You've lost your passport. Whether you're at home or abroad, you'll want to report the missing passport and apply for a new one as soon as possible. Replacing a passport is straightforward but will require time and money.
Identification
The minute that you realize that your passport is missing, it is important to report your passport lost or stolen. You'll need to fill out form DS-64, Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport, and mail to:
U.S. Department of State Passport Services Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section 1111 19th St., NW, Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20036
If you're out of the country when you lose the passport, you'll need to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to report your missing passport and apply for a new one.
Considerations
You will need to apply for a new passport to replace the one you've misplaced. You must appear IN PERSON at a local passport agency to complete the replacement process. Applying for a replacement is identical to applying in person for a new passport. You'll need to fill in and submit form DS-11, submit proof of citizenship such as a certified birth certificate, submit proof of identity such as a valid driver's license, submit two identical passport photos and pay the applicable fee. The fee for a passport book for adults 16 and over is $100, while the passport card fee is $45. For those under the age of 16, passport books are $85 while cards are $35. Expedited service is available for an additional fee of $60, for passport books only. Also bring the DS-64 form, if you haven't already mailed it.
Features
When filling in DS-11 to obtain a new passport, pay close attention to question 18. Write your name as it appeared on the missing passport, the approximate date the passport was issued, passport number if you know it, and write EXPIRED next to the OTHER box if the passport had expired.
Warning
Once your DS-64 form has been processed, the lost passport is invalidated. If you recover the passport, it will no longer be valid for travel and should be mailed to the same address as in Section 1.
The passport will be canceled and returned to you (if you'd like it back) or destroyed. It cannot be revalidated.
Effects
If you're out of the country when you lose your passport it can be more difficult, particularly if you plan on returning home soon. You'll still need to present the same items for proof of identity and citizenship and will need to have these faxed or mailed, if you do not have them with you. You may also need to get a police report of the theft or loss and bring it with you to the embassy or consulate. You may need to alter your travel plans, or pay significant expediting fees in order to get your replacement passport. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately for full procedural details.