How to Replace a Lost Passport in the UK

If you lose your passport while traveling in the United Kingdom, don't panic. Follow these steps, and you'll soon have a new passport in hand. Report the loss to the British police immediately to guard against identity theft and fraud. To replace a U.S. passport, you must make an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy (see Reference 1).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Appointment confirmation sheet Proof of U.S. citizenship Proof of identity Passport application form DS-11 Passport form DS-64 Two identical passport photographs Fees Self-addressed, pre-paid envelope
Appointment confirmation sheet
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Proof of identity
Passport application form DS-11
Passport form DS-64
Two identical passport photographs
Fees
Self-addressed, pre-paid envelope

Step 1

Call the local police and U.S. Embassy to report a lost or stolen passport. Contact the Passport and Citizenship unit via phone or email.
Phone: [44] (20) 7499-9000
Email: londonpassports@state.gov

Step 2

Make an appointment with the U.S. embassy online, and print out the appointment confirmation. Bring this sheet to your appointment (see Reference 1).

Step 3

Assemble your citizenship and identity documents. The embassy will determine your identity with documentation, an interview with you and via name-checking software (see Reference 1).

Step 4

Print out form DS-11, the Passport Application Form. Print this form on single-sided sheets of paper. Disregard pages one and two of form DS-11; they are not necessary when applying for a passport in the United Kingdom (see Reference 1).

Step 5

Print out form DS-64, Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport. Use two separate sheets to print out form DS-64 (see Reference 1).

Step 1

Obtain two photographs from an authorized passport photographer. Refer to the passport photographs resource below for a list of authorized photographers throughout the United Kingdom (see Reference 1).

Step 2

Obtain passport fees. Fees are $100 for each adult passport and $85 for each child under 18. Acceptable forms of payment are credit cards, cash (dollars or pounds sterling), international money orders made payable to the "United States Disbursing Officer" or a Banker's Draft drawn in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank. Personal checks are not accepted (see Reference 1).

Step 3

Go to your appointment at the U.S. embassy. Arrive on time, and plan to spend at least an hour. Bring a self-addressed, prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope, your citizenship and identity documents, necessary forms and fees. Your new passport and travel documents will be returned to you in the envelope in 15 business days. If you are traveling sooner, provide your itinerary to the embassy to receive an emergency limited-validity passport (see Reference 2).

Tips & Warnings

Before traveling, scan your passport onto your computer and email it to yourself to an account you can access abroad. In addition, email itineraries, tickets and other important travel documents to yourself to print if needed. When traveling abroad, make a few photocopies of passports and other travel documents. Put a copy in each suitcase, carry-on bag, computer case or handbag. If traveling with a companion, each person should carry a copy of the other's passport.

Identity theft and fraud are quite common, and U.S. passports are highly desirable. If you lose your passport, report the loss to the police and embassy immediately.

Resources

Article Written By Katiana Zimmerman

Katiana Zimmerman is a writer, composer, and singer. She has written children's musicals, including the Emmy Award-winning HBO film Autism: The Musical. Kat has received two ASCAP awards. She holds a Master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Kat studied nutrition for disease prevention at the McDougall Institute, the Pritikin Institute, and FitPath in British Columbia.

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