Has your passport been stolen? That’s more than just a minor inconvenience—it puts your personal information at serious risk. Your passport isn’t just a travel necessity; it contains valuable personal information that could be used to steal your identity. Acting swiftly is essential to safeguard your identity and minimize the disruption to your travel plans.
Here’s how you can replace a stolen passport efficiently and possibly faster than you might think. Whether you’re dealing with this headache at home or while abroad, the steps below will guide you through the replacement process. Let’s get started!
Please note: If your passport has been stolen while overseas, you can get a temporary, emergency, limited-validity passport the same day to keep your travel on track.
If your passport is stolen while in the U.S., you’ll be looking at a standard-issue passport, with a waiting period of about 4 to 6 weeks for routine service or 2 to 3 weeks if you opt for expedited service. In a real rush? If you make an appointment at a Regional Processing Center, you could get a new passport on the same day if you qualify. Or, if time is really of the essence, a registered passport expediter might be your new best friend—think 24-48 hours fast!
4 Steps to Replace a Stolen Passport in the United States
Every year, hundreds of thousands of passports are reported stolen across the United States. If your passport is one of them, immediate action is vital—not just for replacing your passport but also to protect yourself from potential identity theft. The process for replacing a stolen passport includes the usual steps for obtaining a new one, plus the critical task of reporting the theft.
Here’s what you need to do to report and replace your stolen passport quickly and effectively:
Step 1: Report the Theft!
If your passport has been stolen, the first thing you need to do is file a police report at the nearest police station. This official report is a crucial part of the replacement process.
Next, you need to notify the U.S. Department of State Passport Services about the theft. You can do this by completing the Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport, Form DS-64, which can be submitted in a few different ways:
- Online: Follow the prompts on the Department of State’s website to fill out and submit Form DS-64.
- By Phone: Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
- By Mail:
U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
When reporting the theft, be as detailed as possible about the circumstances and provide all requested information related to your stolen passport.
Step 2: Apply for a New U.S. Passport
Normally, U.S. citizens can renew their passports by mail using their most recently issued passport. However, if your passport has been stolen, you’ll need to apply for a new one with Form DS-11.
You have a couple of options for completing Form DS-11:
- Online: Fill out the form on the Department of State’s website. This method is straightforward and guides you through each step.
- By Hand: Download and print the form, then fill it out using black ink. Ensure your handwriting is clear and legible.
The form estimates an 85-minute completion time, but many find it takes less. Remember, do not sign the form until you are at the passport acceptance facility and the agent instructs you to do so.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Once you’ve filled out Form DS-11, the next step is to compile the necessary supporting documents to submit with your application:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Bring the original or a certified copy of your citizenship evidence, like a birth certificate.
- Proof of Identity: You’ll need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
- Photocopy of Identification: Make a photocopy of both the front and back of your ID document. Ensure it’s on standard 8 ½” x 11″ white paper without resizing the copy.
- Recent Passport Photo: Include one recent passport photo that’s 2″ x 2″ and taken within the last six months.
Make sure all documents adhere to the U.S. Department of State Passport Services’ standards. Remember, all original documents and certified copies submitted will be returned to you after they process your application.
Step 4: Visit an Application Acceptance Facility
Now that you’ve got all your documents in order, it’s time to submit your application in person. Head to a designated passport acceptance facility, which could be a post office, a clerk’s office at a federal or state court, or certain municipal government offices. It’s a good idea to give them a call first to check their hours and whether you need to schedule an appointment.
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At the facility, the acceptance agent will collect the passport fee. Your passport application fee, along with your documents, will be sent off for processing. You can opt for the standard service, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, or choose expedited service for an additional fee if you need your passport sooner—this speeds up the process to just 2 to 3 weeks.
If you’re in a real pinch and need your passport even quicker, consider heading to a Regional Processing Center or employing a registered expediter service that can fast-track your passport replacement in just 24-48 hours.
What You Need to Know About Stolen Passports
Once you report your passport as stolen, it’s immediately invalidated and can’t be used for travel anymore. The information you provide on Form DS-64 is recorded in the Consular Lost/Stolen Passport System to prevent misuse.
If you happen to recover your stolen passport after you’ve reported it, here’s what to do: Send it to:
U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
When you send in your recovered passport, you have the option to request that it be officially canceled and returned to you, or you can ask to have it destroyed. Keep in mind: Once canceled, it cannot be revalidated for travel.
Replacing a Stolen Passport Abroad
If your passport is stolen while overseas, act immediately by reporting the incident at the nearest police station. Armed with the police report, head to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Remember, while you generally need an appointment for passport services, embassies and consulates prioritize emergencies and can expedite the process for urgent travel needs.
For more detailed information, check out the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you are located.
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Losing your passport abroad is undoubtedly stressful, but swift action can mitigate the risks and disruptions. Whether you’re stateside or overseas, the steps provided here will guide you through the recovery process. In urgent cases, don’t hesitate to use expedited services to get your travel plans back on track. Stay informed, stay safe, and take the necessary precautions to protect your identity while awaiting your new passport.
Safe travels, Laura
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