How to Replace a Lost American Passport in the U.S.

You've been driving up the Pacific Coast to Canada with your fly-fishing gear, tent and all of your belongings. Right as you pull out of Seattle, you realize you lost your passport somewhere along your trek. Luckily, you can replace your American passport before the fishing season is over.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Report Your Missing Passport

Things You’ll Need:

Computer Phone Evidence of U.S. citizenship Evidence of identity Affidavit of identifying witness Two passport photographs Applicable fee
Computer
Phone
Evidence of U.S. citizenship
Evidence of identity
Affidavit of identifying witness
Two passport photographs
Applicable fee

Step 1

Report your lost, misplaced or stolen passports to the local police. Take note of the police incident number assigned by the authorities.

Step 2

Report your lost, misplaced or stolen passport to the U.S. Department of State. Call toll-free Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, (877) 487-2778.

Step 3

Print Form DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. You will need to include a detailed description of how the passport was lost or stolen. You will also need to provide the passport number, your Social Security number and address. Complete the form.

Step 4

Obtain two passport photos. You can get photos taken at most pharmacy convenience stores or post office. The photos must be the same and recent.

Step 5

Fill out Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. You can either print it out and complete it with black ink or complete it online. You must include proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate or hospital record), proof of identity (drivers license), two recent color passport photographs and a check for the fee.

If you claim citizenship through one U.S. citizen parent, naturalization of parents or birth abroad to two U.S. citizen parents, you must submit either a FS-240 form, birth certificate, proof of citizenship and possibly additional evidence.

Step 6

Bring both forms to the nearest Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency. Check the State Department website for the nearest office.

Step 7

If your Canadian fishing trip extravaganza is departing within two weeks or if you need your passport to obtain a foreign visa within four weeks, you should make an appointment at the Regional Passport Agency. Call (877)-4-USA-PPT to schedule an appointment.

Tips & Warnings

Complete the reports as soon as possible. Contact the police and the State Department the instant you realize your passport is missing. Allowing someone time to do damage with your passport can haunt you for years. Falsifying passport application or information is a serious felony.

Falsifying passport application or information is a serious felony.

Resources

Regional Passport Agencies

Article Written By Kay W

Kay W has more than 10 years of freelance writing experience, including technical papers, grants for youth and environmental nonprofits and consulting materials. With a Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering and a Master of Arts in environmental organizational leadership, Kay W has a diverse educational and technical professional background.

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