Having a passport stolen or misplacing one can be a scary issue
for many people, especially when they're in the midst of traveling or
very close to doing so. While some tend to be confused about the process
of getting a misplaced or stolen passport replacement, others may
simply not know where to start. There are a few steps that you can take
to insure that the process goes smoothly. There are also some documents
you may want to travel with in case you need them for an unexpected need
for a replacement passport.
If you've already taken the steps to
be sure that the passport is definitely stolen and not just misplaced,
the first step to take is generally to report the theft to the
authorities. You'll want to contact not only the local police but also
your country's embassy to report the passport as missing or stolen. In
order to do this and to get a replacement, you'll need to fill out the
required forms.
Although it can depend on one's location and the
regulations that exist there, it's often a good idea to bring two
passport photos along with you as they may be required. Bringing along
any original documentation is also sometimes recommended. Proper
photographs can be obtained at local convenience stores, mail centers or
any type of qualified passport facility but you may also be able to get
referrals from the embassies themselves.
It's often wise to make
sure that you check out your particular embassy and their policies
regarding stolen or lost passports. This is due to the fact that it may
vary on what they require or it could potentially be dependent on your
location or circumstances. However, you'll often find instructions and
contact information over the internet through their website.
Having
an understanding of the forms you'll need to fill out is important as
well as how to fill them out. This helps to ensure that things run
smoothly, especially in situations where you find that you've lost your
passport while out of the country. For example, the US DS-11 form
happens to be one that needs to be signed in person at the passport
agency.
You'll also want to research any type of documentation
that you'll need at the time you go to get a replacement. Some countries
may require or ask for the original documentation of when the passport
was issue. Common papers that may required will include photo
identification such as a driver's license and a birth certificate. It's
also important to make sure that you have these basic documents with you
whenever you're traveling in order to protect yourself in the event of
losing your passport.
You should expect and prepare for any
application fees that may apply when getting your passport replaced.
It's often a good idea to make sure that you know how much these fees
will be as it may vary by location. Other important item you'll want to
pay close attention to is ensuring that your passport photo is of the
correct size. Although services that specialize in passports will likely
know this, it's still a good idea to find out what the requirements
are.
If you find that you're still confused or struggling with the process of getting a stolen passport replacement,
you can also try going through a professional service that specializes
in handling situations such as this. While extra fees will apply in
order to obtain these passport forms and services, they can often help in lessening any burdens and providing you with need-to-know information upfront.
