Your US passport is one of the most valuable documents that
you'll ever own. A lost or stolen passport will cost you more than
simply the application fee. A citizen who loses his or her US passport
runs the risk of identity theft. Identity theft costs Americans billions
of dollars every year. It can take months or years to recover and
reclaim your credit rating. Plus, US passport theft increases the
likelihood of criminal and terrorist activity taking place within our
borders.
Despite taking extra precautions, you may find yourself
in a situation where your US passport has been lost or stolen. How you
go about replacing it will depend upon where you are when you discover
the loss. If you're still in the United States when you uncover the
loss, you should act immediately to report the loss or stolen passport
and get a replacement. To obtain your replacement US passport:
*
You must fill out a DS-64 form (Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen
Passport). You can obtain this form anyplace that supplies passport
applications. You'll be required to fill out your personal information.
The DS-64 form also contains questions regarding your lost or stolen
passport. Fill out as much of this information as you can. The more
details that you can provide, the better.
* You must fill out a
DS-11 form (Standard Passport Application form.) This is the same form
you will have already filled out when you first applied for your
original US passport. It must be submitted with the DS-64 form.
*
You must provide identification. The documentation you'll need to supply
is the same as when you first applied for your US passport. It includes
your birth certificate (for citizens born in the US) or Certificate of Citizenship (if you are naturalized US citizen) and proof of identity (driver's license or other approved photo identification.)
*
You must supply two new passport-regulation photos Unlike applying for a
first-time passport or passport renewal, you cannot apply for a lost or
stolen passport replacement via the mail. You must submit your
documentation in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Once
you report your lost or stolen passport, it will be rendered invalid for
use for travel. This is why it's critical that you report a missing US
passport immediately. If you are outside of the United States when you
discover your US passport is missing, you should contact the local US
Embassy or Consulate Again, it's vital that you report a lost or stolen
passport as soon as possible. The US Embassy will help you secure the
travel documentation that you'll need to return home or continue your
trip. When you contact them, be ready to provide all of your personal
information, including photo identification.
