Lost or Stolen Passport: How to Report It and Get a Replacement

If your passport is lost or stolen, it’s crucial to replace it to protect your identity. Damaged passports are considered invalid and must be replaced. We can assist you in the replacement process.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

A lost or stolen passport must be reported to the State Department using Form DS-64, which permanently deactivates it; a recovered passport can never be used again.

Replacement requires Form DS-11 (not the DS-82 renewal form) plus proof of citizenship, photo ID, a compliant 2x2-inch photo, and proof of travel for expedited processing.

Inside the U.S., contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778; a police report is optional domestically but recommended (and sometimes required by embassies) when theft is suspected abroad.

Abroad, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can issue an emergency limited-validity passport, in some cases within 24 hours.

Lost passport? What to do next and how to replace it quickly.

Misplacing your passport can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re far from home or about to board a flight. But take a breath. You're not alone, and there’s a reliable process to follow. Whether you lost your passport inside the US or abroad, there are clear steps you can take to report it, protect your identity, and secure a replacement as quickly as possible.

This guide is designed for U.S. citizens who need help navigating the next steps after losing a passport. We’ll walk you through how to report the loss, gather the necessary documents, apply for a replacement, and make informed choices based on your travel timeline.

Lost vs. stolen: Does it make a difference?

Lost passport

A lost passport typically means it was misplaced or accidentally left behind. If you're confident it wasn't taken by someone else, it’s treated as a non-criminal incident. This still requires formal reporting to the U.S. Department of State to deactivate the document and prevent unauthorized use. Common scenarios include leaving your passport in a hotel, rental car, or airport lounge, misplacing it in transit between destinations, or losing track of it during a move or packing for a trip.

Stolen passport

A stolen passport on the other hand implies it was taken—whether through theft, pickpocketing, or burglary. This distinction matters because stolen passports may be used for identity theft or illegal border crossings. If you suspect theft, it’s strongly recommended (and in some countries required) to file a police report. In fact, if you’re abroad, some embassies may request a police report as part of the emergency passport process.

Inside the US

You don’t need a police report to replace a lost passport, though you may choose to file one for your records.

Outside the US

If your passport was stolen, report the incident to local police and request a copy of the report. This helps support your claim and may be necessary for expedited assistance at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Some countries may not require a police report for passport replacement, but it’s always advisable to obtain one when theft is suspected.

How to replace your Lost or Stolen passport

  1. 1

    Select the speed of service and submit your request for a Lost or Stolen passport.

    VisaCentral will provide you with a list of documents needed for your passport order, processing fees for your requested service, and the next steps required to start your passport order with VisaCentral.

  2. 2

    Start your order.

    Select Start Order on the following page to complete VisaCentral’s fast online passport order form.

  3. 3

    Download your forms and requirements.

    VisaCentral’s Application Kit provides you with a summary of the Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement service, important information, a list of the personal documents you need to provide, step-by-step instructions for completing your passport order, as well as the required application forms you need to fill out.

  4. 4

    Send your personal documents and completed forms to VisaCentral.

    Once you have completed all the steps outlined in your passport application kit, you need to submit the required personal documents to your VisaCentral location listed in the VisaCentral Application Kit. We will begin processing your passport order as soon as we receive it. VisaCentral will email you a summary of your passport order and will contact you if additional information is required.

Required documents for replacement.

Before you can apply for a replacement passport, you’ll need to assemble the right documents. This step is essential to avoid delays and ensure your lost passport application is accepted the first time—especially if you’re requesting emergency passport services for upcoming travel. Use this checklist to ensure you have all necessary items:

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

Certified birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240).

Government-Issued Photo ID

Valid driver's license, military ID, previous (non-expired) U.S. passport, if available.

Passport Photo

One recent color photo, 2” x 2” in size, white or off-white background, taken within the last six months, no glasses, neutral expression.

Form DS-11

Application for a U.S. Passport.

Form DS-64

Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport.

Proof of Travel (Required for expedited processing)

Flight itinerary, hotel booking, business travel letter (if applicable).

Things to do before you apply for a new passport.

Before you jump into the lost passport application process, there are a few immediate steps to take. Acting quickly helps reduce the risk of identity theft, prevents unauthorized use of your lost passport, and ensures you’re ready to apply for a replacement without delay.

  1. 1

    Confirm the passport is truly lost.

    Retrace your steps—especially if you’ve recently traveled. Check bags, hotel rooms, rideshares, and any places you’ve been in the past 24–48 hours. If you're abroad, contact local authorities, airlines, or hotel staff to see if the passport was turned in. If you still can’t locate it, move to the next steps.

  2. 2

    Report the loss to the U.S. State Department.

