Lost or Stolen Passport? Immediate Action Plan

SECURITY ALERT: If your passport is lost or stolen, report it immediately using Form DS-64. Once reported, the passport is invalid and cannot be used for travel.

Discovering your passport is missing is a sinking feeling. Whether it was pickpocketed in Paris or simply vanished from your drawer at home, the implications are serious. A lost passport is not just an inconvenience; it is a potential breach of your identity. In 2026, identity theft involving passports is sophisticated. You must act fast.

This guide outlines the critical steps to secure your identity and get a replacement passport as quickly as possible. Do not wait.

Step 1: Report It immediately (Form DS-64)

The moment you confirm the passport is gone, you need to tell the US Department of State. This puts a "flag" on the document number in international databases (Interpol). If someone tries to use it to cross a border or open a bank account, it will be flagged as stolen.

How to Report:

Online: Go to the official Department of State website and search for "Report Lost or Stolen Passport." This is the fastest method. You will receive an email confirmation immediately.
By Phone: Call 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793). Be prepared for hold times.
By Mail: Complete Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport Book and/or Card) and mail it to the address on the form. This is the slowest method and not recommended for urgent situations.

Warning: Once you file a DS-64, the passport is permanently invalid. If you find it later under your couch, DO NOT try to use it. You will be detained at the airport. You must send the found passport to the Passport Services address listed on the form to be destroyed.

Step 2: Apply for a Replacement (Form DS-11)

You cannot "renew" a lost passport by mail using Form DS-82. You must apply in person as if you were a first-time applicant. This means visiting an acceptance facility (post office, clerk of court) or a Regional Passport Agency.

What You Need:

Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. Fill it out online or print a blank copy. Do not sign it yet.
Form DS-64: Even if you reported it online, bring a printed copy of the confirmation email or a completed DS-64 form with you to the appointment.
Proof of Citizenship: This is the tricky part. Since your passport (which was likely your proof) is gone, you need your birth certificate (original or certified copy) or a naturalization certificate. If you don't have these, you must order them from the vital records office in the state where you were born.
Proof of Identity: Driver's license, military ID, etc. Bring the original and a photocopy.
Photo: One new 2x2 inch color photo.
Fees: Application fee + Execution fee. If expediting, add the expedite fee.

Step 3: Replace Visas and Stamps (If Applicable)

A new passport will be blank. It will not contain any visas you had in the old one. If you had a valid visa for China, Brazil, India, or Russia, it is gone. You must re-apply for those visas with the respective embassies. This can take weeks or months. Factor this into your travel plans.

Global Entry / TSA PreCheck

If you have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, your membership is linked to your passport number. Once you get your new passport, log in to your Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account and update your profile with the new passport number. If you don't, your PreCheck will not work at the airport.

Trusted Private Courier Services

If you cannot secure a government appointment, we recommend checking availability with private expedited services. While more expensive, they can often secure slots when the public system is full.

Check Courier Availability (Coming Soon)

Strategic Advice for Wyoming Residents

If you are in Wyoming and need a replacement urgently (travel within 14 days), you cannot use a standard acceptance facility like the Cheyenne Post Office. They will mail your application, which takes too long. You must make an appointment at a Regional Agency.

The closest Regional Agency is in Aurora, Colorado. See our Wyoming Passport Offices page for details on how to get there and what to expect. If you cannot get an appointment there, check agencies in other cities or consider a courier service.

Identity Theft Protection

A lost passport is a key to your identity. Monitor your credit reports and bank accounts closely for the next few months. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file with the major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). It's free and adds a layer of security.

Need it Fast?

If your travel is imminent, refer to our Expedited Passport Guide for the fastest way to get your replacement book in hand.

Adam (Architect)

Lead Researcher & Strategist

With over a decade of experience navigating federal bureaucracies, Adam specializes in high-stakes travel logistics. He founded Emergency Passport Shop to demystify the urgent travel document process for US citizens. His protocols are based on official State Department regulations and real-world field data.