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U.S. Passport

Lost or Stolen Passport: Exactly What to Do, Step by Step

Lost your passport? Report it with DS-64 first, then replace with DS-11 ($165). Steps differ in the U.S. vs abroad — including emergency travel documents.

Quick answer

Report the loss immediately with Form DS-64 — online, by phone (1-877-487-2778), or at a U.S. embassy abroad. Then replace it with Form DS-11 in person ($165 total). Abroad, the U.S. embassy can issue an emergency limited-validity passport within days to get you home. In the U.S. and traveling within 14 days, use a passport agency or expediter for 24-72h turnaround.

Updated October 2026

Step 1 — Report it immediately

  • File Form DS-64 online at travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778 — it cancels the document instantly
  • If stolen, file a police report too — useful for insurance and your DS-64 statement
  • Warning: once reported, the passport is dead permanently — even if found

Step 2 (in the U.S.) — Replace with DS-11

No mail renewal exists for lost passports — you must appear in person with DS-11 at an acceptance facility: citizenship evidence (birth certificate), photo ID, new compliant photo, and $165 total. Standard processing: 4-6 weeks.

Trip within 14 days? Book a passport agency appointment or use a registered expediter for 24-72 hour replacement.

Step 2 (abroad) — The embassy route

  • Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate — find yours on usembassy.gov
  • Bring: any ID copies you have, passport photo (embassies usually have photo facilities), police report if stolen, travel itinerary
  • You'll file DS-64 + DS-11 there and typically get an emergency limited-validity passport in 1-3 business days — enough to fly home
  • Fee: same $165 — some posts can issue fee-waived emergency documents in genuine destitution

If the old passport turns up

A passport reported lost is permanently canceled — never travel on it. Mail it to the State Department (address on the DS-64) marked 'cancelled' or keep it as a memento. Traveling on it can get you flagged at borders worldwide.

Prevention for next time

  • Photo the passport data page + email it to yourself
  • Keep a paper photocopy separate from the original
  • Use the hotel safe, not your bag, abroad
  • Enroll trips in the free STEP program (step.state.gov) — embassies find you faster

Lost or Stolen Passport: Exactly What to Do, Step by Step — FAQ

How fast can a lost passport be replaced?
In the U.S.: 24-72 hours via registered expediters, or ~2 weeks at a passport agency appointment. Abroad: embassies issue emergency passports in 1-3 business days.
How much does replacing a lost passport cost?
$165 total (DS-11: $130 application + $35 execution fee), plus $60 expedite fee and courier fees if you need it urgently.
Can I fly home without a passport if it was stolen abroad?
No — but the U.S. embassy's emergency passport solves exactly this. Don't book new flights until you have the embassy appointment confirmed.
Do I need to report a lost passport card too?
Yes — DS-64 covers both book and card. Report both if both are missing.

Related guides

U.S. Passport
Form DS-64: How to Report a Lost or Stolen Passport
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U.S. Passport
DS-11 vs DS-82: Which Passport Form Do You Need?
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U.S. Passport
How Fast Can You Actually Get a U.S. Passport?
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Entry rules change without notice. Always verify with official government sources (travel.state.gov, embassy websites) before booking. Last reviewed October 2026. This page may contain partner links — see our affiliate disclosure.