    Whether you're in the US or overseas, you’ll need to notify the State Department to deactivate your passport. Form DS-64 is the official way to notify the U.S. Department of State that your passport is lost or stolen. Here’s how to complete and submit the form:

    • Access the form: Visit travel.state.gov and search for “DS-64.” You can complete it online and print it or download a blank PDF version to fill out by hand.
    • Provide accurate information: Your full name, date of birth, and place of birth, passport number (if known), details about when and where you lost the passport, and whether you believe it was stolen.
    • Send the completed form to the State Department: Mail it to the address listed on the form or use the online submission tool on the State Department website.
    • Retain a copy for your records: Keep a printed or digital copy of the DS-64. It may be requested later during the lost passport assistance or replacement process.

    Once submitted, the original passport is officially canceled and cannot be used—even if it turns up later.

  3. 3

    Notify local authorities if abroad.

    If you're outside the US and suspect your passport was stolen—or even if you're unsure—it’s wise to file a local police report. Some embassies may require it, and it can be useful for insurance claims or legal documentation. Your first point of contact should be the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. These locations are equipped to assist with lost passport for travelers and can help issue an emergency travel document if needed. Use the U.S. Embassy Locator to find the correct contact details, hours of operation, and appointment requirements for your location. If you have an urgent flight, ask about emergency passport services—many embassies can issue a limited-validity passport within 24 hours.

  4. 4

    Review your travel plans.

    Check if you have upcoming travel that may be affected. If your trip is within the next few days, you’ll likely need emergency passport services through a U.S. embassy or a regional passport agency. For additional support throughout the process, VisaCentral offers lost passport assistance to guide travelers in real time. Once these initial actions are completed, you’ll be ready to officially report your lost passport and start the application for a replacement.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Mistakes to avoid when replacing a lost passport.

Replacing a lost passport doesn’t have to be complicated—but small mistakes can lead to big delays. Avoiding common errors will help ensure your application moves through smoothly, especially if you're on a tight travel schedule or applying for emergency passport services. Here are the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them:

Action required

Waiting too long to report the loss

Delaying your report can increase the risk of identity theft and slow down your application process. As soon as you confirm your passport is missing, file a DS-64 with the U.S. State Department and notify the appropriate authority based on your location. If you’re unsure how to start, use VisaCentral’s Lost or stolen passport resource for step-by-step help.

May affect eligibility

Not using the correct form

To replace a lost passport, you must use Form DS-11, even if your previous passport was still valid, with Form DS-64. Using the wrong form—such as DS-82, which is only for renewals—will result in automatic rejection.

Plan ahead

Submitting a non-compliant passport photo

Passport photos must meet strict U.S. State Department requirements. Avoid wearing glasses or hats, smiling or an unnatural expression, a busy or colored background, and selfies or digital crops from personal photos.

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Losing a passport can be stressful but knowing exactly who to reach out to depending on your location can help you move forward quickly. Whether you're at home in the US or traveling abroad, dedicated resources are available to provide lost passport assistance and begin the process of securing a replacement.

If you lose your passport while in the United States:

  • Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC)
  • Phone (toll-free): 1-877-487-2778
  • TTY: 1-888-874-7793
  • Available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
  • Report the loss online at travel.state.gov using Form DS-64.
  • For urgent travel within 14 days, contact VisaCentral to ensure the quickest possible outcome.

If you're abroad and near a U.S. embassy or consulate:

  • Locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate using the U.S. Embassy Locator.
  • Contact them immediately to report your lost or stolen passport and schedule an appointment. Embassy staff may issue an emergency passport if you have upcoming travel.

Call or email the embassy to explain your situation. Many offer emergency walk-in services during business hours or have after-hours lines for urgent passport issues. You’ll be asked to appear in person to verify your identity, complete forms, and submit supporting documents. A consular officer will interview you and guide you through the process. If your passport was stolen, be sure to bring a copy of the local police report, if available—it may be requested during your appointment.

If you're traveling in a remote region without easy access to a consulate:

  • Call the U.S. Department of State at 202-501-4444 (from overseas) for guidance.
  • Use local resources such as hotels, tour operators, or travel insurers to help you reach the nearest U.S. embassy or arrange transportation.
  • If internet access is available, report your passport loss through the online DS-64 form and begin preparing your replacement documentation.

In every situation, acting quickly and contacting the right authority is essential to protect your identity and begin the lost passport application process efficiently.

Once you’ve gathered your documents and reported your lost passport, the next step is to apply for a replacement—and working with VisaCentral is the fastest, most secure way to get back on track. VisaCentral specializes in lost passport assistance, providing expert support for individuals who need to replace a passport quickly, whether due to travel deadlines, ID theft concerns, or complications abroad. Here’s how to complete the process with VisaCentral:

1. Start your passport replacement request online. Begin by visiting the passport replacement page on visacentral.com. You’ll indicate whether your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, provide basic personal and travel information, and select your desired processing speed, including options for emergency passport services.

