Lost Your Passport? Here's Exactly What to Do
A lost passport can be replaced. The process depends on how soon you need to travel — follow the path that matches your situation.
Warning
How to Replace a Lost Passport — Step by Step
Go to travel.state.gov and complete Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport). This invalidates your old passport number so it cannot be used by anyone who finds it. Filing DS-64 is free and takes about 5 minutes online. You can also mail the form or report by phone at 1-877-487-2778. Save your confirmation — you'll reference the DS-64 when applying for a replacement.
A lost passport replacement uses DS-11 — the same form as a first-time passport. Download and fill it out at travel.state.gov. Important: do not sign the DS-11 before your appointment. You must sign it in person in front of the acceptance agent. If you sign early, the application is invalid.
You need one 2×2 inch passport photo taken within the last 6 months. White background, neutral expression, no glasses. Get one at CVS, Walgreens, or any pharmacy ($15–$17), or use an online tool and print at a pharmacy kiosk for $0.35. The photo must be printed — digital photos are not accepted for DS-11 applications.
You'll need: (1) Completed DS-64 form, (2) Unsigned DS-11 form, (3) Proof of US citizenship — birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a previous passport even if it's cancelled, (4) Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state ID), (5) A photocopy of the front and back of your ID, (6) Your new passport photo.
Lost passport replacements cannot be mailed in — you must apply in person. If you have no urgent travel, go to any passport acceptance facility (post office, courthouse, library). If you have travel within 14 days, call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an emergency appointment at a regional passport agency. Bring all documents from Step 4 plus payment ($130 book fee + $35 acceptance fee).
Emergency Replacement — Travel Within 14 Days
Regional passport agencies handle same-day and 1–3 day emergency issuance.
You must have documented international travel within 14 days (or a foreign visa appointment within 28 days) to qualify for an emergency appointment.
Call 1-877-487-2778 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–10 PM, Sat–Sun 10 AM–3 PM ET) or book at travel.state.gov/passportappointment. Have your travel dates and flight itinerary ready.
You must show proof of imminent travel: a flight itinerary, hotel reservation, or a letter from your employer. Without proof, the agency will not issue an emergency passport.
Same documents as a standard replacement: DS-64, unsigned DS-11, proof of citizenship, photo ID + photocopy, and a new passport photo. Missing even one item means you leave without a passport.
$130 book + $35 acceptance fee. If you also need expedited processing, add $60. Pay by check, money order, or credit card (varies by agency).
Note
If Your Passport Was Stolen
The replacement process is identical to a lost passport, with one additional step:
Report the theft to local police. While not required by the State Department, a police report protects you if the passport is used for identity theft and can strengthen your case for an emergency appointment.
Your passport number is a valuable piece of identity. Check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com and consider a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
When completing Form DS-64, select 'stolen' rather than 'lost.' This triggers additional fraud monitoring on the cancelled passport number in international databases.
If you are overseas when your passport is stolen, contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate immediately. They can issue an Emergency Passport valid for 1 year to get you home.
Lost Passport Replacement Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Passport book (standard) | $130 |
| Passport card (add-on) | $30 |
| Acceptance facility fee | $35 |
| Expedited processing | +$60 |
| 1–2 day delivery (return shipping) | $19.53 |
| DS-64 (lost report) | Free |
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Lost Passport FAQ
What do I do if I lost my passport?
Report your lost passport to the US State Department by completing Form DS-64 at travel.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778. Then apply for a replacement passport by completing Form DS-11 (the standard first-time passport application form). You'll need to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility or, if you have urgent travel, at a regional passport agency.
How quickly can I get a replacement passport if I've lost mine?
If you have urgent international travel within 14 days (or a foreign visa appointment within 28 days), you can request an emergency appointment at a regional passport agency. Emergency passports are typically issued same-day or within 1–3 business days at these agencies. Without urgent travel, standard replacement takes 6–8 weeks (routine) or 2–3 weeks (expedited, add $60).
What is Form DS-64 and do I have to file it?
Form DS-64 is the Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. Filing it reports your old passport as invalid so it cannot be used fraudulently. You are not legally required to file DS-64, but it is strongly recommended because: (1) it protects you if someone finds and misuses your passport, and (2) some replacement passport applications require it. File DS-64 online at travel.state.gov for free.
Can I use my passport if I find it after reporting it lost?
No. Once you report a passport as lost or stolen with DS-64 and receive a replacement, the old passport is permanently cancelled. Using a cancelled passport is a federal offense. If you find your old passport before applying for a replacement, you do not have to report it as lost — but if you've already filed DS-64, the old passport cannot be reactivated.
Do I need a new passport photo for a lost passport replacement?
Yes. A lost passport replacement requires Form DS-11 (the full new passport application), which requires a new 2×2 inch passport photo taken within the last 6 months. Your photo must meet all US State Department requirements: white background, neutral expression, no glasses, proper head size. You can get one at CVS, Walgreens, or any pharmacy, or use an online tool and print at a kiosk for $0.35.
What documents do I need for a lost passport replacement?
To replace a lost passport you need: (1) Completed Form DS-64 (lost/stolen report), (2) Completed Form DS-11 (new passport application — do not sign until in front of the acceptance agent), (3) Proof of US citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport — even a cancelled one), (4) Government-issued photo ID (driver's license), (5) A photocopy of your ID, (6) One 2×2 inch passport photo, (7) Passport fees ($130 for book, $35 in-person acceptance fee).
What's the difference between a lost passport and a stolen passport?
The replacement process is identical — both use Form DS-64 to report the passport invalid and Form DS-11 to apply for a replacement. If your passport was stolen, you should also file a police report. A police report is not required by the State Department but can help if there is identity theft or if you need to demonstrate urgency for an emergency appointment.
How do I get an emergency passport appointment?
Emergency appointments at regional passport agencies are for applicants with documented international travel within 14 days (or a foreign visa appointment within 28 days). To schedule one, call 1-877-487-2778 (the National Passport Information Center) or book online at travel.state.gov. You must bring proof of travel (flight itinerary, hotel booking, etc.) to your appointment. There are 27 regional passport agencies in the US.