What to Do If Your Passport is Lost or Stolen?

One unpleasant and stressful event in traveling out of your country is the loss of your U.S. Passport. It might have been stolen or you left it behind somewhere. If the passport is stolen, as soon as possible, report your loss. However, by following the right steps involved in reporting a stolen or lost passport, you will minimize your problems. Much more, you will reduce the chance of someone else using your U.S. Passport for the wrong purpose.

Reporting a lost/stolen U.S. Passport

1. If your U.S. Passport is lost or stolen overseas, just keep calm and do not panic. Be confident that you are not alone as consulates and embassies will provide you all their assistance in searching for your misplaced or stolen passport card.
2. You first move is to contact right away and report to the proper government agency. Search for the location of the U.S. Consulate or Embassy closest to where you stay.
3. Visit the U.S. Embassy website: www.usembassy.gov and find which services are available.
4. Click the “U.S. Citizen Services” link and the passport link with its subheading for stolen and lost passport.
5. Make an appointment to contact someone at the embassy that can help you.

Filing a report

When you file a report, utilize form DS-64 of the U.S. Department of State for this purpose, or simply present your sworn statement describing details of your loss what before the consular officer. A police report is unnecessary but it can clarify the conditions of the loss or theft. Don’t waste time obtaining a police report if doing so will cause you to miss a flight or delay your travel unreasonably.

Replacing a lost passport abroad

If your passport cannot be found, you need a replacement. Here are a number of documents you should take with you to the embassy/consulate. Even if you are unable to present all of the documents, the consular staff will do their best to assist you to replace your passport quickly.

1. Bring a passport photo; get it in advance to speed the process of replacing your passport. Hopefully, you have one extra copy from two photos of high quality when Walgreen Passport Photo took your picture for the passport. You remember how fast you got hose photos in less than an hour and at low price.
2. Present an identification; it can be your driver’s license, an expired passport etc.
3. Show evidence that you are a U.S. citizen thru a birth certificate or a photocopy of your missing passport.
4. Show your travel Itinerary with your airline/train tickets.
5. Copy of Police Report, if available.
6. Bring a DS-11 Application for Passport that was completed at time of application.
7. A copy of DS-64 statement regarding a lost or stolen passport.

In conclusion, report immediately to the appropriate agency about your stolen or lost U.S. Passport. Follow closely proper steps and contact the appropriate agency, consulate and embassy. If you so this, you’ll help to minimize complications that result from lost/stolen passport. All is not lost as the embassy will issue a new one.