2. Get personalized instructions. After submitting your initial request, you’ll receive:

  • A customized checklist based on your travel needs
  • Instructions on completing and signing the required government forms (DS-11 and DS-64)
  • Packaging instructions for any supporting documentation
  • Access to VisaCentral’s Premium Service, if selected, which includes one-on-one guidance throughout the process

3. Submit your documents to VisaCentral. VisaCentral will review your materials for completeness and compliance before submitting your application on your behalf. You’ll be instructed to send proof of citizenship and ID, a passport photo, completed DS-11 and DS-64, and proof of urgent travel (if requesting expedited processing). Every submission is personally reviewed and checked against the world's largest database of travel and identity documentation requirements—helping to ensure 100% application accuracy.

4. Track your application. Once submitted, you’ll receive real-time updates on your passport’s progress. If anything is missing or unclear, a VisaCentral expert will contact you directly to resolve the issue—avoiding unnecessary delays. You’ll also be able to securely track your application status through the VisaCentral client portal.

5. Receive your replacement passport. Depending on the service level and urgency, VisaCentral can help facilitate delivery of your new passport as quickly as same-day in some cases. Standard processing options are also available if time permits. Working with VisaCentral gives you peace of mind and saves time—especially when losing a passport disrupts critical travel plans. Learn more at our Lost your passport? page or reach out directly to begin your application.

Submitting your lost passport application without all required documents is one of the most common causes of processing delays. Be sure to double-check that you have:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship
  • Government-issued photo ID (or acceptable alternatives)
  • A compliant passport photo
  • Forms DS-11 and DS-64, filled out and signed
  • Proof of travel (if seeking expedited processing)

Using a checklist or a trusted provider like VisaCentral can help ensure you don’t miss anything. If you’re applying through a service provider or need help coordinating these documents, VisaCentral offers passport replacement services to streamline the process.

Bringing complete and compliant documents to your appointment is one of the best ways to reduce processing time and avoid unnecessary repeat visits. For more help, visit VisaCentral’s page on damaged passport—relevant if your passport is found but unusable.

If you’ve lost both your passport and government-issued ID, you can still apply for a replacement by presenting secondary identification and possibly bringing an identifying witness. This process can be more complex but is manageable with the right documentation and expert assistance. VisaCentral can help you navigate this situation by advising which documents to gather and how to meet the identity requirements, even without standard ID.

No, a photocopy or digital copy of your passport cannot be used for international travel. You’ll need an original, valid U.S. passport or an emergency passport issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. However, keeping a copy is still a smart idea—it can help verify your identity during the replacement process.

To officially cancel a lost passport, you must file Form DS-64 with the U.S. Department of State. This step deactivates the document, preventing unauthorized use. You can submit it online or along with your DS-11 application when applying for a replacement.

Once a passport is reported lost or stolen, it is permanently invalid—even if you later recover it. Do not attempt to travel with it. Instead, destroy the document or return it to the U.S. Department of State for safe disposal. Always use your new passport for any future international travel.

Not always. In the U.S., it’s optional. But if your passport was likely stolen—or you're abroad—filing a police report is a good precaution. Some embassies may even require it. A report can also support insurance claims and help safeguard your identity.

While not always required, filing a police report can be a smart move—especially if you're overseas or believe your passport was stolen and you plan to file an insurance claim or need a record for future legal purposes. Filing a report adds credibility to your lost passport application and may speed up processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. And if your passport is later recovered, police may be able to return it or notify you. It also helps with identity protection as it alerts local authorities to potential misuse of your lost or stolen passport.

Keep in mind: While a police report is not required for a lost passport in the US, having one can be helpful in resolving disputes or proving the circumstances surrounding the loss. For more on how to get support through this process, explore VisaCentral’s Lost your passport? guide.

Passport photos must meet strict U.S. State Department requirements. Submitting a photo that is too small, incorrectly cropped, or taken with poor lighting can delay your application. Avoid these common photo mistakes:

  • Wearing glasses or hats
  • Smiling or having an unnatural expression
  • Using a busy or colored background
  • Using selfies or digital crops from personal photos

For best results, have your photo taken at a passport photo center or through a professional service recommended by VisaCentral. By planning ahead and avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and receive your replacement passport with confidence.

Losing a passport is stressful, but with the right support and a clear action plan, it’s entirely manageable. The most important thing you can do is act quickly—report the loss, gather your documents, and begin your lost passport application without delay.

VisaCentral is here to help you every step of the way. Our global team offers expert lost passport assistance, including emergency processing, personalized document reviews, and secure submission to government agencies. Whether you're at home or abroad, we make it easy to move forward with confidence.

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