What to Do If a Passport Is Stolen or Lost?

Having a passport lost or stolen can be a frightening and frustrating experience. The United States consulate or embassy in many foreign countries are well equipped to deal with this travel emergency. The consulate or embassy will work through the passport replacement process by assisting with the completion of a new passport application and establishing the traveler's identity. If the replacement passport is needed immediately a letter may be provided to the airline or U.S. Customs and Immigration may be contacted to facilitate travel without the actual passport.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Locate the local U.S. embassy or consulate. A list of U.S. embassies, consulates and foreign Missions is located at the U.S. Embassy website.

2. Ask to speak to the American Citizens Service department of the Consular Section and inform a representative that a U.S. passport has been lost or stolen. Instructions for obtaining new passport photos and completing a new passport application will be provided by the Citizens Service Department.

3. File a local police report if a passport has been stolen. Although not always required, a police report may be helpful when replacing a passport.

4. Contact a friend or relative in the United States and inform them that they may be needed to help with identity verification.

5. Provide the U.S. consulate or embassy with any information requested to verify identity.

6. Complete an affidavit with the embassy or consulate describing the circumstances under which the passport was lost or stolen. A replacement passport will be issued once all documents are completed.

Tips & Warnings

• Make two copies of the passport prior to travel. Leave one copy with a relative or friend in the United States and keep one copy separate from the actual passport during travel. This will greatly speed up the passport replacement process. If a passport is lost or stolen in the United States an application for replacement must be submitted in person to the local passport office.
• Passports are typically not issued during weekends or holidays. If a passport is lost or stolen after hours a reissue will not occur until the embassy or consulate re-opens. In the case of a travel emergency or an immediate need an after-hours consulate officer may be able to help. Individuals are expected to pay the standard passport fee for any replacement passport. Fees may be waived for victims of a disaster or if an individual has had their money stolen.

Resources

• U.S. Department of State website