Realizing your passport is missing or finding it significantly damaged can be a source of immense anxiety, especially if you have upcoming travel plans. A passport is not just a travel document; it is a critical form of identification. Whether it was left behind in a hotel room, stolen from a bag, or accidentally washed in the laundry, the process for replacing it requires immediate action and attention to detail. This guide outlines exactly what you need to do to secure a replacement and protect your identity.
Understanding the Urgency
If your passport is lost or stolen, time is of the essence. You must report it immediately to the State Department (or your respective government’s issuing authority) to invalidate the document. This prevents anyone else from using it for illegal travel or identity theft. If your passport is damaged—meaning the book cover is loose, the bio-data page is torn, or there is water damage—it is no longer valid for travel and must be replaced using the same in-person procedure as a lost passport.
Requirements and Necessary Documents
Replacing a lost or damaged passport is not as simple as a standard mail-in renewal. You will essentially be applying for a brand new passport. Before starting the process, ensure you have the following items ready:
- Form DS-11: This is the standard application form for new passports. Do not sign it until instructed to do so by an acceptance agent.
- Form DS-64: This is the Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. This form is required to officially report the loss.
- Proof of Citizenship: A birth certificate (original or certified copy) or a certificate of naturalization.
- Proof of Identity: A valid driver’s license, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID.
- Passport Photo: A specific 2×2 inch color photo that meets all official biometric requirements.
- Application Fees: Checks or money orders are typically required for the government fee, while execution fees may be paid by card at some facilities.
Step 1: Report the Loss or Theft Immediately
If your passport is lost or stolen, your first step is to report it. You can do this online through the official government passport website or by calling their toll-free support line. If you are reporting it online, the system will effectively cancel your current passport immediately. If you are abroad, you must contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate. Note that if you are simply replacing a damaged passport that is still in your possession, you do not need to file a police report or report it as stolen, but you must bring the damaged book with you when you apply.
Step 2: Complete the Application Forms
You cannot use the renewal form (DS-82) for a lost or damaged passport. You must use Form DS-11. You can fill this out online and print it, or fill it out by hand using black ink. Additionally, you must complete Form DS-64, which asks for details regarding how the passport was lost or damaged. Be descriptive and honest about the circumstances. If you are applying because of damage, you must include a signed statement explaining how the damage occurred.
Step 3: Gather Citizenship and Identity Evidence
Since you cannot submit your lost passport as proof of citizenship, you must provide alternate evidence. Locate your original birth certificate or a certified copy. If you were born abroad, you will need your Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Naturalization Certificate. You will also need to bring a photocopy of the front and back of the ID you present (such as your driver’s license) to submit with your application.
Step 4: Take a New Passport Photo
Do not attempt to use an old photo. Go to a pharmacy, post office, or professional photography studio that offers passport photo services. Ensure you are not wearing glasses, a hat (unless for religious purposes with a signed statement), or a uniform. The background must be plain white or off-white, and your face must be fully visible with a neutral expression.
Step 5: Submit Your Application in Person
You cannot mail in an application for a lost or damaged passport. You must visit a Passport Acceptance Facility (often located at post offices, libraries, or clerks of court) or a Passport Agency. If you are traveling within 14 days, you will likely need to make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency for expedited service. When you go, bring all your forms, your photos, your proof of citizenship, your ID, and the required fees. If you are replacing a damaged passport, bring the damaged book with you; the agent will likely keep it.
Conclusion
While losing a passport or discovering it is damaged is a stressful disruption, the path to replacement is well-defined. By reporting the loss immediately to protect your identity and gathering the correct documentation for an in-person application, you can secure your new travel document efficiently. Always keep digital copies of your passport in a secure cloud storage to make the replacement process easier in the future.
