Any number of things can happen that can cause you to need
replacement U S passports. Maybe yours was eaten by a lion while you
were on safari. Or maybe it was stolen by pirates. Maybe you
accidentally dropped it into a volcano.
When Did You Lose It?
You have no big problem if you are home and not planning to go
anywhere in the near future when the loss takes place. But that isn't
usually the way it happens. Even if you lose your passport at home, you
aren't likely to start looking for them until shortly before your
departure date. You will have done all your planning and made
reservations and purchased tickets. You might not have started packing
but you will certainly have done some shopping for appropriate outfits
and comfortable shoes. And then as you are going over the to-do list,
you think it's time to get out the passports and have them handy. That
is when you discover to your horror that they aren't where you thought
they were. Or worse, all but one are there and one is missing. You begin
what starts as a methodical search but quickly turns into a frantic
ransacking of the house as time starts running out.
Fill Out The Proper Forms
The best thing to do is hustle down to the post office or library
where the passport agency or acceptance facility is located. It's
probably not too far away and it should be easy to find. When you get
there you will find forms DS 64 and DS 11 to fill out. These are the
same forms for a damaged passport.
Other Required Documents
One of the docs is an application for a new passport. The other form
reports that your old one is missing. You will need to have the same
documents with you as the first time you applied. You will need ID,
proof of citizenship and a photograph.
Expedited Processing
If time is running out before your departure date, you can, for an
additional fee, request expedited processing. It's a good idea to also
pay for overnight delivery service. These little emergencies are
inconvenient but need not prevent you from departing on schedule.
If Out Of The Country
The inconvenience is intensified if you lose your passport while you
are traveling. If that happens, scurry to the US embassy or consulate.
You will fill out the same forms as you would have back home. The tricky
part is if you have also lost your ID and proof of citizenship.
Other Concerns
If you have your normal identification documents with you the
procedure should be simple. If your documents were lost or stolen along
with your passport, identity can be established through interview
questions or talks with traveling companions. If you are traveling alone
friends or family members can help to identify you by telephone.
Invalidated
Once a passport is reported as missing, it cannot be used again. An
old one that is found after being reported should be sent to the Lost or
Stolen Passport section of the State Department. You can request to
have it back after it has been cancelled if you want to keep it for
sentimental reasons.
About the Author
Ben Pate
