You’re in the middle of your passport application process, ready to submit your paperwork, when you hit a roadblock—you need your passport number but you don’t have your passport.
Maybe your passport is lost, or it might have been stolen. The stress of missing this crucial passport detail is building, leaving you uncertain about what to do next. We understand how frustrating this situation can be—especially when you’re so close to finishing your passport application and moving forward with your travel plans.
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A Practical Solution: Request the Passport Records
First, take a deep breath. You can retrieve your passport number, even if your passport is lost, stolen, or simply out of reach.
The U.S. Department of State maintains records of all issued passports, which means you can request your passport number through them. Whether you’re trying to complete a passport application, report a lost passport, or need documentation for another purpose, the Department of State can help.
Every time you receive a new passport book or card, you’re assigned a new passport number, even if it’s a renewal. If you need the number of your current passport or a previous one, you can request these records for yourself or for someone else (see details on requesting records for someone else below).
How to Request a US Passport Number Without a Passport
If you need to retrieve your US passport number but don’t have your physical passport, you must formally request your passport records from the U.S. Department of State. Here’s what that involves:
Prepare a Written Request
- Write a formal letter requesting your passport number.
- The letter can be emailed to: ppt-public-foiarequests@state.gov or the letter can be mailed to:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Records Management
Records Review and Release Division
44132 Mercure Cir
P.O. Box 1227
Sterling, VA 20166
- Your letter must include the following information:
- Full Name: Provide your full name at birth and any other names you’ve used.
- Date and Place of Birth: State your date and place of birth.
- Contact Information: Include your mailing address, phone number, and email address.
- Passport Details: List your passport’s issue date (or estimated date).
- Additional Information: Provide any other details that could help locate your records.
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Attach a clear copy of both sides of a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license).
- If you are requesting records for someone else, you must provide the following information:
- Legal Authority: If requesting records for another person, provide your full name and evidence of your legal authority (e.g., use the DS-4240 form to provide proof of relationship and/or proof of authorization).
- Notary Requirement: Sign your written request in front of a notary public or include a copy of your valid, government-issued photo ID.
*Please Note: If you do not have the authority to request passport records or if the person you are requesting for is deceased, you may request their passport number through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Explanation of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests for Passport Records
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows you to request access to passport records under specific circumstances, even if you don’t have direct authorization from the person whose records you’re seeking. Here’s when and how you would use a FOIA request for passport records:
When to Submit a FOIA Request
- No Authorization from the Person: If you need to obtain passport records for someone else but don’t have written authorization from that person, you can submit a FOIA request. This might apply if you’re conducting research or need information for legal purposes.
- The Person is Deceased: If the individual whose records you need is deceased, you can request their passport records through a FOIA request without needing prior authorization.
How to Submit a FOIA Request
- Email: Send your request to ppt-public-foiarequests@state.gov with the subject line “FOIA Officer.” The body of the email should include your letter formally requesting the passport number and all necessary identifying details.
- Mail: Alternatively, you can mail your request to:
- U.S. Department of State
Office of Records Management
Records Review and Release Division
44132 Mercure Cir
P.O. Box 1227
Sterling, VA 20166
- U.S. Department of State
When submitting a FOIA request, be as detailed as possible about the records you are requesting. The FOIA request process provides a way to access information that might otherwise be restricted, especially when dealing with situations where direct consent is not available.
Processing Fees
There is no fee for requesting a regular copy of a passport record.
However, if you require a certified copy, you must pay a $50 fee by money order or check made payable to the “U.S. Department of State.”
Processing Times
Be advised that the process of obtaining a missing passport number is long. Once you have submitted your written request via email or mail, it takes between 12 and 16 weeks to receive the passport number requested. Due to the extended processing time, you should always report a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible to avoid delays in travel plans.
By following these instructions, you will be able to acquire the missing passport number and/or related passport records that you need from the U.S. Department of State without issue.
