is found after you have already filed the report and applied for a replacement. When that happens, you must return the original to Passport Services at the United States Department of State. You can ask for it to be sent back to you; if you do not make such a request, Passport Services will destroy the old passport.
Time-Sensitive Cases
If your departure is two weeks away or sooner, you will need to schedule an appointment with a regional passport agency. Should you already be outside the United States and need a replacement passport in order to leave the country you are visiting, go to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. While traveling, it is wise to always carry a backup photocopy of your passport in case it goes missing.
