Passports are very important documents. They act as permission
for an individual to enter foreign countries as well as return back to
their own country of origin. The application process for obtaining a
passport is extensive; this is why when a lost passport is experienced
it is stressful. As long as the proper process is followed a replacement
passport can take the place of the lost passport and the situation is
resolved.
Reporting
The first step in
dealing with a lost passport is reporting it as lost and missing. This
is only after all efforts have been made to locate it. Once a passport
is reported missing or stolen it is automatically invalid. This will
render it useless upon being found, but will also red flag it if someone
attempts to use it. The proper authorities must be contacted in order
to report it missing. Once this happens, then a replacement passport can
be applied for.
Replacement
A replacement
passport can be applied for once the original is reported as lost. The
application is similar to the application for a new passport. Certain
documents as well as passport photos will be required. If lost in a
foreign country, the embassy can assist in procurement of a replacement
passport.
Loss Abroad
If a passport is lost
or stolen abroad it can be quite a disaster. A passport acts as
permission for one to be in a foreign country. If you are asked for
proper documents by officials and you don't have any to show, you can be
arrested and held until the situation is resolved. This is why it's so
important to report a lost passport as soon as the status is known. This
will guarantee a replacement and will keep you out of trouble in the
country. You also will not be able to travel back without a passport;
you may need to have a replacement passport expedited.
Expediting
If
lost or stolen abroad an expedited passport replacement may be needed.
This will ensure a timely arrival of the important document. In a
foreign country the embassy and similar officials can assist with
expediting the proper documents as they will have to work with officials
in the United States.
However, if a lost passport is discovered before
travel there are different options. Federal agencies can expedite but
its' not as fast as private agencies. The private agencies can guarantee
some passports in 24 hours. They have high fees though, but it may be
worth it depending on the situation.
Because passports are an essential document when it comes to
travel, it is so important that they be handled with care. However,
sometimes they are lost or stolen. When a lost passport
occurs there is a proper chain of events that must occur in order to
get a replacement. You may decide to apply for a new passport rather
than a replacement depending on certain situations, like if you have
experienced a name change, you will need to have a passport name change which can be handled by expediting companies as well.