Report a Lost or Stolen Passport ASAP: Why You Should Take Action
The consequences of not having your passport number can be serious. Keep in mind that processing a request for a missing passport number or related records already takes 12 to 16 weeks. Any delay in requesting this information could push your passport application timeline even further, potentially jeopardizing your travel plans. Acting promptly is essential to avoid additional setbacks and ensure you receive your passport in time for your trip.
Furthermore, if your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to prevent serious issues such as identity theft and other potential legal issues. Failing to do so could result in serious complications, including being denied a replacement passport.
By taking action now, you can avoid these headaches and get your travel plans back on track. If your passport is lost or stolen, reporting it is the first step toward getting a new one. To help you navigate these processes, our comprehensive guides on handling a lost passport and replacing a stolen passport provide step-by-step instructions.
Using A Passport Expediting Service: Let the Pros Handle It!
If this all seems overwhelming or if you’re worried about making a mistake, there’s no need to stress. A passport expediting service can take the pressure off by ensuring your application is correctly filled out and submitted quickly. This service is especially beneficial if:
- you’re in a time crunch,
- lost your passport, or
- your passport was stolen.
While you could go through the process on your own, consider the benefits of leaving it to a professional courier:
- reduced risk of errors,
- faster processing times, and
- peace of mind knowing that experts are handling everything.
If your situation is straightforward and you feel confident handling the process on your own, there’s no need to use an expediting service. Our goal is to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs, ensuring you have the support you need, whether you choose to go it alone or seek professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
| Every time you get a new passport, you receive a new passport number—this applies whether it’s a renewal or a replacement. |
| If you need your passport number, you can request it through the U.S. Department of State’s official records request service. |
| Lost or stolen passports must be reported immediately to prevent identity theft and other legal complications. |
| Consider using a passport expediting service if you’re worried about making a mistake or need to speed up the process. |
If your passport number is missing, take action immediately! Taking action now will save you from potential delays and complications, allowing you to focus on your travel plans with peace of mind. Whether you decide to handle it yourself or let the pros take over, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
How Do I Get My Passport Number? And Other FAQs
Q: How do I get my daughter’s passport number online? (Claire Yuri Thomas)
A: You cannot get your passport number online. You need to get the number from the actual passport.
Q: How can I find my passport number if it is lost? (Jacqulyn)
A: If you are reporting the passport as lost and/or applying for a new one and do not have the passport number, you may leave it blank and just provide other details.
If you need the number for some other purpose, you may request a passport record. This may take 12 to 16 weeks to process.
Q: How do I renew my passport without the passport number? (Anonymous)
A: You cannot renew a passport that is not in your possession. If you cannot submit the physical passport, you need to submit a new passport application as if it’s your first time applying.
Please submit the following in person at a local acceptance facility:
- 1. Form DS-11
- 2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy plus a photocopy)
- 3. Proof of identity (present the ID and submit a clear photocopy)
- 4. One passport photo
- 5. Payment for fees
Q: Since the number on my new passport will be different from the number on my previous passport, how can I get my notarized affidavit, which says both passports belong to me, certified by the State Department? (Anonymous)
A: As long as all other identification details are consistent, there shouldn’t be any issues. For certification inquiries, please contact the Department of State’s Passport Services at 1-877-487-2778.
Q: I’m looking to request my passport number as mine was lost years ago and they asked for my name at birth. I was adopted so I do know my birth name but my certificate once I was adopted has my name that I’ve carried my whole life. So do I put what is on my amended birth certificate or do I have to actually give my birth name, which was never on any passport? Strange question, I know, but thanks! (Bobbi)
A: You should use your name on the amended birth certificate.
Q: I had my old passport recently stolen. I was a minor when that one was first issued and it had since expired, I have reported it as missing.
Now I am trying to apply for a new passport but I don’t know the date my old passport was issued and I don’t know the old passport number and neither do either of my parents.
I have been traveling abroad for close to three months. Will I be able to apply for a new passport without this information? (David)
A: Yes, you will be able to. Just write NA in fields you do not have the answer to.
Q: I’ve not got my passport but had one when I was younger but need my passport number. How do I get it without my passport?? Do I need to get a renewal to get it? (Nicole)
A: You may file a request for your passport records.
