How To Get A Stolen Passport Replacement

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.

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Dropped Your Passport In The Water? Expedited Damaged Passport Replacement

Passports are very sensitive documents. A passport that is distorted or illegible cannot be used for international travel. Some modern passports have electronic chips embedded inside them. These chips can be damaged quite easily if not handled with care. Damaged passports must be replaced. If a passport is needed quickly it is possible to apply for expedited damaged passport replacement.

A passport may be considered damaged for a variety of reasons. If the picture on the passport is no longer clear, the passport may be considered damaged. If the passport number is no longer legible, it will most definitely be considered damaged. If the electronic chip (on newer passports) or certain holograms are damaged, the passport may be considered damaged. Furthermore, if any of the vital information on the passport is obstructed or obscured in any way the passport will be considered damaged.

Common ways people damage passports include dropping them in water, leaving them in their clothing in the washing machine, mud, tears, rips, stains, animal bite damage, and other various wear and tare issues. Water damage is probably the most common cause of passport damage. Regardless of how badly the passport is damaged, the passport must always be returned with the replacement forms.

A damaged passport can cause a variety of problems. Damaged passports may be difficult to read, which is likely to cause delays at border crossings. Likewise, damaged passports may look fraudulent and it may be difficult to verify a damaged passport. Often times, if the front page of the passport book has been removed due to a tear or water damage, the immigration official may suspect that the passport has been tampered with for the sake of identity theft.

Steps for replacing a damaged passport are very similar to replacing an expired passport. The applicant must fill out a passport replacement form and submit the form in the mail along with the damaged passport. The government collects damaged passports so that they cannot aid in the counterfeiting of fraudulent passports.

Likewise, expediting a damaged passport is similar to expediting any other replacement passport. A passport may be expedited for a fee of $60 dollars. This fee is charged in addition to the normal passport replacement fee as well as two-way overnight shipping and handling fees.

The U.S. Department of State estimates that an expedited damaged passport replacement application will take two to three weeks to process. Some services offer various forms of expedited processing including one-week processing, overnight processing, or even same-day processing. Same day processing fees can sometimes approach $300.

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Anyone with a damaged passport that needs to replace it quickly should most definitely consider paying the extra money for expedited damaged passport replacement. It is dangerous and irresponsible to travel with a damaged passport, so if steps can be taken to get a replacement passport, then these steps must be taken.

What Is Passport Identity Theft?

For many of us, a passport is the gateway to paradise. It is that identifying document that allows you to legally cross borders throughout the world. Considering how important a passport is, it is natural that such an essential document has become a prime target for many identity thieves.

Highlighting the dangers of passport identity theft, an author by the name of Frederick Forsyth wrote a book entitled, "The Jackel." The story evolves around an assassin who seeks out the identity of a person around his age who died as a child. After finding information about the deceased victim, the assassin applies for a passport in their name. This book was written long before the widespread use of computers and technology as we know it today. The evolution of electronic data has made it much easier for authorities to check for validation with the ability to match dates for births and deaths. This technology has closed many of the loopholes mentioned in Forsyth's book.

On the other hand, all of these loopholes have not been closed to creative identity thieves. There has been word of alleged attempts from imposters using Forsyth's fictional approach by trying to issue fraudulent passports in New Zealand. The plot consisted of thieving the identity of a disabled individual who is very unlikely to apply for a passport. After spotting a victim, the thieves would complete a routine passport application in that person's name without their knowledge.

Believe it or not, a black market exists in many countries that thrives on using passports to steal identities. A large part of the motivation revolves around illegal immigration and other criminal activity. Because of this growing problem, authority agencies across the globe have worked steadily to improve the process of issuing passports. These efforts were also enforced due to the numerous terrorists threats and incidents that have occurred over recent years. Several countries now insert data chips inside of biometric passports, along with other modifications to the designing and verification procedures.

I Lost My Passport... Now What?

In the long run, losing a passport can prove to be a more serious matter than having your driver's license stolen. When this important document falls prey to a malicious individual, there is a great chance that it will be used to commit identity theft. If you happen to lose your passport, it is very important contact the authority who issued it. If you are in a foreign location at the time, you would need to report the loss to the country's embassy. In this instance, it is possible to have a temporary passport issued, allowing you to carry on with a vacation.

If you are visiting a foreign country, the passport should remain on your person at all times. Remember to keep the document concealed properly rather in a bag that can be easily snatched away. Another option you have is to use the security deposit safes provided by your hotel. One should never downplay the consequences of losing a passport. By taking the necessary steps to protect this important document, you are also minimizing the possibility of identity theft

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