Q: My passport was issued in 1985. It’s nowhere to be found. If I apply for a new one do I need to mention the old one on the application? If so what info do I put? Thank you. (Melanie)
A: You need to indicate that you have been issued a passport in the past. If you do not have any details, you may write “NA.”
Q: How can I know my passport # if I lost it? Can I renew? (Anonymous)
A: You cannot renew a lost passport. You need to submit a new application. You may write NA for the issue date if you do not have it.
Q: I was emailed that my passport number is incorrect but it is the one on my passport. What can I do? (Anonymous)
A: Since passport numbers are alphanumeric, it may have been a simple error like a zero instead of an O or a 1 instead of an L, or vice versa. For questions regarding Global Entry, please go to the Trusted Traveler Program website or call the CBP at (877) 227-5511.
Q: I submitted a notarized letter requesting my previous passport number and still have not received a letter back with my number. I have tried calling the number listed on the page and it is just static. How can I get a hold of someone to get my previous passport number? (Anonymous)
A: You may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778. Live customer service representatives are available Mondays through Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may also send a follow-up email to NPIC@state.gov.
Q: Hello, how can I find my passport number if it has been misplaced? Please don’t say to call 877-487-2778 there is no option for this or an option to speak to a live agent. (Anonymous)
A: There’s no way of knowing the passport number unless you request for a passport record which can take up to 16 weeks to process.
Q: I have applied and paid for a passport, don’t know the number for the passport. (Blaze White)
A: If you applied for a U.S. passport, you may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 or NPIC@state.gov.
Q: Is the expired passport number the same as the renewed passport number? I misplaced my new passport. I need the number, date issued, and expiration date of the new one to travel. Thanks. (Anonymous)
A: You will be issued a new passport number with your new passport. You will know what the new number is when you receive it.
Q: I am waiting for my kids’ passports in the mail, but need their passport numbers to get plane tickets. Is there a way to get the numbers? (Tom)
A: You will get the passport numbers when you receive the passports. We strongly recommend not making any final travel arrangements until the passports arrive to avoid rebookings in case of delays.
Q: I don’t know my passport number to apply for renewal. I lost my old one that has been expired for years. How can I apply for a new one without that number? (Anonymous)
A: You cannot renew a passport that is not in your possession. You need to submit a new passport application as if it’s your first time. Complete section 21 of Form DS-11 with as much information as you have available and just leave the passport number section blank or write “NA.”
Q: I recently submitted my application for passport renewal and got a letter saying I needed to redo my application with black ink. I mailed my old passport with my first application and do not know my passport number for the new application because they still have my old passport! How do I get that information? (Lauren)
A: Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778.
Q: How do I get my passport number if I lost my passport and it expires in a few weeks? I have my passport card, but I don’t think it has my passport number on it, which I thought I did. Please advise. (Rochelle)
A: Hi, Rochelle. You do not need the passport number to report the passport as lost. You only need to provide other details.
If you need the passport number for other purposes, you need to request a passport record.
Q: My passport expired about 10 years ago and was lost in transit when I moved to another state. How do I retrieve my passport number to renew or will I need an entirely new passport? (Dee Harvey)
A: You need to submit a new passport application in person.
Q: I am trying to get a certified copy of my Passport Records. (Deonte M.)
A: You may request certified copies of your passport records through the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Law Enforcement Liaison. There is no fee for regular copies but you need to pay $50 for certification.
Q: My passport was stolen. I am replacing it, but I need the passport number for a form for an international trip. They are asking for the number by Friday. Is there a way I could get the number from an agent? (Anonymous)
A: To get the information you need, you have to request a passport record which takes a long time to process. An agent will not be able to provide you with your passport number over the phone.
Q: Is the passport number a permanent number, or does it change every time it is renewed? (Anonymous)
A: A new number is issued with every new or renewed passport.
Have more questions? Need more travel advice? Check out the U.S. Passport Service Guide for our complete guides on how to navigate the different passport processes. Want to get travel news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to our USPSG Blog and stay in the know!
